Charles Roy Liddy
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved friend Charles (Chuck) Roy Liddy at Bridgepoint Hospital, Toronto on January 28th, 2021, at the age of 65. His treasured friends Grace and Stefen were with him in his final moments. Charles fought his 4-month battle with cancer with dignity and his unique dry sense of humour right to the end.
He was a bon vivant who enjoyed the finer things in life. He played the piano and sang beautifully. Charles was a voracious reader and documentary film watcher. He loved and supported the Arts in all its forms and was passionate about being at live performances.
Charles was an adopted only child but left behind a wide circle of eclectic friends who were his family. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than eating and drinking with friends.
Chucky was generous, funny and enjoyed his life to the fullest. We are all heartbroken but will hold onto the wonderful memories we have of a unique spirit taken too soon from this world.
Due to Covid-19 constraints, a very small closed cremation ceremony will be held on Monday February 1st, 2021.
In remembrance of Charles, please consider donating to one of the following charities, or one of your choosing.
Stefen
Charles will be dearly missed. What a beautifully truthful person he was. Thank you, Charles. I love you.
Ginny Bell
Sending a special cuddle from Charles’ 3 week old godson and namesake Charles Bell 🙂
We love you dear friend, always and forever.
Ryan, Ginny, Monty and Charles x
Karen Waddell
I can’t believe your presence has departed so soon from this earth, but what an impression you made – you wild, warm wonderful soul! Rest in sweet peace my dear, good gentleman Charles. What fine memories I will cherish…so many to count over some 30 years. You were a man of integrity, wit and passion for finer things and injustices of all kinds. And yes, it was always such a delight and pleasure to be in your magnificent company…. The intimate sharing and that special knack of making the mundane so spectacular. And oh your laughter and smile! 🙂 Never forgotten. Not so gone Charles, as you live forever in my heart. <3
Much love and compassion to all those struggling with your passing at this time. xo
Corinne Hebden
Charles, I wish I could have said my goodbyes …but then, what could I have said. Your spirit is indelibly imprinted on my memory. The wry, sarcastic quips; the enormous guffaws; the deep talks; the fun. You brought vibrant colour to my life and that will never fade. Thank you for living your life so well. So missed. So loved.
Corinne
Veronika Pilger
Charles was a true Renaissance man. Loved by so many. Always up for fun or serious Events. Naughty and Nice.
We will all miss him so much. Holding my memories of our times together close as we say Auf Wiedersehen.
Raffaele Pacitti
I don’t know if God exists—if the divine exists. I have questioned. I have always teetered clumsily between a solid, soulful belief and an arrogant, gritty shrug. But if divinity does exist, I have seen it. There is no question. I know I have seen it, my dearest friend. I have seen it in the deep wells of your eyes—always searching, always open. I have heard it in the meaning of the wise, gentle words you spoke—in my many lost moments. I have heard it, too, in your resounding, unrestrained guffaws, gleefully marking every delight. I have also felt it. I have felt it during those long, sprawling walks we would take, the sun on our faces, as we scouted the streets of Toronto, all giddy at its hidden wonders—like schoolboys discovering a forest. I have felt it in the pauses you would take, as you listened, before gathering your thoughts to utter a simple word or two of profound comfort. I have felt it in the excited, worldly, and always eloquent insights you would give after seeing art, listening to music, taking in culture. As if it soothed some mighty hunger.
In these past months you have lived differently. In the throes of your own questions, perhaps—your own decisions. And as we sat together, in the quiet shadows of that hospital room, it was all too obvious. Hope came and went. Several times. But your sacred light was there. Always there. And I saw it, Charles. I saw it with all of me.
Now I say the divine does indeed exist. Because I have witnessed it. I have seen it. I have heard it. I have felt it. I have touched it. And I have learned. Oh, I have learned. It is here now—yes, my dearest, even now, as I bid farewell to you. With a ravaged heart, with a rage of love, with a symphony of memories, I say farewell, friend. You will always remind me of the light. You will always be my pal. My compatriot. And, most of all, you will always be my teacher.
Peter
Lovely words. It conjured up delightful images of Charles for me. Thank you
John and Sarah Honey
From John and Sarah Honey
We are so sad – too soon. We’ll always remember Charles’ dry humour, unflappable presence – and fun. It was always such a pleasure to be in his company.
Rest In Peace Charles
Gill and Glenn
A positive… kind… classy guy…
Loved by so many…
We are so sorry… to loose him.
