To commemorate his birthday, the family of the late Charlie Cetinski (including his daughter Susan, a Past President of the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce – FCC) invited friends, colleagues and acquaintances to a celebration of his life – Friday, April 19.

A charter member of the FCC, Charlie (of the former Flamboro Springs) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in February while vacationing in Florida. After sustaining debilitating injuries in an airplane crash (which left him confined to a wheelchair), Charlie became a local hero by founding the annual Golden Horseshoe Wheelchair Marathon to raise money for spinal cord research. He followed that up more recently with a cross-Canada wheelchair tour – something he planned to duplicate in the near future.

The celebration was be informal and casual and attendees will be provided with the opportunity to remember Charlie. There was plenty of smiles mixed in with a little laughter and perhaps even a few tears. At the request of the family, FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten served as master of ceremonies.

The ‘come as you are’ event was held in the hanger at the end of the airstrip just north of the former Flamboro Springs building located in Flamborough Centre on Concession 6 just east of Centre Road. The more formal session (“I remember Charlie when …”) began in the neighbourhood of 1 p.m. In addition to some close friends, among the confirmed speakers were MP David Sweet, MPP Ted McMeekin and Ward 15 Councillor Judi Partridge.