Charles was born 26th February 1957 in Orpington, Kent to Derek and Ruth Zealey. After graduating from Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, he married Joyce in 1980. A year later they bought their first house in Thatcham where their three children grew up. After spending twenty years with ICL, Charles started his own business, IT Solve. Some will remember his monthly column, IT Matters, in the Newbury Weekly News Business Today.
He will be remembered for his sense of humour and his faith in Jesus Christ. He has been an integral part of the congregation at St Nicolas, Newbury serving as Church Warden for many years. The driving principle throughout his life was to present God’s truth in the world through the Church.
Charles was a loyal Francophile, spending many summers camping and taking in the culture. His mother taught him to cook from an early age and inspired in him a love of Elizabeth David. Much of his free time was spent in the kitchen perfecting the techniques of French cuisine to the joy of his family and friends. He continued to learn French with the Kingsclere Twinning Association and as a trustee of the France Mission Trust.
Inspired by his father, he collected wines and restored classic Alvis cars. As a cricket enthusiast, he was a member of the Worcester Cricket Club and enjoyed days spent at Test Matches whilst listening to the radio commentary.
Charles and Joyce moved to Kingsclere in 2013 and have enjoyed countryside walks, gardening and welcoming friends to their home ever since.
He was a wonderful husband to Joyce, father to Mark, Paul and Ruth and brother to Caroline. He will be greatly missed.
The funeral will be held at St Nicolas’ Church, Newbury at 12.30pm on Tuesday 28th November. Family flowers only; donations may be given to France Mission Trust via the Church Office.
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