And lucky to have known him..
Rest easy….
Dagmar Beatie
Your Infectious joy for living to the fullest will never be forgotten Charles. You will be missed dearly but the memories we have of you will never be forgotten.
❤️ RIP Charles
Ann Munro
Holding on to that BIG dapper laugh! I will miss you Charlie Chuckles.
Bev Wallace
Dear Charles – we shared many a giggle over a glass of fine wine. Rest in peace my friend.
Lynn Bailey
I have only had the pleasure of meeting Charles once or twice with my brother Alan Reid! He was so gracious and handsome! A beautiful soul! Time cannot heal the heartache or stop a silent tear it won’t take away the memories of one you loved so dear ♥️ R.I.P. Charles
Adrienne Trent
Words can’t express what a loss we are all feeling over losing our dear Charles. I will miss him deeply and I am not alone in this. What a multi-talented sweet person, straight shooter, fun loving, sophisticated, arts supporting, funny, sassy and kind friend!! He bravely fought cancer to the end but it took him quickly. Love you always Charles, stay close. Adrienne
Christou
Hi Charles,
Hi friends,
I only came to know you in the last decade of your life, but man what a decade. Your deep wit and tact, a combination rarely found, made me laugh and proud at the same time. Your charm, in other words. I loved bartending with you, coming to know you as another friend here has mentioned, as a true Renaissance man. You came to Oaxaca and came on my tour and I have to admit it was one of the best I ever gave. I was so proud of that day, and getting to offer it, in that way, to you. We obviously didn’t see each other much in these last years but when we did it was a blast. Shedding tears for you is like shedding skin, getting to see all those beautiful memories manifest lying in front of me as the proof and pudding of our friendship. I wish that I could’ve been by your side in these last months, but I’m deeply honoured by those who were, and how they were. A big smooch for you Chucky. I love you and I will never speak of you in the past tense, my brother. I will see you soon, in Toronto, all willing.
Pierre Lake
Charles was one of the good ones! I didn’t have a close relationship with him however I would occasionally run into him out and about in the city by chance. We exchanged and discussed a variety of topics on Facebook, sometimes valued and meaningful sometimes just banter and superficial. I will miss that very much. I will miss him very much.
leroy whisker
Charles .. Taken away too soon… what a great person full of such life and good will. you are no longer with use in body but you will always be with us in our hearts. I will miss you very much at events! God Bless Friend .
Kristina Agosti
Dear Charles, I didn’t know you for long, but I knew I loved you immediately. I will always remember how warm and welcoming you were to me. Plus that bus ride back from the suburbs last winter where we met the boot guy! Rest in Peace, beautiful man ❤
Sharyl Gowans
The measure of a human being is how much they loved and were loved. Charles was a magnificent human. His wisdom, wit, laugh, joy of life, compassion, walk, style are indelibly etched on the hearts of his friends, colleagues and clients. I will always miss you dear Charles and am grateful to have known you.❤️
Sabrina Salvatore
Dear Charles…when I think of you I remember your deep laughter and your witty sense of human. You were truly a beautiful soul, always smiling. Rest in Peace…heaven has gained a beautiful angel 🙏🙏
Carol
Dear Charles,
I haven’t seen you in years but I was kept aware of your passions…music, theatre, food and your friends. Always out and about loving so many things. Your gorgeous smile. Your refined, classy way. You are loved by many and I am so sorry you had to leave…so young. I still remember your laugh and kindness from many years ago. You are just a beautiful person.
Jackie Catania
Oh, honey, I miss you already. Thanks for the laughs, the kindness, and the cherished memories.
Janet McAndrew
Dear Charles, you left us way too soon, as they say, “only the good die young. It has been a pleasure and a delight to have known you. You possessed elegance and grace with a twinkle in your eye. You are missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Janet
Rev. Linda Siddall
We knew each other for only a couple of years or so, but you impacted my life so strongly. I remain in shock over losing you but I am thankful that we became friends. Rest well, Dear One. Thank you for gracing our lives, for your wisdom, your witticism and, most importantly, your immense kindness.
Rino Manfredi
My heart aches for your departure. In our few brief encounters, I felt nothing but love, warmth, & humour.
Fly brother Charles, your spirit remains with us forever
Barri D Cohen
Charles lived close to me and from time to time, we’d pass on the street and would stop to chat.
Mainly though, I met him in recent years through some very good friends that we shared,
and I am so shocked, and sorry for this sudden loss. Devastating.
