Sydney
It is with great sadness and love that we, the family announce the passing of Charlie Murray Walsh at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 74.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Mildred (Cleveland) Walsh, and brothers, David (Nancy), and Ira Walsh.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon (Gale) Walsh; daughter, Jennifer Walsh; grandchildren, Kayla, Victoria, and Patrick Charles MacKinnon; son, Liam Walsh; stepsons, David, and Robert (Cara) Petitpas; several nieces, nephews, and a large extended family that included many children who dearly loved their Uncle Charlie.
Charlie’s lineage belonged to the sea. He was raised in the ocean community of Gabarus, and his maternal grandfather sailed on the original Bluenose. His father was in the Merchant Marines during the Second World War, his brother, Ira was in the Canadian Navy, and his brother, David was chief engineer on many ocean-going vessels.
Charlie began his sailing career with the Canadian Coast Guard in the early 70’s, and then spent many years sailing on oil tankers, and lake boats. Charlie finished his career at home as a senior engineer with Marine Atlantic, mostly on the MV Caribou, where his coworkers became lifelong friends.
Following his retirement, Charlie enjoyed being home full-time with Sharon. He loved music, and they were devoted local entertainment supporters. Charlie also loved history, culture, and travel, so after a few years at home, he was persuaded to go back to sea on a cruise ship, where they enjoyed many cruises seeing the world, and visiting many historical sites, and museums.
But most of all, Charlie loved his home and family. He was very sociable, loved entertaining, and spending time with friends, and family. Charlie was loving, affectionate, and gave the world’s best hugs. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him.
We are especially grateful to the Cape Breton Health Care Complex, the many doctors, nurses, and support staff, both in hospital and outpatient clinics, who provided exemplary care to Charlie. Thank you to the many dedicated VON nurses who supported Charlie at home, and Charlie’s special personal caregiver, Jenna Black, who looked after Charlie both at home and in hospital. Her daily care and company, Charlie enjoyed so much.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Charles Walsh will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Friday, January 2, 2026. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 4 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Private family interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery, Gabarus, at a later date.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website. Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to the SPCA Cape Breton, BGC Cape Breton, or CB YMCA.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
My deepest condolences to the family. A true gentleman.
From: Sandy Campbell
To Sharon and family, sincere condolences on the death of Charles. I am away now but am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Mary Myers
Sharon and family,
Sending heartfelt condolences at your very sad loss of your dear Charlie. May you find peace in your many beautiful memories.
From: Kay Musgrave
Charlie was loved by anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He laughed easily and loved fiercely. Our mother, Clara Gale especially loved him. She called his dancing the Gabarus stomp. He will be missed by all of us
Enjoyed working with Charlie on the MV Caribou for a good many years . we had good days and some bad days at sea . He will surely be missed.
To Sharon, and the Walsh family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on Charlie’s passing. Always a true gentleman. He will be missed. May Charlie RIP. From Sandra and Joe.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Joan and Robert
Charlie was truly a gift from the universe to all of us, with his ability to love, laugh, and let you know how much you meant to him. Time with him was a blessing. He will always be cherished and bring warmth to our heart. All our love to you, Sharon. Carol and John.
I’m sorry and extremely saddened hearing of Charlie’s passing he was a true friend and shipmate god rest his soul 🙏 . Scotty Matheson
So sad to hearing Charlie’s leaving!
He is such a great person to be friend with and a great shipmate to work with!
Charlie, you’ll be missed by many. Youming
Charlie reintroduced me to my Cape Breton home the Pier ! Bert snd I spent many summers at Sharon and Charles place with guitars and fiddles a blazing ! Charlie also took me to see a Minke Whale that was beached near by in Cape Breton and that absolutely blew me away ! Yes he was a seaman of the best sorts ! We will miss you Charlie 💕Norma and Bert Vanderzon .
Saddened to read this Charlie was one of the good ones.We would often meet at the stores in Sydney and solve the worlds problems.
Sharon and family: so very sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was so much fun and always enjoyed a joke. Lots of fun memories with you guys …. May he rest in peace.
Ross and Valerie barrett
Condolences Sharon to you and yours and Charlie’s family
Sympathies extended to Charlie’s family and friends.
My Condolences To Sharon and His Family and Many Friends. Charlie was Friends to Many People. He certainly Will Be Missed
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time hu
Joan and Robert Dingwall
Sharon we are saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing..He was always so warm & welcoming whenever we met up or had a visit in your home.
May he Rest in Peace.
To Sharon, and the Walsh family. Please accept our sincerest condolences on Charlie’s passing. Always a true gentleman. He will be missed. May Charlie RIP. From Sandra and Joe.
My condolences to Charlie’s family and friends .
Sharon and family so sorry for your loss.
Deepest Sympathy to Charlie’s family and friends. We all grew up together in Gabarus. He was from a loving and kind family.
Sharon my condolences on your loss of your husband. I hope you feel strength from the love and support of your family and friends.
Jennifer and Liam my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad
Sharon family and friends my sincere condolences on the passing of Charlie I have some fond memories of Charlie
Our sincere condolences to Sharon and family. We grew up in Gabarus together and had lots of laughs. R I P Charlie.
Charlie was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour, a great personality, what a great place this world would be if there were more like him, so sad to hear of his passing, R.I.P. Buddy
Sharon sending our condolences to the family on Charlie’s passing.
Sharon,
So sorry for the loss of your husband , Charlie.
Sending hugs and prayers at this difficult time .
Pam Stevens
Sending prayers and deepest condolences on the passing of Charlie thinking of you
He will be missed by his nieces Christina and Sarah he was the most caring guy and the funny stories he always had
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless.
Sharon & family Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless.
I am sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing, my condolences go out to Charlie’s children Jennifer and Liam and their families as well as Sharon and her family and all their friends . Charlie was a very fine and friendly person he will be missed.
My condolences on the passing of Charlie … Rest in peace
Very saddened to learn of Charlie’s passing.My sincere condolences to you and,Sharon and the Family.He was one of a kind and I enjoyed many good times with him.
Condolences to Sharon and Charlie’s daughter and family and friends. I was saddened to hear he passed. We enjoyed many trips to Tim’s a many Kitchen parties together. He was a real gentleman and really enjoyed the music. You will be missed Charlie. RIP my friend.
Sharon and family
I am so sad and sorry for the loss of your beloved Charlie. Jennifer and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and wish we could be there to support you in this most difficult time. We will make it our mission to see you in the spring when weather and travel is not so challenging.
Sharon,
I am very sorry to hear about Charlie’s passing and want to extend my sincere condolences to you and the family. May you all be comforted in the days to come by family and friends and the wonderful memories of his life.
Carol and I, from Buffalo, only recently met Charlie and Sharon in 2017 on a cruise. Both were instantly likeable. We had several visits together on cruises, traveling across Newfoundland, in Las Vegas, and at their home in Cape Breton. It was great to swap sea stories with a sailor from the Great White North. Charlie could always crack me up, such as when he claimed some bartenders would occasionally have to rename him “You,” as in, “You — Out !!” We will miss him dearly.
So sad to read of Charlie’s passing. I first met Charlie at our office, Transport Canada Marine, when he was going to sea. He was always a friendly happy guy. My condolences Sharon and family. May your wonderful memories keep Charlie’s spirit alive and with you always.
Sharon and family. Please accept my sincerest condolences. RIP Charlie