Charles Philip Burchell, lll was one of Canada’s best-known booksellers. He received both the “Bookseller of the Year Award” and the “Libris Award,” which is the highest honor in the Canadian Book Industry. Born on October 8, 1941, to Charles W. (Brenda) Burchell, QC, he passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Burchell, QC; his mother, Brenda W. Burchell (née Lohnes from Mahone Bay); and his brothers Thomas Jost Burchell, QC and Arthur B. Burchell. He is survived by his wife Leanne Burchell and his son Charles Edward (Sonia) Burchell, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Charles was born in Halifax where he attended Gorsebrook Junior High School and Queen Elizabeth High School for his early education. Later on, he went to Mount Allison University before starting his retail career at Easton’s of Canada department stores. Over five years there, he tackled challenges in various departments while managing advertising and promotions for the store. It was during this time that he first met hockey legend Geordie Howe; later on he’d invite him to THE BOOK ROOM for a book signing event.
In 1966, an opportunity came up for him to manage THE BOOK ROOM LIMITED. With great enthusiasm, Charles embraced this challenge and put his retail experience into action right away. Shortly after joining “The Book Room,” he became a Director of The Canadian Booksellers Association-a role he held for over 18 years-the longest-serving director ever.
In 1977 he stepped up as President of THE BOOK ROOM and dedicated a total of 44 years to the company. In 1982, he earned one of the top honors available at that time in Canadian bookselling-the “BOOKSELLER OF THE YEAR.” This made him the first bookseller from Atlantic Canada to receive such recognition.
Also in 1982, Charles took part in a committee appointed by the N. S Government focused on publishing issues; their recommendations greatly influenced Nova Scotia’s publishing policies. In 1997 he testified before Senator Michael Kerby’s Banking Committee regarding HST-TAX-IN PRICING which resulted in a new tax structure where only books would get partial exemption from the newly imposed sales tax across Canada-an acknowledgment by the Federal Government about how crucial books are in Canadians’ lives.
A founding member of The Atlantic Booksellers’ Association as well as its President at one point, Charles shared insights about small businesses through commentaries broadcasted via radio shows as well as TV segments-reviewing books regularly for City Living aired on CJCH radio station and C-100 weekly programs while also making monthly appearances reviewing literature on CTV morning shows.
He collaborated with nine other co-operatives nationwide forming task forces designed to create electronic ordering systems tailored specifically for Canadian retailers alongside acting as one of founding directors within Booksellers Co-operative-an independent buying group aiding booksellers throughout Canada.
Apart from all these accomplishments within literature-related fields outside work hours saw him take active roles like chairing Retail Committee at Halifax Board Trade being among founding directors behind Northwood Centre serving also once president downtown Halifax Business Association helping launch Ducks Unlimited Canada establishing fundraising committees here since its inception some twenty-five years ago! His hobbies included fishing hunting gardening water skiing tennis-and naturally reading!
Charles passionately supported authors especially those hailing from Canada itself throughout four decades spent engaged directly with writers around globe hosting numerous events featuring talents ranging widely-from John Ralston Saul Vice-Regal Consort Peter Newman Pierre Burton Robert Bateman Diana Gabaldon Dick Francis Jean Chretien John Irving Ken Dryden Geordie Howe Russian goalie Valadislav Tretiak music stars like Celine Dion Anne Murray Rita Mac Neil too! Upon retirement awarded Canadian Book Industry’s prestigious LIBRIS AWARD recognizing excellence commitment lasting contributions made entire sector!
Reflecting back during celebrations marking eighty-second birthday described life journey as “wonderful experience” enabling countless encounters meeting diverse array aspiring literary creators offered chance readers connect directly facilitated personal signings fans waited excitedly lines stretching down streets waiting eagerly simply meet favorite authors often sharing readings followed interactive Q&A sessions creating memorable evenings together fostering connections between storytellers audiences alike – bringing people closer through words shared together.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm on Friday July 17th ,2026 at Mac Isaac Funeral Home located at61 Pleasant Street Antigonish. Funeral service takes place12pm Saturday July18th Kirk United Church Aspen Burial follows thereafter Evergreen Cemetery Glenelg.
“Without a Love for Books , The Richest Man is Poor”
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