March 31, 1940 – December 8, 2017

John Wilson Charles died on December 8, 2017, in Edmonton, Alberta, at age 77, following several years of declining health.

John was born in Jamestown, New York, to John Fredrick and Margaret (nee Harry) Charles. He grew up in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and received a BA from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. After serving in the United States Air Force, he earned a graduate degree in library science from Indiana University. John worked as a rare books librarian at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, for a few years, and then at University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, until his retirement. John had extensive knowledge of music and interest in fine cooking. For many years he wrote reviews of concerts, operas, and restaurants for publication in local news media. John is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Rudolf) Amann, Brunswick, Maine; nephew, Steve (Barbara) Amann, Towson, Maryland; and nephew, Ted (Karen Talerico) Amann , Portland, Oregon.

There will be no service. Following cremation John’s ashes will be scattered in Edmonton, Alberta