Charles (Charlie) Lariviere, 1937-2026
Charlie Lariviere, age 88, passed away on January 3, 2026 at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.
Charlie was born to Alexander Lariviere and Martha Klyne on June 17, 1937 in Cold Lake, Manitoba, also known as Kississing in Cree, a Metis community 800 km northwest of Winnipeg. Due to unfortunate family circumstances, Charlie and his siblings were separated and sent to various convent schools to be raised and educated. At the age of five, Charlie found himself living in a boarding school in Winnipeg. Growing up in this environment without the nurture and support of family nearby had a profound impact on Charlie’s life.
After graduating from school, Charlie joined the Canadian Army, trained at Petawawa and Esquimalt, and served for a total of six years, with some of that time spent in Germany as a radio operator. He learned to ride a motorbike while in service and rode through many countries in Europe.
After discharge from the Army, Charlie married, lived, and worked in Thompson, Manitoba. He subsequently made his way to Alberta where he started a business repairing appliances. He also worked as a projectionist and for awhile served as the president of the projectionist union of Alberta.
In the early 1990’s, Charlie and his siblings were reunited much to their delight. Charlie is survived by his brother, Leonard Kalk of Churchbridge, Saskatchewan and sisters Irene Guiboche and Shirley Champagne, of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Charlie is also survived by his sons Gordon and Kelly.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda, sisters Gladys Haas, Mary Hayek, and Margaret Bell, and his dear friend and dancing companion of 22 years, Sara Brosseau.
Charlie will be remembered for his many talents and intelligence. In his younger years he played guitar. He was an electronic whiz, a stellar handyman and carpenter, an excellent cook, and a licensed ham radio operator to name a few of his interests. He took up sailing and was an avid baseball fan. He continued to ride his motorbike well into his seventies. In his later years, Charlie enjoyed meeting up with his friends for coffee to shoot the breeze. He will be missed by his buddies.
Cremation has taken place. At Charlie’s request, no service will be held. Please celebrate and remember Charlie in your own ways.