Charles Thomas Lefley

Obituary

Passed on

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Charles Thomas Lefley (Chuck) on Monday, January 26, 2026. He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Sarah (Chris), his Grandkids Kit and Wren, siblings Lynda (David), Glen (Diane), Mike (Sharon), Tom (Ilona), Dale (Ronda), sister-in-law Marianne and his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Jean and Bob and brother Bryan.

Chuck was raised in Grosse Isle, MB and grew up on the family farm, enjoying the many colourful activities of farm life. If you knew him, you would have heard many stories, but adventures with his pony, Scout, and hunting with his dad were highlights of his younger days. 

Sports played a commanding role in his life growing up, with baseball and hockey shining brightest. Though he excelled in both, hockey became a literal way of life, starting with his minor hockey days in Warren and the outdoor rink in Grosse Isle. His exceptional skill and skating became more and more apparent as he began playing his Junior Hockey with the Winnipeg Rangers of the MJHL at 15 years old, following his brother Bryan’s footsteps with the team and practicing with them unofficially for a few years prior. He landed with the Canadian Men’s National Team after his “junior” years and represented the “red” maple leaf with honour at the 1969 World Championships in Sweden. By the next summer, Chuck was drafted (6th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in 1970. Working his way quickly through the Canadiens farm system, he was called up in the playoffs and had won his first of two Stanley Cups in 1971.  He followed this up with another Cup in 1973 following his first full regular season with the team. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1974, where his 85 points (43G, 42A) through 75 games in the 1975-76 season represented his best offensive year in the NHL. He finalized his NHL retirement in 1981 after playing a season with Jokerit (Finland) and Dusseldorf (Germany). Though retired professionally he continued his love for the game in the Senior leagues with the Warren Mercs for many years. He was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986, followed by inductions to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, as part of the Warren Senior Baseball Team (1974-1979) induction. 

After retirement he came back to Grosse Isle to farm with his brother Glen. Farming was very rewarding for him, and he loved it whether the year was good or bad. He married the love of his life, Sandy, in April of 1982 and his daughter, Sarah, had him officially wrapped around her finger in November 1987. A true family man, he would do anything for those he loved and he was generous to a fault. Humility, hard work, integrity and character were values that truly meant something to Chuck, and he lived these to the highest example. 

Through the years he also made time for fun, whether at home or abroad, and enjoyed many family vacations camping and to hot destinations with friends and family. The last trip, to Toronto in October 2025, offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for Chris, Sarah, Kit and Wren to see his name on the Stanley Cup and to see where he sat in the replica Habs dressing room. He naturally went straight to it and sat down without even thinking. Chuck always filled the room with his presence, his stories and his smile. He will be missed more than words can express.

A Celebration of Life and Interment will be held the first weekend of July 2026. Details to follow.

In lieu of food or flowers, donations can be made to Stonewall Palliative Care, Interlake Community Foundation Bryan Lefley Scholarship Fund or the Grosse Isle Hall.

The family would like to thank the many Doctors, nurses and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion.

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