January 8, 2021
The family of Chuck Shaw-MacLaren is sad to announce his passing in Port Coquitlam on Jan. 8, 2021 at the age of 93, a scant 29 days after losing Eleanor, his beloved wife of 68 years.
Chuck was born in Vernon BC, the 3rd child of Thomas David and Lilly Shaw-MacLaren, and raised in Oyama. He wore many hats in his adult life, starting with a short stint in 1946/47 in the air force as a photographer, after which he worked for Central Air in Prince George, where he met Eleanor Burr, who was teaching school there at the time.
This was followed by employment in a car dealership and marriage to Eleanor in 1952. In 1955 they learned that the Chevron station in 100 Mile House was needing a manager, so the decision was made to move here. He subsequently worked for Ainsworth Lumber and then finally back to Chevron as owner/dealer for many years.
In 1977 he left the operation of the Chevron to son Ian so he could fulfill a dream of building a golf course.
Coach and Waggon, (presently Marmot Ridge) was lovingly created and run by himself and Eleanor, to the delight of many locals who were a tremendous support for the 10 years from the opening in 1980 until 1990. At that time Chuck and Eleanor decided it was time to retire and do some traveling with the RV, take a cruise or four, and of course golf.
Over all these years, Chuck played an instrumental role in the vision and development of what 100 Mile is today, always supported by Eleanor, who did her part too.
He was one of the first aldermen, serving from 1965-1976, and again from 84-86, Citizen of the year '75, and was bestowed with the Key to the City as Freeman of the Village in '77.
He was also a member of the Business Association (pre Chamber of Commerce), a member of the team who worked to get a hospital built, as well as the original ice rink, the arena, and also sponsored a hockey team.
He was a school trustee, a charter member of the Lions Club, Rotary member, volunteer on the original fire dept, ambulance service volunteer for 19 years (often using the family station wagon) and as such was one of the first on the scene of the crash of CP Flight 21, a horrific experience that he never spoke of until the more recent interview by CBC radio for their podcast about the crash.
For a few years before moving away in 2016 he was a part of the hospital foundation, and enthusiastically involved in the Age Friendly Society, championing better services and housing options for local seniors. He was a fixture at Wranglers hockey games, and could also be found almost every day, around 10 am at BJ's enjoying a coffee and BS session with the guys.
Chuck and Eleanor were forever doing whatever they could to make their beloved 100 Mile better for everyone. They enjoyed a wonderful life together in this little village, making and holding dear, many lifelong friends, neighbours and acquaintances.
Chuck is predeceased by his loving wife Eleanor, his parents, his sister Mary (Tim), brother Ramsay (Pearl), his father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Mabel Burr, and this past year by infant great granddaughter Alice.
He is survived and will be missed by his 5 children, David (Mary Anne), Ian (Dawn), Patti Pauquette (Dave), Heather, Robin (Karen). 8 beloved grandchildren, Scott (Caitlin), Lesley (Mike), Danielle (Cody), Kaycee, Dylan (Tasha), Braeden (Brittney), Brittney (Anthony), and Carly. 6 great grandchildren, Chenoa, Thomas, Hannah, Theo, Avery and Adalyn. Also by his niece Lynne and his sister Sheila (Ken).
Together again, forever.
At Dad's request, there will be no service, but for those wishing to honour them, a donation to the South Cariboo Health Foundation in their names would be much appreciated.