He was a lovely, charming, wise and very beautiful man. We have so little time, and boy this one hurts.
May his memory, laughter, and big beautiful smile be a blessing forever.
Arlene Willis
Our family gatherings and GFH Global events will never be the same without you. And, our Christmas Eves will never be the same without your rendition of “Oh Holy Night”. Rest In Peace my friend! ❤️Arlene Willis and family.
Christou
Alongside a few others, I remember this fondly. Thank you both for your willingness honour each other and your family and friends in such a way.
Veronica Martin
What an incredible man we’ve all been blessed to know! I’m profoundly sad that we won’t toast and laugh together again, but am so very grateful that we did.
Knowing that he left this world in the company of people who love him is such a comfort.
My deepest condolences to all who love him.
Thank you, Charles. xo
Shawn Venasse
Oh my dear Charles. I am so sad to hear you left us so soon. I’m sorry too that I had lost touch with you these last few years. How selfish of me…i hope you will forgive. But you were often on my mind and always in my heart. I shall always remember your hearty laugh and faux haughty (campy) demeanor. You were the epitome of big City sophisticate to my young and naive (wet behind the ears) self. And when we became roommates the first time on Davenport Road some nearly 35-years ago (yes, I was a mere infant…lol), you transformed me and my world. And how lucky for me to have had such a good and extraordinary mentor. I still to this very day vividly remember you reading to me the entire Epic of Gilgamesh with candles glowing and glasses of red wine. What heady memories then as well as now. I shall always remember you. Your kindnesses. Your sense of humour. And most of all, your loving heart. ❤️
Julie
Charles,
I hadn’t seen you in a few years but all my memories of you are full of laughter and joy. When I opened my yoga studio in downtown Toronto you were there religiously several times a week. I appreciated the support from someone as discerning as you.
I got to know you & have some good laughs. Such a kind hearted and beautiful man you were. I’m saddened to hear of your passing. Wishing you grace and love as you cross over the veil.
You’ll be missed. Deepest condolences to your closest friends & those who were dear to you. Xo
Sam Tabar
So sorry that you’re gone, Charles.
Thanks for the memories and the laughs.
The barbecues won’t be the same without you.
RIP, brother.
Jesse Bond
My Friend,
You had a singular, magical effect on all who entered your orbit. To witness it was a thing of beauty. I feel like I remember every one of the countless hours we spent together – laughing, sharing, grumbling, observing, wondering. Always looking forward to the next time.
Thank you dear Charles for the honour of your friendship. Your wisdom. Your curiosity. Your authenticity. We will carry and spread your boundless joy wherever we go. (insert the Liddy laugh here)
Mike Bolwell
Dear Charles, I still recall the first time we worked together at De La Salle, having a laugh and talking about our similar experiences growing up in Etobicoke. Hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago now. I will be thinking of all the 100’s of times we worked, laughed, sighed, hugged and kissed cheeks in greeting. I have fond memories of you coming to my art shows and telling my wife and I art history stories with passion and knowledge. And thank you for buying that painting! My only regret as an artist/musician is never recording a full song of your lovely singing voice ( I only recorded one word I had you speak for a song I wrote). I also have many pictures of you from over the years as well to keep all these memories alive. Goodbye dear friend and thank you for making all our lives more full knowing you.
Johan Maes
I met Charles a long 20+yrs ago. As a new person to canada he was just a gem to behold. We had worked a shift up north for a whiskey tasting and visited the whiskey seller only to serve brunch to the guests in the morning smelling the very scotches we drank. The laughter just never stopt with Charles. He will be missed and remembered, Rest well Friend,
Johan Maes
Susan oppenheim
These days are so long and so
empty -Grey and cold and struggling in solitude for all of us
We cannot gather together to celebrate you snd comfort each other
And we cannot invite you to keep the candles lit and the music playing and the food and beverages flowing
I miss you
We were just getting started
But you gave me so
Much that was beautiful Snd positive and generous
And I’m sharing that special resonance that was my friend
I’m sharing it for you forever
Blair Champion
After we hugged one night, Charles said “Oh my God, this was way better than any Christmas present!”.
