Obituary of Charles Pavanel
<h1>Charles "Charlie" Pavanel</h1>
1925 - 2007
Charles Pavanel, who died Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the age of 82, enjoyed every opportunity life afforded him.
You only go through this world once, he said, so youve got to have a good time. For Charlie, a good time meant standing by his family and friends through thick and thin, living large at social gatherings, sharing a joke or handful of cash with strangers in need, and excelling at sports and in business.
A no-nonsense competitor and unafraid to take chances, Charlie commanded the respect and affection of many who met him on the field and in the boardroom.
Born in 1925 in Cooksville to Carlo and Elena Pavanel, who had emigrated from Treviso, Italy, Charles was the youngest of seven children. From the age of nine he was drawn time and again to the Credit Valley Golf Course, where he learned the game first as a caddie and later as a talented and dedicated player.
He also showed great skill as a running back for the Port Credit High School football team. It was at high school that he met his future wife, Mary McDermott, who was a member of the cheerleading squad.
They were married on April 28, 1951, in a small ceremony at the Port Credit Presbyterian Church, and went on to have five children.
During the Second World War, Charlie served in the Navy. He graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1951.
Right out of school he was hired by B.F. Goodrich to work in Waterloo as part of the Chemical Divisions sales team, and some time later became one of the firms leading managers.
After settling in he joined Rockway Golf Club and later Westmount Golf and Country Club, where he laid low the competition for more than three decades, both on the golf course and, for several years, the curling rink. A 3-handicapper with a best score of 69 on par 72 Charlie took great pleasure in playing many of the top courses in the world, and always appreciated the game for opening innumerable doors both in business and friendship.
He was also a member of the KW Racquet Club in Kitchener, the Mississauga Golf Club, the Tournament Players Club in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Vines Golf Club in Fort Myers, Florida. He also belonged to the local Gyro Club.
In 1974, Charlie enjoyed immediate success with the founding of Genesta Manufacturing, which was begun with the help of Mary, who ran the office out of their dining room for the first year. Hematite Manufacturing was added in 1978, and in 1987, Genesta, Hematite and other interests became Pavaco Plastics Inc. Under Charlies leadership, the company garnered several awards, and introduced many industry firsts in the lighting and automotive sectors.
Charlie was devastated following the death of Mary on May 7, 1986, but a year later had the good fortune to meet Vivian McLean, and after 12 happy years they were married on July 13, 2000.
Charles is survived by Vivian, his children Ellen, John, Jane and Joanne (Alex predeceased him on December 20, 2006), and their spouses Wendy, Clare, Sami, Mark and Mike; his grandchildren Adam, Leah, Kate, Evan, Hailie, Charlie, Nicholas, Hannah, May, Jack, Liam, Maddie, Callum, Hannah, Amy and Elizabeth; his brother and sister-in-law Bruni and Marie, and his sister-in-law Mary Kay. Charles is missed by Vivians children, Wendy, Susan, Gary, and Patrick. He is lovingly remembered for being a generous and upright father, a fun-loving uncle, an excellent companion to his friends, and a good provider for all who were fortunate to enjoy the charm and embrace of his company.
A memorial celebration of Charles life will be held at Del Dentes at The Charcoal Steakhouse, 2980 King St.E., Kitchener, on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 1-4 pm. A private family service was officiated by Rev. Walter McLean.
As an expression of your sympathy, a donation may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 14 Irvin Street, Suite 1, Kitchener, ON N2H 1K8
