Charles "Chuck" John Briscoe

On the morning you passed, we lost a father and father-in-law full of warmth and invaluable advice; a loving husband; a caring brother; a grandfather with a life full of experiences; a true gentleman; a loyal friend; a fair businessman; a gifted woodworker who left us with so many cherished treasures to accompany our memories; and more importantly a man whom we all looked up to and respected.

A life-long outdoorsman growing up in and around Peace River, Chuck enjoyed many adventures on the rivers and in the hills. For a time he worked as a travelling salesman across the North, later he partnered in business in Peace River, and in 1966 he opened the Downtown Sport Shop and served communities across the Peace Country until his retirement in 1993. Always an active community member, Chuck was a ski instructor for many years, served on the Town Council, Regional Planning Commission and was a volunteer fire fighter in his younger days.

Once retired, a passion that began in boyhood became his full-time job – woodworking! A talent that started with whittling animals from driftwood as a boy, turned into so much more after he received his first saw - an old handed down meat-saw from his father. He was soon crafting toy trucks from bits of lumber and pieces of his mother’s broom handle; salvaging wood and “making sawdust” became a life-long hobby.

A regular vendor at the Red Deer Market, his library chairs, hope chests and mission rockers “Handcrafted by Chuck Briscoe” were always favourite items. Chuck enjoyed being part of the crew with the Central Alberta Woodworkers Guild, especially crafting toys for the annual Christmas Toy Drive. His workmanship spanned finely crafted furniture such as rockers and cradles, tables and bookcases, classic toys, pens (and umpteen bowls) all sure to become cherished family heirlooms for generations to come.

Chuck passed away peacefully at home in Lacombe. He was predeceased by his first wife Maureen Walshe, parents Charlie and Lena Briscoe, granddaughter Rose and eldest son Richard. He is survived by his wife Kay, 10 remaining children, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and his sister Elizabeth Mogg. Respecting his wishes, cremation has taken place with the burial at a later date.

How blessed were we to have such a special man in our lives! We will miss you dearly Chuck Briscoe ♥️

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