The Right Reverend Charles John Arthurson (July3, 1937-August 30,2025)

Charles (Charlie) left this world peacefully at home on August 30. He was born at Norway House, Manitoba to a family of nine, seven boys and two girls. He lost his father when he was nine. As a result, Charlie developed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility very early in life. Laziness was never acceptable! As a young man, he trapped and also fished on Lake Winnipeg. He then worked at the Norway House Hospital as a meat cutter, and then a clerk at the Hudson Bay Store. There in 1965, he met a young teacher, Faye Bryer, who he would marry in 1968.

Despite a varied job history, Charlie was always involved in St. Mark’s Anglican Church at Norway House, teaching Sunday School, and training as a catechist. In 1966, he was sent to Shamattawa, Manitoba, where he built a church and worked tirelessly for four years. In 1972, he was ordained priest at Norway house where he served for several months. He and Faye then moved to Big Trout Lake, Ontario, and then to Split Lake, Manitoba for seven years. In 1981, Charlie, Faye, and Devon moved to Sioux lookout, Ontario, where Ritchie was born. In 1986

Bishop Tom Morgan invited Charlie to the Diocese of Saskatchewan to as rector of All Saints, La Ronge. In 1988 he was elected Bishop, to become the first indigenous person to be consecrated Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada. He retired in 2008 but continued to work in the La Ronge and area community until he and Faye moved to Prince Albert in 2011.

Retired, Charlie would do wood carvings of animals and birds, make miniature snowshoes from red willow twigs, and utilize his carpentry skills around the house and yard. Recently, Charlie’s health began to fail, However, he remained true to his ideals, values, and faith in God and Church. He was intensely proud of his Cree heritage but also treasured his Scottish roots. He loved his Church and its people dearly. Despite his strongly held opinions, often voiced strongly, he was a kind and generous man. He was grateful for his life and would frequently tell Faye,

“We are blessed”. Recently, Bishop John Clarke shared his memories of Charlie. He described him as a loyal friend, unassuming, and while unafraid to disagree, as fair and unpretentious. In his words, “Charlie was real!”

Charlie is survived by Faye, his wife of 57 years; daughter, Devon; son, Ritchie; sisters, Jean Ouskun and Marilyn Settee; sisters-in-law, Frankie Langford, Edie Langford (Ross), Anna Bryer (Steve Picard), Gladys Bryer (Don Mclean); brothers-in-law, Edward Bryer, Rodney Bryer (Barb); and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also deeply missed by his furry friends, Girlie and Bobbi.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Andrena Arthurson; parents-in-law, Ritchie and Felicia Bryer; and brothers, Walter, Bill, Ben, George, Oli, and Larry.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Alban’s Cathedral, 1410 Bishop McLean Crescent, Prince Albert, SK.  For those unable to attend in person, a live stream link has been provided https://youtube.com/live/AP5De-UbQyI?feature=share   Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

 

• Date : 2025-08-30
• Location : Prince Albert, SK