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A resident of Sugar Lake has written in to alert everyone to the recent theft of wood from his wood pile – about 12 cords of wood, to be more precise. The tracks left in the snow indicate a large truck and three persons came and took the wood. read more

Obituary for Max Charlton

Max Charlton Obituary January 2, 2018 We are proud to announce that on January 1, 2018 Max, with his usual determination and on his own terms, finished his journey through life. Max survived almost 59 years of marriage in a house filled with estrogen and drama thanks to the love of his life, Charline, and three spirited daughters. Max was born to Earl Charlton and Edith (West) in Springfield, ON on April 30, 1937. He attended Aylmer High School (East Elgin Secondary School), London Normal School (teachers college), the University of Western Ontario, and obtained his Master of Education degree at Wayne State University. He began his teaching career with the St. Thomas Board of Education at Balaclava Street School. He then was vice principal at Homedale, and principal at Mary Bucke, Elmdale, Scott, Edward, and Myrtle St. schools. He retired from Myrtle St. Public School after 34 years in education. Max was blessed with 62 years of love, laughter, music and friendship with his wife Charline (nee Bennett) and they created a family of three strong-willed women: Connie Charlton (Bob), Cindy Mallory (James), Mardi Charlton (Derek). Max was ever proud of his beautiful grandchildren Elliot Ince, Cassandra and Joshua Mallory, and Olivia and William Naulls. Max was one of four boys from Springfield including his late brother Russell (Donna), Leonard (Gloria), and Waynne (Willi). Max’s family also includes his brother-in-law Rod Bennett (Cathy). Family was important to Max and he intentionally created opportunities for his extended family to come together in laughter, celebration and music both at home and at the cottage. His many nieces and nephews were an important part of Max’s life. Max had the music in him. He taught himself to play piano at an early age. Then he learned the saxophone and accordion. He was a founding member of the Dumacs, a swing band that played every Friday and Saturday night from September to June for years, to the delight of sold-out dancing crowds. He played more recently with The Slapschticks, who toured Elgin County performing at countless seniors’ and nursing homes bringing joy to the residents by playing their favorite oldies. Another of his favorite musical experiences was singing with the Port Stanley Community Choir. He began a 47-year career in Barbershop singing in 1970. He was active in the executive both locally and at the district level, and served as chorus director for the St. Thomas Elginaires. Max was chosen as a Barbershopper of Renown for the Ontario district. He sang baritone or bass in several quartets and choruses and competed at the district level with the St. Thomas Elginaires and the Forest City Fire. He also wrote, produced and directed several shows. As a member of the quartet Back in Time, he performed at the University of Western Ontario for the graduation ceremony for the Audiology, Speech and Language program for many years. This quartet raised thousands of dollars for the Harmonize for Speech charity. Max led a life of service to his family, his schools and his community. He was an active member of the executive of the St. Thomas Performing Arts. He was an early, active member of the executive to save the Canadian Southern Central Railway station (now the CASO Station). Donations to Harmonize for Speech, NARHF (North America Railway Hall of Fame) –(for the CASO station), Thames Valley District School Board (Elgin County elementary musical instrument purchase and repair) would be appreciated. A celebration of Max’s life (Afterglow) will be held at the Masonic Centre of Elgin (Fruit Ridge Line) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Visitation at Williams Funeral Home, on Friday, January 5th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and at the Masonic Centre of Elginon Saturday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Max would be so thrilled that the timing of these services was such that everyone could attend and be back to work with a smile on their faces on Monday! When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind. – Chinese Proverb

Send flowers to the service of Max Charlton

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At the Sugar Lake Association AGM (Saturday July 15, 2017), the benefits of membership in the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association, for individuals and families, were mentioned. Here is more information: read more

Following on the successful 2017 Annual General Meeting, the date for the 2018 AGM will be:

Saturday July 21, 2017 read more