Obituary of Carl Allen Chubbs

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Carl Chubbs on February 28, 2024, at 64 years young.

Our hearts are in a million pieces. Carl will be dearly and forever missed by Judy, his loving wife and life-partner of 47 years, his much-cherished daughter, Shauna, his steady son-in-law, Ernest, along with his precious grandsons, who meant the world to him, Caeden Carl and Reilly Francis. Both of whom are God’s truest gifts and are cherished beyond words.

Carl’s parents, George Thomas and Mary Josephine Chubbs, predeceased him, as did his brother George and sisters, June and Dotty. He is survived by his brothers: Gary, Leon and Robert; sisters: Maxine, Lorraine and Cindy along with his many nieces and nephews.

Carl grew up in Placentia, NL, but he and Judy ventured west in the late 70’s. They settled in Fort McMurray, AB, where jobs were plentiful and family & friends from back home were abundant. Carl worked mostly construction and carpentry jobs at first but later moved on to roofing & siding where he spent over 11 years with the local company Bond-A-Ply Roofing.

At the age of 30, Carl joined Syncrude; first as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Mine Operations, then as a Scaffolder in the Upgrading division, where he met some of his lifelong buddies. When the scaffolding team was dissolved, Carl had to learn a new trade, so he decided to try his hand as a Crane Operator. He went back to school and with the help of his good pal, Jim Radke, and he not only obtained his Alberta ticket, but his Canadian Red Seal as well. Carl became a great mentor and friend to many while he remained in the crane department until his retirement in 2020, after 30 years of service.

One of his greatest accomplishments however, had to be the exceptionally close relationship he had with his daughter, Shauna. Fondly known as his “Trout”. She will always be grateful for his many “life lessons”, sharing in their love of nature together, and the constant flow of genuine friendship that was easy for everyone to see. A truly unique bond she will cherish forever and hold closest to her heart in all the days to come. 

Outside of spending time with his family, Carl’s greatest passion by far had to be his love of the outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, quadding, trapping or just a simple walk in the trail behind their home. He and Judy built a log cabin from scratch in ’89, and it was there he found true enjoyment, solace and peace, along with many nights enjoyed around the campfire, sharing a few laughs and a few sips of Crown Royal after a hard day’s work.

Carl loved to tell a story, or two, and often got caught up in the laughter before the story was through. He could have easily written a book and probably should have, recounting the many humorous escapades throughout his lifetime.  Along side him was his constant story “filler-in-er”, Judy, they both could always be counted on for more than a few laughs.

He will truly be missed by so many, but as Carl often said... “It’s not the destination now byes… it’s the journey!” or “It is what it is!”

Carl’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Stephen Yam and Dinah Pilgrim, of the Palliative care team, along with Jyoti, Christie, Simone, Jennifer and the many wonderful homecare nurses who helped us take such good care of Carl. They also got to enjoy a few of his funny anecdotes and a story or two!

But mostly they would like to thank Carl’s loyal and closest friends, Paul Bailey, Paddy King and Selby Ford for giving so much of their time, compassion and kindness through the toughest parts of his journey. You, along with many others, made this season of his life more bearable and were there every step of the way. You showed him what true friendship looks like and we are forever grateful, it means more than you will ever know.  We Thank You.

In addition, a huge thank you is also owed to Ernest; our son-in-law, our rock when we needed him most. He often labored away, silently helping out in every way he could to allow Judy and Shauna to spend quality and valuable time with Carl. “Thank you” doesn’t quite seem enough, Ern.

At Carl’s request, there will not be a funeral service, but rather a joyful celebration of his life, later this summer or fall.

Final arrangements for Carl’s care are being handled by Robert Anderson Funeral Services Inc.

Plans are in place to have memorial bench erected in Carl’s honor at the Helen Pacholko Park in Thickwood; a place he frequented often on sunny days with his two favorite little lads, Caeden and Reilly. We hope you come visit, sit and stay a while and have a chat with an old friend.

To remember Carl, you just have to remember his infectious laughter and one or two of his stories and may it always make you smile.

Remember him, talk about him… let him live on in your hearts, as we do.