This obituary is protected by copyright by Flinn Funeral Services Ltd, proudly serving West Central Alberta, Canada. All rights reserved.
Sep 2, 1939 - Jan 16, 2025
There will be no formal service at this time.
Donations can be made in Charle's name to the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada- Edmonton.https://www.volunteerconnector.org/edmonton/childrens-wish-foundation-of-canada-edmonton
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Chuck Shipley, a beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, and uncle. Chuck’s adventurous spirit, boundless energy, and remarkable sense of humor touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Chuck began his journey in Calgary, delivering prescriptions on his bike for Shipley Drugs. Early in his young adulthood, his desire to live life large took him far and wide—from working for the City of Calgary Road crew to the Arctic as part of a seismic team. Eventually, he returned to Calgary, where he married the love of his life, Jean. Together, they celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage, living in communities across Alberta before settling in Rocky Mountain House, their home for the past 47 years.
Chuck and Jean built a beautiful life together, raising two daughters, Bonnie and Susan. He cherished his son-in-law, Chad, and adored his five grandchildren: Morgan, Casey, Zach, Justin and Nate. As well as three great-grandchildren; Briar, Holden and Theodore. Chuck was predeceased by his parents and his son-in-law, Shawn Morgan.
A lover of the great outdoors, Chuck was happiest surrounded by nature. Hunting, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, holidays at Carcajou and countless hours spent in a boat on the river brought him immense joy. His passion for the outdoors seamlessly blended into his 32-year career as a Fish and Wildlife officer—a role that was more than a job; it was a way of life. During his career, he shared his knowledge as an environmental sciences instructor at NAIT. He also designed and executed the Water Safety and Small Vessel training course for Fish and Wildlife officers.
Retirement didn’t slow Chuck down he served as a Clearwater County councillor and deputy reeve, and contributed as a board member for both Rocky Gas Co-op and Rocky Co-op. His dedication to his craft led him to author four books chronicling his career with Fish and Wildlife, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Chuck will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved. His incredible life, filled with love, laughter, and adventure, is a testament to the man he was.
May he rest peacefully, forever surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors he held so dear. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal celebration of life. Instead, we invite you to take a moment to immerse yourself in nature and honor his memory in your own way, reflecting on the incredible life he lived and the love he shared.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.
Shelley Sommervill and Mike Day:
We were very saddened to hear of Chuck's death. Our sincere condolences to Jean and family.
Chuck was our neighbour across the Clearwater River for decades. He was a great neighbour. He was always so friendly and funny and full of stories. And such an outdoorsy guy; biking, hiking or skiing. Chuck used to phone to report that the river was frozen and snow conditions perfect for a ski to the bridge. He'd encourage me to get out there. The last time we saw Chuck was at a local computer store (not surprising given above messages) and we quickly joked about seniors and technology. One always left time spent with Chuck, smiling.
To honour his memory I skied twice on the river this past week and thought of his indomitable spirit and love of the area. He will be missed.
Eldon and Louise Bruns :
We will remember Chuck fondly as the consummate outdoorsman, family man, friend and writer dedicated to his beautiful mountains and wildlife. Our sincere condolences to Jean and all the family. He will be dearly missed.
Rick Emmons:
Working with Chuck on committees and for him when he was a County Councillor was a pleasure. He was a community builder and applied a common sense approach that was truly appreciated. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family.
Lorelei Berry:
So very sorry to hear about your loss Jean and family xo Chuck was a very interesting soul and a great guy to have a conversation with! He will be missed !
Rob and Lorelei Berry
Walt & Myrna Woytuck:
We met Chuck 20 some years ago as we were vendors at farmer’s markets. Chuck, also a vendor, was selling his books, having a fine time visiting, selling and signing his stories. We quickly grew to admire his unique personality, such a sense of humour, and his way of making people feel special, eq. his new friends would get an invitation to stop in for a visit and a glass of prune juice! Years passed, time to retire from marketing; our friendship carried on, albeit mostly by email. So many days, and so many lives brightened by Chuck, now so sadly missed.
Sincere condolences Jean and family.
Earl and Joy Graham:
Jean and family you have our sincere sympathy. Chuck and I had great conversations on Council, sometimes we agreed sometimes not, but always friends. I will miss his sometimes funny jokes.
Stewart Stephanson:
To Jean, Bonnie, Susan and family.
I have lost a long time friend !
I first met Chuck in 1966 at Fort Vermilion.
I arrived late summer, as the new assistant forest Ranger working under District Ranger
J A ( Sandy ) Donaldson.
In that era, all Forest Rangers , were also game wardens. Chuck ( working alone out of High Level ) became a weekly guest at our office .
On occasion, Sandy would go out on patrols with Chuck.
After about a year at F V , I returned to Rocky
( with Forest Service ) I soon met my wife Jean
( a bank clerk at CIBC ) When we married, I was still with AFS in the Forest Comm office in town.
