Charles William DePaul

Charles “Charlie” William DePaul, age 76, of Drummond Island, Michigan, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Sunday, January 15, 2017, in St. Ignace, Michigan. He was born October 24, 1940, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Joseph Charles and Nellie (Lightfoot) DePaul. Charlie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Loretto High School in 1959. In his youth, he played football, hockey and enjoyed downhill skiing. He attended Michigan State University, but came home from Lansing to raise a family and work with his father in their family business, Soo Amusement Company. In 1968, he started work as a realtor for Andary Realty. In 1970, he became a real estate broker and started his own business, DePaul Realty, which he ran for many years before he moved his real estate license to Smith and Company Real Estate in Sault Ste. Marie. He also had other business interests including Starters Deli in Cedarville, DonDee Lanes in Sault Ste. Marie, and Sky McFly’s in Kincheloe. In 1999 and again in 2009, Charlie fought and won two battles with cancer, thanks to the wonderful care and treatment he received at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and his positive attitude. He was most proud of his victories over cancer. In 2000, he moved to Drummond Island to help his son and daughter-in-law with their Island Cottage Bed and Breakfast. He continued to be active in real estate working as an associate broker for Drummond Island Realty. For the past several years, he has also been the property manager for a private estate on Drummond Island. Charlie loved hunting, shooting, ATV riding, and cooking. He was an avid Notre Dame and Michigan State University sports fan. His favorite way to spend time was with his seven grandchildren. He was a long time member of The Old Mill Camp, on Drummond Island and is a President Emeritus. He cherished the friendships and memories made at Old Mill, for which his family is eternally grateful. Charlie was a long time member of Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, the Drummond Island Sportsman’s Club, and a lifetime member of the Christopher Columbus Italian-American Society. Charlie is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Jo DePaul (John) McDonald of Woodbury, Connecticut, and Denise Anne DePaul of Blanchard, Michigan; one son, Joseph Charles (Kara) DePaul II of Drummond Island; seven grandchildren, Samuel McDonald, Ellison McDonald, Joseph Dale, Matthew Dale, Isabella DePaul, Sophia DePaul, and Drake DePaul; his sister, Sara Harrington of Sault Ste. Marie; and his many nieces and nephews and their spouses. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne Haller and his nephew Christopher Harrington. His family deeply thanks the doctors and nurses at Mackinac Straits Hospital for making his final days comfortable. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 28, at 11:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie. Those wishing to call upon the family may do so at the church hall from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., in the Mary Room. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s honor, may be made to the Drummond Island Parent Volunteer Group, c/o Detour-Drummond Community Credit Union, 34857 S. Townline Road, Drummond Island, MI 49726 R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Charles William DePaul

October 24, 1940 - January 15, 2017