JUNIOR CHARLES POIRIER

JUNIOR CHARLES POIRIER

Junior Charles Poirier died Dec. 29, 2012, at Solvay House.

People knew him as Chuck or Charlie and all knew him as friend.

Born April 8, 1918, to Jean and Barbara (Hjelm) Poirier In Duluth, MN.

As a youth in Homecroft he enjoyed attending dances with his siblings, Juline (Jill) (Poirier) Mosiniak and Elizabeth (Betts) (Poirier) Olson, Arletta (Poirier) Olson and Jerry Poirier. He had close friends from Homecroft years and their relationships lasted throughout his life.

He worked in a CCC camp near MacFarland Lake during the Great Depression. He also worked as a bellhop at the Spalding Hotel and Hotel Duluth, and later during World War II he spent 3 years working as a cook on the USS San Francisco and survived the Naval battle of Guadalcanal.

During his enlistment, he proposed to his sweetheart, Anne Butkus, and she traveled to California and they were married at the lovely chapel in Mare Island Naval Base, Calif. After the war they returned to Duluth, MN, but not finding employment, they moved to Hopkins, and Chuck found a position as a chauffeur.

Chuck and Anne later returned to Duluth and he began employment as a chef under Hans Freshal at the Hotel Duluth and became the chef at the Highland Supper Club.

With a growing family, he decided to change occupation and began working for DM&IR Railroad as brakeman and conductor and continued there into retirement.

Chuck never lost the love of cooking and enjoyed searching for recipes and trying new ones. He also began a love of gardening and shared his knowledge and amazing green thumb with many. As an avid fisherman Chuck enjoyed time at the family lot at Island Lake and knew of a few sweet spots around the lake.

Over the many years he met many people and all called him friend.

Anne needed dialysis for several years before her death and the dialysis unit became a true family to Chuck and Anne and he continued to visit the staff there for many years. Chuck needed a heart valve surgery at 86 years old and after recovering from his surgery, he was known for his amazing exercise routine at the SMDC heart center.

He was chosen to be in an SMDC heart center publication and his case was discussed on an educational UTube video. Special thank you to the Heart team, Dr. Wickstrom and Dr. Hassinger, and Dr. Knutson.

Chuck proved that you are never too old to exercise and do well. Chuck moved to Edgewood Vista and quickly became part of the community there. He was quite popular and known for his sunny disposition and fun little “conversation pieces” he carried around with him.

His time at Edgewood was brightened by frequent visits by Loren Lindevig and his accordion. Chuck’s Homecroft friends also enjoyed visiting Chuck at Edgewood Vista for reunion lunches. He also enjoyed many frequent trips to the dollar store and loved finding bargains.

Chuck was always thankful for the kindness of others and for all that he had in his life. A highlight for Chuck was the birth of his great-grandson, who was given the Poirier name to carry on for the family.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Anne Butkus Poirier; parents, Jean and Barbara Poirier; sister, Arletta Olson; brother, Jerry Poirier.

Chuck will be greatly missed by his sons, David (Marilyn) Poirier, Richard (Becky) Poirier; his granddaughter Ruth Anne Friz Poirier (Caleb Friz); and great-grandson Emrys Leif Poirier; and his sisters Elizabeth (Betts) Olson and Juline (Jill) Mosiniak; and many nephews and nieces.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Edgewood Vista Chapel in Duluth. Visatation is Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the chapel. Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Duluth.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Solvay House or Edgewood Vista. Services entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Chapel of Duluth, 218-624-5050.

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