It is with heavy hearts

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing, on February 25, 2026, of Charles Alfred Nash, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and educator.

Charlie was born the first of five children to Phillip and Doreen Nash on August 22, 1952, at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC. He was born into a Dairy farming family, and loved spending summers at his maternal grandparents’ farm. Always willing to lend a hand, Charlie and his brother, Tom, helped their father build a barn for the cows and a house for the family where they moved in 1965.

Ever since Charlie was young, he enjoyed staying active. At fifteen, he was hired as a logger and worked summers logging throughout high school and university. In high school, Charlie joined the gymnastics team and was a recipient of an athletic scholarship to the University of British Columbia. His enthusiasm for gymnastics lasted a lifetime, as he moved from teammate, to coach, to nationally rated judge.

After his graduation from Hope Secondary in 1970, Charlie went on to study at UBC, earning a Bachelor of Science in Honours Chemistry, followed by his Master’s degree, and a Bachelor of Education. He taught science and math for many years (including to his own sister) and eventually moved into the role of Vice Principal.

Charlie met his wife, Mary, at a professional development course in 1979 and they married in the summer of 1980. They moved from Hope to Abbotsford when Charlie got a job teaching at DW Poppy Secondary School, and it was there they welcomed their daughter, Julia, in 1987. The progression of his career allowed the family to truly make the province home- from Abbotsford, to Haida Gwaii, to Ucluelet, to Penticton, before finally landing in Cawston upon Charlie’s retirement in 2005.

Charlie was a passionate outdoorsman and could often be found fishing or hunting when he wasn’t at home. He loved training and riding horses, and was never without a furry companion at his side. When he wasn’t out in nature, Charlie could be found listening to music or sneaking something chocolate.

Anyone who knew Charlie knew that he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for. Even though his life ended too soon, it was one full of happiness and meaning. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, of forty-five years and his daughter, Julia. He was predeceased by his father Phillip Nash and his mother Doreen (Armstrong.) He is survived by his brothers, Tom (Patti Nelson), Bill (Barbara Tepassi), and his sisters, Dorothy (Dave Lear), and Susan (Terry Hackett) and their children.

Charlie was always positive, and quick with a smile or a laugh. He had the love and respect of everyone he met. He will be sadly missed.

A Celebration of Life for Charlie will be held July 11, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Cawston Hall, Cawston BC.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of BC or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.