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Returning to Kingston, he resumed an active advisory oversight of the Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte Steamboat Company, Limited, of which he had always retained the Presidency, and again interested himself in the city's problems. He did not, however, long enjoy the pleasures of his home and renewed contact with old friends. Early in January, 1906, he contracted a severe cold, which brought about recurrence of an old ailment with complications, resulting in his demise on January 18th, 1906. When his passing was announced, the Kingston Whig said, truly: "Profound sorrow is everywhere felt over the death of Charles F. Gildersleeve. Everybody had a good word for him in his lifetime, for he was generous to all with whom he came in contact, and now that he has gone his friends and acquaintances deeply mourn. To the writer comes recollection of an instance of charity, which has lingered in his memory for over twenty-five years. A poor woman with a family of small children came to Kingston to eke out a living. By chance Mr. Gildersleeve heard of their utter poverty. He secured them a house, bought them a stove, fuel and provisions, and paid for everything out of his own pocket." We quote at length, a resolution passed at a meeting of Masters and Mates of Kingston: "The great reaper, Death, has cut down, somewhat suddenly, C. F. Gildersleeve, an esteemed friend and citizen, and one who has so long been identified with the marine interests of this country. His years were full of usefulness, and of no one could it be more truly said, that having fulfilled his mission in life fully, conscientiously and completely, he has been called to his eternal rest. "As long as most of us can remember, the late Mr. Gildersleeve was a representative man. Having been called from the practice of law by the death of his brother, to the direction of a large steamboat business, he cast himself into the work with remarkable zeal and energy. "Many of us came into contact with him as a steamboat man, and we remember well the warmth of his greeting, the kindliness of his manner, and the soundness of his judgment. He was a friend of the Mariner at all times, and in his death we feel that ours is a personal loss. "Nor was Mr. Gildersleeve one whose attention was given altogether to his own affairs. He was a large-hearted, broad-minded, and public spirited man. He was concerned in whatever benefitted the craft and the community, and those of us who are interested in navigation, whether as employee or employer, can testify to the enthusiasm and devotion of his service. He stood for all that was advanced and helpful in our calling, and this school of instruction had his most cordial approval. "We can only hope that the lessons of his life will not be missed so far as we are concerned. He stood before us as an exemplar, and we feel that we have caught some of his spirit, and that it will be manifested in all our walks and ways. "Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of the late Mr. Gildersleeve, with the assurance of our abiding interest and sympathy." A special meeting of the City Council was held, presiding. Alderman John Gaskin moved that a resolution be prepared expressing the Council's sorrow over the death of the late Mr. Gildersleeve, who for twenty-two years was one of its valued members. Everybody he said regretted Mr. Gildersleeve's death. The resolution was seconded by Alderman Carson, and passed unanimously. Council then adjourned and attended the funeral in a body. -39-