A prince in common clothes. Be well, beautiful Charles. I await our reunion.
xo ❤️
Blair
Ryan Bell
Love you so much you salty dog! You’ve inspired me greatly and will always be remembered. Cheers! 🍻
Serena Spinelli
We are so incredibly saddened by the premature passing of Charles, our beautiful and joyful friend. Meeting Charles was always an enlightening and life giving experience. The world now seems less colorful, less positive. We are thankful for the joy and perspective that he brought to our lives during the short but intense time that we knew him. To know him and bask in his sensitivity, insight, keen humour and generosity has been wonderful. He will be missed so very much. Mauro and Serena, Milan, Italy.
Caroline Capizzano
Dear Family and Friends
I never met Charles but knew him well through some of you. He was a kind and loving man with a huge personality. I’m grateful to him for bringing you such joy and I offer you my deepest condolences for such a great loss.
Heather Allin
I Will remember Charles from many instances including catering, hearing him sing and going for a canoe. My favourite moments will be cooking S sumptuous meal and opening a bottle of Amarone and sharing this amongst Grace, Charles and myself. Into the mists. Love Heather
Christine
My deepest sympathies.
Robert Turgeon
Dearest Charles,
A departure from this world too soon, already my mind wanders to you often. I still remember the day we met, you were on your bicycle and I was returning from a catering gig with Jane. I asked Jane “who is that?!” Such a handsome man I thought. We ended up working together and being friends over the years, you were always the life of the party. Clients always loved your style, your classy disposition, knowledge and entertaining skills. Always a trooper at work…. just don’t mess up your very strategic bar set up! Charles – you were a one of a kind – you will be missed but never forgotten! There are many fond memories expressed by those who knew you, a testament of your everlasting effect on this world.
Viviane Ponti
Safe travels my dear friend Charles. Beautiful, fun, talented, so knowledgeable and clever and funny with your sense of humour that was so you. There will always be a smile when I speak of you, it’s impossible not to. Thank you for all the laughter, art, chats, nights out and for showing me a piece of your Toronto. The best Toronto to be introduced to, for sure. It’s a really sad day today. There will be Jazz played along with scotch in your honor. Rest In Peace, but not too peaceful because that wouldn’t be you. Take your bike with you and please remember where you parked it this time! Viva Belíssimo!!! Bravo! You’ll always be in my heart. I love you and will miss you.
Judy Rebick
I met Charles through his dear friend Susan about a year before Covid hit. We went to movies together and sometimes for a drink after. He was a warm, intelligent and witty companion. We were becoming friends, close friends I like to think. So sad that such a bright light has been lost so soon. Condolences to all who loved him.
Chad Martin
A good man in an age where men of his character were needed. We should all strive to be so full of life and enjoy living.
Michelle Rumball
Charles, you are gone too young, too soon. Thank you for always being a fun, light spirit at work and a joy to run into out in the world, invariably on you way to art! I know your family and close friends will feel your loss profoundly! I am so sad as it feels so sudden, but when I think of you, I smile.
Christina Mallory-Munk
I could write volumes on all the wonderful memories I have of Charles ! For decades ,I was always delighted to work or socialize with him !
Few are gifted with as many talents as Charles had . Intelligence,impeccable taste,finesse in his musical abilities and interests were just a few of many ! His wit and sense of humour could not be contained ! He made every day and every event special,not just because of his wonderful, quirky , theatrical personality but because of his amazing passionate spirit and big heart .He cared for many people,advocated for justice in the world and shared his exhuberance with everyone who knew him.
Charles Liddy, I hope you know how much you are missed already ! Gone far too soon ! You will always be remembered ! Love you forever!!!
Helen Lukas
Dearest Charles.
I’m sure the home where you’ve gone to has welcomed you with open arms. You did not get the proper send off with all your friends toasting (with good bottles of wine) the wonderful man we knew you to be. Not to worry, we’ll do it in time. In the meantime I will smile as I recall your vast range of knowledge, everything from Baccarat crystal,, spotted from a distance. to politics. How, even not seeing each other for long periods of time we picked up where we left off. Your savvy spirit lives on my friend and you’ve made an impression. Love you always.❤️
Sylvie Lachance
My deepest condolences to Charles’ family and friends at this difficult time. Grace, I know you will miss him dearly. Sylvie
Abigail Slater
Oh Charles…way too soon. I was only beginning to get to know you through our weekly exercise classes. You brought fun and laughter and I was always so happy to see you there. Then Covid hit…and the opportunity vanished. My heart goes out to your friends and family. Such a loss of a kind, generous, thoughtful man. We need so many more like you. May your memory be a blessing.
