Mr Evan Charles

Press, 22 June 1989, Page 24

Mr Evan Charles

Mr Evan Charles, who served Coalgate and surrounding districts for many years from his general store, died in Christchurch recently, aged 82. His father was a Welsh miner who had migrated to the south Malvern district. Mr Charles was born in Coalgate and educated at Homebush and Glentunnel schools. He trained as an apprentice cycle mechanic and, in 1929, took over the Coalgate store from his uncle, Albert Charles. He delivered groceries and other supplies, “The Press” and mail for more than 40 years in an area including Hororata, the Rakaia Gorge and Lake Coleridge.

His involvement in the local rugby and cricket clubs in his youth, be-

came curtailed by his commitments to the store. The shop, now closed, was once one of the largest country stores in Canterbury and stocked a vast range of goods needed by people on high-country farms as well as by the nearby communities on the plains. Mr Charles was commissioned Justice of the Peace in 1939.

A long-time friend, Mr Russell Thomas, of Christchurch, said the name Charles was synonymous with Coalgate and beyond. Mr Charles’s life was the store and a wide-ranging interest in the people of the area, he said. Mr Charles and his wife, Thirza, moved to Christchurch 18 years ago. He is survived by Mrs Charles and their three sons.