Leito Morin, Happy Charles' son, holding a sign with a picture of his mother. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Looking for Answers

‘I just tell her I love her’: Family of Happy Charles optimistic for answers after six year anniversary of disappearance

Apr 3, 2023 | 3:00 PM

The family of a missing woman is confident they’ll soon be able to find their loved one.

A walk was held in Prince Albert on Monday to mark exactly six years since Happy Charles was last seen. She was spotted on security footage walking through the parking lot at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute (PACI).

“We’ve been having spiritual stuff happening at our house, showing us that this is possibly the year that we’ll find her,” said Carson Poitras, Happy’s father.

Poitras was joined by his wife Regina and five of Happy’s kids. Her other child, Ava Charles, passed away in 2004.

(Left to right) Happy Charles’ kids: Aleisha Charles, Marcia Bird, Leito Morin, Ariel Charles, and Margaret Bird. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

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Aleisha Charles, Happy’s oldest kid, shared the last thing her mother told her and she’s hoping it’s a sign of things to come.

“Her last words to me were ‘things are going to be better, my girl.’”

Despite the hope and optimism, the family is still in pain just hoping to finally get the answers they’ve been waiting years for.

“It’s like a rollercoaster,” said Carson. “We get tips, and we think we’re going to bring our daughter home and they don’t pan out.”

One of those who chose to speak with reporters was Happy’s only son, Leito. The 14-year-old was just eight when his mother disappeared.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gone a day without at least having her in the back of my mind,” he said.

When asked if he had anything he’d like to say to his mother, he gave a short but powerful message.

“I’d probably just tell her I love her.”

Taking part in the walk for Happy was Diane Morin, mother of Ashley Morin who went missing back in 2018 in North Battleford.

Krista Fox, who spoke on Diane’s behalf, explained they felt it was important to show Happy’s family their support.

“We’ll keep doing what we need to do until this genocide against our women stops.”

Krista Fox (right) hugging Ashley Morin’s mother, Diane. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

Also in attendance was the family of Kevin Charles and Mary Goodfellow who disappeared in 1993.

Members of the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS), including Chief Jon Bergen, took part in the walk.

Sgt. Kathy Edwardsen with the Historical and Missing Person section said despite the case being six years old it’s still a top priority.

She said they continue to get tips, the latest coming in just last week, with hopes one will finally help them find Happy.

“Quite a few are repetitive, but we don’t mind. If you have something you want to tell us let us know.”

Along with following up on tips and taking part in different awareness initiatives, Edwardsen noted she continues to re-interview potential witnesses in hopes someone may remember something important or finally share vital information they’ve been keeping a secret.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow