Obituary of Charles Kenneth Sullivan

August 14, 1939 - November 14, 2022

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles Kenneth Sullivan wishes to announce his passing on November 14th, 2022. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the CAM unit in St. Joseph's Hospital. Charlie was born in Saint John, NB, and was the son of Herman E. Sullivan & Dorothy Wark. He was a proud graduate of Saint John High School and went on to study civil engineering at UNB Fredericton. Charlie spent his career working for the City of Saint John as a Senior Project Engineer.

Charles is survived by his loving wife Ruth (Bishop), son Charlie Jr. (Leah Thompson), daughter Lisa (Scott Little); beloved grandchildren Haylee, Gregor, Davis, Kiefer, and Crew. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Manning, brother David (Carol), cousin Mary Coleman (Don), and many adored nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his brother Dr. Herman Sullivan, brother-in-law John Manning, nephew Jim, and beloved grandson Matthew.

Charlie was an avid curler, sailor, sportsman, and outdoor enthusiast.  He was honored to be enshrined in the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame for his curling career. Anyone who knew Charlie was aware his middle name was “Competitive”. Whether it was at one of the 5 Briers he competed in, Tuesday Night sailing races with the Martinon Yacht Club, casual rounds of golf or pickleball, or even a "friendly" game of checkers with his granddaughter, Charlie was always in it to win it!

If Charlie was not on the ice curling, he could be found in the pool training for his next race. His swimming endeavors began at UNB with his brother and best friend David and continued through life competing in events such as the Masters, and the National Friendship Games in both Canada and Florida.

Charlie loved spending time with his family. He could often be found during the summer months golfing with his son Charlie Jr, lounging on the beach at Acamac, or getting up to no good around the yard. “Grampy” was just a big kid who often enjoyed spending hours in the water playing on the tippy raft with his grandkids and finishing the day off with a big bowl of ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Charlie loved to travel and cruise alongside his wife Ruth. They spent many years snowbirding in the Villages, Florida. They eventually expanded their travels to Singapore and Rio de Janeiro to visit their daughter Lisa and her family. During his retirement, cruising took them around the world to such places as the Fjords, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Southeast Asia. Needless to say, Charlie lived his life to the fullest as he charmed the world with his humble nature and infectious laugh.

The family sends a special thank you to the CAM unit of St. Joseph's Hospital for their guidance and personalized care.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 3 pm – 7 pm. All attendees are kindly asked to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie has requested charitable donations to St Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or The Westside Food Bank.