Remembering Charley Scrivener

CHARLES MASSEY SCRIVENER

September 8, 1954 – September 4, 2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Charles “Charley” Massey Scrivener’s passing on September 4, 2026, just days shy of his 72nd birthday after a brave three-year fight against cancer.

Charley was the loving husband and closest friend of Patricia Lally Scrivener (née Phelan), with whom he enjoyed 28 beautiful years of marriage. He was a caring father to Katherine Scrivener (Philip Olsen), James Scrivener (Heather Caffrey), Melissa Hogan (James Kirby) and Christopher Garcia (Beatriz), and an adored grandfather to Marquis Hogan, Noah Garcia, Aria Garcia, Ava Garcia, Pippa Olsen, Kai Olsen and Henry Scrivener.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Harding Scrivener and Margaret Mary Scrivener (née Howse). Charley is survived by his siblings: Paul Scrivener (Brenda Kritzer), Louise Scrivener and John Scrivener (Stella Powelczyk), along with nieces Laura, Andrea and Marni.

Growing up in Toronto, Charley attended Upper Canada College where he formed friendships starting in Junior Form during Prep and lasting through his time in Howard’s House. Many of those connections stayed strong throughout his life. His love for history began there too, along with a sense of humor that became one of his standout traits.

Afterwards, he pursued studies at both the University of Toronto and York University. His enthusiasm for history turned into a lifelong interest that reflected his curiosity about different cultures, places he traveled to and people he met.

Diving deeper into university life also led him to Zeta Psi. Charley remained an active member of the fraternity, frequently attending its Commemoration Banquet and meetings. Utilizing his finance background, he generously offered his time and expertise to support the organization.

Charley had a successful career in finance that lasted nearly 34 years at CIBC before retiring in 2011. His intelligence and financial acumen reached far beyond work; they extended into various organizations and communities he cared about deeply.

After relocating to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2021, Charley fully embraced this new chapter. He joined the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Board in October 2023 and took on the role of Treasurer by October 2024. Though his time on the Board was brief, he made meaningful contributions as an engaged member advocating for the Museum.

With a curious nature combined with enthusiasm and fierce competitiveness, sport played a vital role throughout Charley’s life. In his younger days he played soccer and cricket but later took up golf while being an avid tennis player too. He spent time playing at both the Royal Canadian Yacht Club before joining the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tennis Club where camaraderie mattered as much as competition.

A true adventurer at heart, Charley loved motorcycle riding feeling liberated on long stretches of road ahead. Some favorite trips included journeys through upstate New York as well as along California’s coastlines or driving through scenic routes on Italy’s Amalfi Coast which perfectly matched his spirit.

A few cherished early memories trace back to family gatherings at their farm located in Belhaven Ontario where young Charley mucked stalls while helping raise purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle. Summer days were often spent together at their family cottage either on Toronto Island or later Eastbourne beside Lake Simcoe.

Beyond all else though-Charley truly identified himself as a sailor.

A longtime member of Royal Canadian Yacht Club serving as Vice Commodore from 2005 until 2007; more recently joining Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club-he delighted equally over racing competitions alongside leisurely cruises but found ultimate joy behind his sailboat helm feeling wind filling its sails upon open waters stretching ahead.

Sailing encapsulated everything Charley appreciated about living: skill mixed within rivalry accompanied by freedom paired alongside exploration connecting him amongst friends amid endless possibilities awaiting beyond distant horizons.

The travel bug bit him hard too! He embarked upon countless adventures worldwide sharing many precious experiences side-by-side with Patricia who remained not only constant partner-in-adventure but also great love throughout their lives together crafting shared memories every step along their journey together!

If you had known Charley you would certainly remember someone unforgettable: handsome yet charming-intelligent coupled with curiosity-quick-witted layered beneath wonderful sarcasm capable enough making anyone laugh unexpectedly via perfectly timed remarks!

Beneath this wit lay kindness shining bright within gentle warmth radiating from this loving man who showcased loyalty towards friends while showing devotion unreservedly towards family always willing gifting precious time/resources supporting schools clubs/community enriching lives surrounding him year after year!

The battle against cancer tested him greatly over these past three years revealing tremendous bravery! Through struggles endured during such challenging times strength humor intelligence paired tightly alongside love devoted entirely towards family never faded even amidst darkest moments faced head-on!

His most significant impact remains alive within everyone whose paths crossed over lifetime shared stories creating bonds lingering forevermore including relatives close pals fraternity brothers sailing buddies teammates colleagues belonginging societies built around mutual respect found within community connections brought forth daily opportunities sharing life’s joys pain triumphs laughter sorrows intertwined together forevermore!

You’ll recall him fondly wherever you wander-from beloved locales visited cherished friendships forged passed winding roads encountered filled hidden histories revealed glimpse beyond horizon-or perhaps simply gaze toward tranquil waters imagining seeing silhouette navigating sails unfurled adventure beckoning ahead waiting patiently there beyond horizon line drawn out across vast expanse above shimmering sea beneath brilliant sunlit sky inviting exploration onward onward onward..

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