Laurie Mackenzie Charles

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Laurie Mackenzie Charles, affectionately known as Charlo or Charles, in the early morning of April 11, 2025, at the age of 89.

Laurie was born on August 5, 1935 in Princes Town, Trinidad and Tobago, to the late David (Buddy) Charles (1884-1959) and the late Christiana (Boyie) Charles (1893-1971). He was adopted and raised by his late sister Lydia Evangelina Vaughan and her late husband Joshua Philip Vaughan, who became guiding and nurturing parental figures in his life. Laurie is predeceased by all of his eight siblings: Lydia Vaughan, Laurie (Headley) Charles, Rodney Charles, Eversley Charles, Verina Thomas, Kelshal (Lazar) Charles, Jurina (Carmel) Gittens, and Theophilius (Grant) Charles.

He attended Coffee Street E.C. Boys Anglican Primary School in San Fernando, followed by San Fernando Government School and San Fernando Technical School, where he studied woodwork, electronics, and carpentry. He went on to build a prosperous career with Trinidad Leasehold Limited (later Texaco). After immigrating to Canada, he attended the Radio College of Canada in Toronto, Carleton University in Ottawa, and Queen’s University in Kingston. Education was very important to him and he shaped the lives of many students in the Western Québec School Board as a teacher.

Laurie was a proud Anglican and a long-time parishioner of Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa, where he worshipped faithfully and found both community and peace. Even as his mobility declined, Christ Church remained close to him – offering pastoral care and regular visits. He maintained a meaningful connection with God throughout his entire life.

Laurie had a deep love for his Trinidadian roots. He often sent money, care packages, and gifts back home to support family and friends, always giving generously and without hesitation. More than fifty years in Canada could not deter his great joy for cooking and sharing traditional foods. Whether preparing curry shrimp, coconut bake, or grabbing currants rolls from the local Caribbean store, Laurie carried his culture with pride and warmth. He was especially fond of the sounds of calypso and the steel pan—music that always brought him back home in spirit.

A gifted athlete, Laurie made his mark in table tennis, winning four national titles and competing internationally for Trinidad and Tobago. He trained at the National Training Centre at Carleton University in Ottawa in the 1980s and competed in tournaments across Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. His love for the sport, his dedication, and his eagerness to coach others in the table tennis community were evident throughout his career.

Being a dad was one of Laurie’s greatest joys. With his late wife Deborah Ellen Dunn, he devoted himself to his daughters, Christina Margaret Charles and Caralyn Elizabeth Charles. They were his pride, his purpose, and the centre of his world. He cherished his late son, Reynold Laurie Remy Sylvester, his granddaughter Reyniecia Sylvester, and his three great-grandchildren. His love and legacy continue through each of them, as well as through his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and cherished friends.

He will be laid to rest at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly welcomes contributions to help cover expenses for the funeral to honour Laurie’s memory. Donations can be made to Christina Charles via cash, cheque, or e-transfer to christinacharles@hotmail.com.