 APPRECIATION - CHARLIE POULTON

by Winston J. Zahra

Considering how active Charlie always was on Facebook I thought it was only fitting to write a short note of appreciation of a lifelong close friend here.

I got to know Charlie around 30 years ago when we started using his company - Poulton’s Print Shop - for all our printed material at work. His approach to getting the detail right and ensuring that we were happy with the products he proudly produced was second to none. Such was his overall service and commitment to doing things right that we became lifelong friends and remained close long after he retired. The passion he had for his work and the pride he had in doing things right was admirable, as was his desire to teach everyone in his business, most notably his son Simon, the trade he was so proficient at himself. His passion for work was equally matched by that for the beloved football team he supported - Manchester United. Emotions would always run high in the run up to a match and his analysis would always follow immediately after a match. In person, every conversation would involve something about United. And, more recently, many a discussion was held between Charlie and many others over social media about the performance of the team. Charlie always had an opinion and he would never shy away from expressing it, always respectfully, and typically while wearing one of his many United shirts. No doubt he will continue following the team from a better place. Let’s hope they make him smile as much as possible.

Charlie was as kind and thoughtful as a person as he was passionate about football, if not more so. He organised countless dinners in aid of various charities over the years. He would rally support from as many people as possible and everyone was more than happy to help out. Many people have benefitted greatly from the work that Charlie did and I have no doubt that they will remain forever thankful to him for what he did in the most genuine way imaginable.

Above all though, Charlie was immensely devoted to his family. His love and care for his dear wife Rose was inimitable. He would not leave her side for a minute and cared for her in every possible way over the years. Truly admirable. And the same goes for the love he had for his son Simon and his wife Sarah and grandson Sean.

I, like many others, will miss your kind and gentle way and the many conversations we used to have.