Abigail Slater
And I forgot to mention your wonderful collection of T-shirts that always sparked a smile or conversation.
Sonja Scharf & Kelly Kyle
Dear Charles,
We always remember your sense of wit and the laughter you brought with it. Such a handsome and dapper chap that invoked thoughts of 1930/40’s leading men.
You were such a ray of sunshine and your light will never dim.
Kelly & Sonja
Karen Jurjevich
Dearest Charles – Over 20 years of trusted friendship, wicked stories, kitchen laughter, food sampling and wine tasting You could always read my mind when it came to entertaining and making people feel comfortable. With all my heart, I shall miss those late night after-dinner-party debriefs, listening to you on piano, your deep laughter and you wise and insightful view of the world. I am already missing you, Charles – it was such a privilege to know you.
Grace Paulionis
Dear Charles, my charming gardener, my best friend, my travel partner, my person in all things of conviviality, you touched my heart, my mind and my soul. If I dared to continue to write here, I would have volumes enough to fill books until we are together again. I love YOU dearly now and forever. I will always celebrate YOU, wherever I am in this world. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Grace Paulionis
My Charming Gardener, my best friend, my soul mate in conviviality, travel, music, cooking, so much laughter, silliness, and swearing. You enriched my life to levels upwards toward the heavens. If I continued to write about all the phenomenal and spirited things we experienced together, I would end up writing volumes to fill books until we meet again. I will always love YOU and I will always celebrate YOU, wherever I am this world. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Deirdre Mogan
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Charles was a true friend to my father and to me.
He was taken much too soon.
Rest in peace Charles.
🌹
Mark Van de Ven
It has been years since I had the pleasure of seeing Charles but I still vividly remember meeting him and being awed by how cultured and sophisticated he seemed. And then, as I got to know him better, it was his wicked sense of humour and infectious laugh that became my favourite thing about him. I wish I’d had a chance to see him in recent years but I’m so glad I had the chance to know him for a time.
Rosalie Collins
Dear Charles
It has been so difficult to accept that you are gone, that I will never have the chance again, to enjoy your company.
But I realize now that you are not gone, not completely .
I can still hear your voice, your beautiful singing, and I smile when I hear your laughter .
I can still see your face and your smile which lit up the room.
I looked up at a clear blue , sunny sky today and I felt your spirit.
It surrounded me.
You have left us all with so much to be thankful for.
The memories of you, we all share are treasures .
Charles, thankyou for always making me feel special .
I love you.
Leela Khurana
I am so grateful to have met Charles in 2016, nowhere near long enough to fully know and enjoy such a magnificent human being. I felt there were many more fathoms of friendship to discover with you, but alas, I am speechless to find out, only now, that you are gone. I shall always treasure the times we planned to meet, but the times when we unexpectedly bumped into each other on the street were truly better than winning the biggest lottery in the world. I already missed you so much over the past year, all the moreso now that I won’t be able to hug you anymore. Rest in beautiful peace
Jerry Brodey
My dear Charles,
I just found out this spring evening that you had flown the coop, months after you had left this world behind. I am stunned really. I am always amazed by how much we don’t know the intricacies of one another’s lives. Yet we get the essence. You young man (younger than me) had a special commitment to Eros… being so wonderfully alive. I thank you for that. Fun, food, and deep care for people (and let’s not forget the birds). I first met you through Kim. And you would often come to the red canoe studio for Continuum classes. I fell in love with you immediately. It all unfolded quickly. Meals, drinks, laughter, good talks… We travelled to Kimberkote Farm for a bird language weekend. You with your tent and sleeping bag and enthusiasm for learning new stuff. For the birds. You will in my thoughts, always. Thank you for your beautiful spirit Charles. You brought me great joy.
Sylvia
I am so sorry to hear of Charles´ passing. I have so many fond memories of open-ended, meandering conversations on the porch, watching life go by. Charles´s insights were always intelligent, insightful and kind. A true connoisseur of life. A tear shed for a soul that was truly lit from within. Thank you for the memories Charles.
Anne Hepburn
I just learned of Charles’ passing and I am so very sad. I knew Charles through his incomparable work with catering-always thoughtful & professional but with personality twinkling behind his eyes!
Rest In Peace Charles
I send my deep condolences to his family and friends. He was a jewel!
Mary Beth
I loved Charles. He had a wicked sense of humour….a beautiful, soulful voice and an oversized laugh that meant business. He was a truly creative soul and he will be sadly missed.