Charles "Chas" Blanchard Neilson, beloved husband of Margret and father of Leah and Michelle, died accidentally at Geraldton, Ontario on Sunday, January 23, 2000. Chas attended elementary school at Alexander School. His earliest years were on the family farm which Chas cherished the most. His junior years were spent at McLaren School soon after Chas decided truck driving was his career choice in life. At this time Dennis Stiles and Chas began 25 years of trucking memories. Chas died doing what he loved best "truck driving." The "Ace" was an excellent driver and usually in demand for his skills as a livestock hauler and handler. Although he drove many miles (too many to count) his driving record remains accident free. Chas was very proud to work with "Stiles and Kelly" and took great pride in being "the horse hauller." He also enjoyed children and at every opportunity would take them on a trip even if a diaper was involved. Chas loved children, he always had a story, a joke, or a tease for all kids from family, to friends to neighbors. He was an avid sports fan. He would watch any sport on TV and attend Wheat King games. He liked to play golf on the computer and had just started to increase his skill with Taurus golf lessons and practice at the old dance hall. In his younger years Chas enjoyed nothing better than to join his buds in a great game of shinney. Chas was a member of Alcoholics Anonomous. He would speak at meetings and join counsellor Murray at AFM to assist in meetings in anyway he could. These meetings gave him great strength and healing when he thought he helped somebody else. He loved to go and visit with Murray to just "talk." A very special thank you to Gord (A.A.) with his wisdom to help Chas with his recovery from alcoholism. Survived by his wife Margret; daughters Leah and Michelle; and his mother Joan Beattie Neilson. Also surviving are his many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Jim Neilson and family; Bob Neilson (Val) and family; sister Gloria Crozier (Sam) and family; Larry Neilson (Marie) and family; Bruce Neilson (Mavis) and family; Geraldine McPhail and family; Sherry Smith (Ray) and family; Penny (Paul) Olson and family; Ernie (Leigh-Ann) and family; Carey (Barry) Chase and family. Chas loved life and everyone in his life. Never would he pass up an opportunity to joke or tease or to be with them. When Chas was home he enjoyed what precious time he had to share with Margret, Leah, Michelle and his closest friends and family. He was predeceased by his father George Melvin Neilson and youngest sister Evelyn Neilson. A time of visitation for friends will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North, Friday, January 28, 2000 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The ceremony to celebrate Chas's life will be held at Memories Chapel Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 1:30 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Chas may be made to Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, 1435 Princess Ave, Brandon, MB R7A 0R6. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.