Obituary of Charles Michael Ennis

Charles Michael Ennis
April 10, 1943 – November 28,2023

Charles Michael Ennis, 80, of Baie Verte, Newfoundland, passed peacefully away from complications of Parkinson’s disease in Corner Brook on November 28, 2023. Born on April 10, 1943, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Charles, also known as Charlie, was the son of Ronald and Annie Ennis (née Mason).

Charlie grew up in St. John's and had a deep passion for sports, particularly basketball, baseball, and hockey. He began his basketball career with the renowned Holy Cross Program and played varsity basketball for Memorial University before making his mark in the provincial senior men's league. His dedication to the sport motivated him to play a pivotal role in the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Basketball Association (NLBA) in 1964. Charlie served as a board member in various capacities, helping establish several leagues across the province, including the Central Newfoundland and Baie Verte senior leagues. He coached all five of his children in basketball, hockey and softball, and refused to let any of them win in a game of 21s on their backyard basketball court. In recognition of his outstanding athletic career, Charlie was inducted into the NLBA Hall of Fame as an athlete in 2005.

Charlie was a passionate Toronto Blue Jays fan who was known for his unique sense of humour, and his trademark elbows on the basketball court. Aside from his love for sports, he enjoyed camping, a good card game, and sitting around a fire with a cold beer sharing stories and jokes with friends and family. He took pride in watching his children and grandchildren excel in their own sports endeavours.

In his professional life, Charlie served as the Recreation Director for the Town of Baie Verte and the Executive Director at the Emerald Community Business Development Corporation. He dedicated his time and expertise to the betterment of the community and its businesses. 

During his last few years, he resided in Deer Lake and was an active member of the Humber Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed beating Frank Rideout in numerous games of crib.

Beloved husband of the late Barbara Ennis (née Whitten). Charlie is survived by his children: Michael Ennis (Lucie) of Ottawa, ON, David Ennis (Gloria) of Grande Prairie, AB, Steve Ennis (Trudy) of Chestermere, AB, Karen Peyton (James) of Deer Lake, NL, and Kathryn Gregg (Ryan) of Kingston, ON. He was a proud grandfather to Shawn, Erika, Andréanne, William, Liam, Roan, Garett, Eric, Sarah, Ava, and Aiden. Additionally, Charlie leaves behind numerous cousins, including David Walsh (Elizabeth) who was like a brother, and a large circle of friends, especially his best friends and neighbours, Colin and Barb Forward.

A private family gathering to celebrate Charlie's life will take place at a later date.

The family of Charlie Ennis would like to thank his home care worker Marie, the staff at the Deer Lake Manor, Western Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Western Health Palliative Care Unit for caring for their father in the last year of his life.

Charlie's legacy of athleticism, humour, and dedication to his community will be cherished by all who knew him. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, coach, teammate, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barbara Ennis Memorial Scholarship for English Language Arts (Baie Verte Scholarship Fund), which honours Charlie's late wife and supports educational opportunities in the community. Donations can be sent by e-transfer to mmewalsh@hotmail.com or by mail at the following address:

Baie Verte Peninsula Scholarship Committee c/o Rosalind Walsh P.O. Box 255 Baie Verte, NL A0K 1B0