In the chronicles of wartime valor, few stories are as touching as that of Trooper Charles W. Fussey. Recruited in Trail, B.C. by the Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles during World War II, Charlie was hailed for his skill and dedication. Assigned to the tank division, he was also renowned as an expert rifleman and sharp-shooter among his comrades.
However, fate took a turn when Charlie collapsed during a parade in England, revealing a diagnosis that would alter the course of his life: tuberculosis. His brother Stan, serving alongside him in the same regiment, would later be diagnosed with polio, underscoring the tragic toll of wartime afflictions.
Transported back to Canada on a hospital ship, Charlie found himself admitted to the Tranquille Sanatorium in Kamloops, B.C. before being transferred to the Shaughnessy Military Hospital in Vancouver, B.C. Despite the challenges he faced, Charlie’s spirit remained unbroken. Known for his positive outlook and sense of humor, he became a source of inspiration and comfort for his fellow patients, offering solace during their darkest hours.
Even the removal of a rib during his TB treatment couldn’t dampen Charlie’s zest for life. He embraced every opportunity, working as a steward at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15 in Abbotsford, B.C. until his retirement. Charlie’s resilience and determination were a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Charlie’s legacy of courage and generosity lives on through his family. His wife, Olive, initiated a tradition of donating to TB Vets to support veterans like Charlie on their journey to recovery. Continuing her mother’s legacy, Barbara Gazso has remained unwavering in her commitment to TB Vets, ensuring that others receive the same level of care and support that her father did.
For Barbara, her contributions to TB Vets represent more than just financial assistance – they embody a vision of a future free from the scourge of tuberculosis. Knowing that her donations help patients like her father reclaim their health and vitality fills her with pride and reassurance.
In commemorating Trooper Charles W. Fussey, we not only pay homage to a remarkable individual but also celebrate the resilience of all those who have confronted tuberculosis in its many forms. Through their stories, we find inspiration to continue the fight until tuberculosis is eradicated, and every individual can live a life of health and well-being.