I began a new job at N U L ( the gas utility company in town and area ) soon afterwards.
I appreciated the reference to 47 years of life in
Rocky by the Shipley family . Arrived about 1978?
I had 10 years with gas utility company in town, by that time. I recall doing meter checks in north end of Rocky one winter am. I had returned to my company vehicle about noon, and was about to head to our house nearby to warm up and snack.
A Fish and Wildlife truck came along , and turned into a drive across the street.
I watched the operator ( in uniform ) get out and go in the house.
I’m confused, is that Chuck Shipley ?
I had last seen Chuck in 1967 at FV.
I got out, went to back door, and rang the door bell. Chuck arrives ( eating a snack ) and I introduce myself and explain our past !
He is dubious? I take off my eye glasses as
I never got them until much after I left the FORT
With bit of conversation, I had convinced him.
( I think I referenced giving him all the trappers
files at F V. at end of 1966 ) The province had restructured, and had taken away all duties associated with fish and wildlife from district
rangers.
Chuck and I would often reminisce about those days long ago at F V.
He stated , those trappers were some of the greatest people I met in my career!
When Chuck wrote and released his four books about his life and events , I immediately purchased them.
The first chapter in first book, had me in tears
( with laughter ) moving the Mounties police car on a cold winter day in High Level ( car running , unlocked ) they both went in the post office , Chuck had taken the opportunity, and drove it out of sight , and returned to watch the performance!
Some things, Chuck just could not pass up!
Chuck was a county councillor, at same time I
served as a town councillor. It was always a pleasure to meet at joint ventures.
We often reminisced of those days in our youth in northern Alberta .
For those of us who remain, life goes on , but the passing of Chuck, is difficult!
My condolences to all family and friends
Sincerely
Stew
Ian & Bev Tarr:
Sorry to hear Chuck has passed, his humor, energy, caring friendship and knowledge were appreciated by our F&W family. We considered Chuck a friend and mentor, he will be missed. Please accept our condolences on your loss.
Dennis Urban #54 Retired Alberta Fish & Wildlife Officer :
Jean, Bonnie, Susan. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your families. I had the good fortune to spend a lot of time with Chuck in his prime as an Alberta Fish & Wildlife Officer. There were few dull moments as we protected Alberta's Fish and Wildlife resources. Many good memories. Chuck had an infectious smile, laugh and chuckle, a personality that was hard to forget. Attended many courses, training seminars and meetings with Chuck. For a time Chuck was also a supervisor in the area that I was in charge of. God Bless! May Chuck rest in peace.
Dennis, Lori and family.
Harvey otteson:
So sad to hear of Chuck's final adventure.
He was truly a remarkable man and one of my best friends.
I will never forget our many adventures and his sense of humor even in the worst of situations.
The world was a better place with Chuck in it and I'll always cherish memories of our times together.
RIP OLD BUDDY
Marlene Levinsky:
Sincere condolences to Jean and family. Chuck was such a friendly person. Hold tight to your many memories and be thankful for that dash time between birth and death. Chuck made the most of those years.
Rob Matsuba:
Chuck was such an influential presence and mentor among Fish and Wildlife Officers in his day. He was a kind and gentle soul who commanded great respect and was admired for his knowledge and expertise in the field. I was blessed to have him as my jet boat instructor during the first FW Officer academy in Alberta. His guidance and patience will always be something I remember.
Chuck was an officer who made you proud to be a Game Warden.
Rest easy, Chuck.
Darrell & Tammy Brosinsky :
We are deeply saddened to hear of Chuck’s passing. Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
Don and Ellen Maconochie :
So sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. We always enjoyed our chats with him. An awesome story teller and friend. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to Jean, Bonnie , Susan and families
Ken and Barb Schooler:
Jean, Bonnie and Chad and Susan and families
So sorry to hear of the loss of Chuck. Sending our sincere condolences and hugs to you all. Chuck was such a nice man, we also enjoyed our chats with him when we ran into him. We also enjoyed reading his books.
Aghiad Aldoukhna:
For almost 10 years at HY-Tek, Chuck wasn’t just a customer—I considered him a friend. He would stop by nearly every week, always with a big smile and a positive attitude. He was truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. His kindness and warmth made a lasting impression, and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Lana & Preston Irwin (Hy-Tek Computers):
Sending our deepest condolences. Chuck was one of the nicest people around. Always had a smile on his face. He came to our store often and always made sure to say Hi and had a little chat before he went on his way. He will for sure be missed.
Alan and Nanette Marshall :
We are so saddened by this news. Our sincere sympathy to Jean and family.
Lynaia Rechenmacher:
Jean, Susan, Bonnie and families,
So sorry to hear about Chuck. Cherish all the great memories/moments you were able to share.
Big hugs to you all.
Marie & Chad Juuti:
Jean & family,
Please accept our deepest condolences at this most difficult of times. Chuck was always the highlight of the day and was a wealth of knowledge and humor. He will be missed by many and the sun won't shine quite as brightly without him.
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