Charles Larke was born in Oshawa in 1852. He died in 1923 in his 71st year. He came to Colborne in 1877 and was appointed a Standard Bank of Canada Manager. He was highly regarded by the community as evidenced by the organization of a complementary banquet in his honour April 1, 1905.

A photocopy of a 1905 newspaper announcement reads: “Banquet and Presentation to Mr. Larke. The business men [sic] and citizens of Colborne are arranging for a fitting banquet and presentation to Mr. Charles Larke, the Manager of the Standard Bank here for the last twenty-eight years, who has been placed in charge of the Kingston branch. The banquet will be held at the Brunswick [Hotel in Colborne] on Saturday evening, April 1st 1905.”

Charles Larke, manager of the Standard Bank of Canada branch in Colborne, was walking one morning in 1912 when a train stopped at the Colborne station. A man in a homburg hat alit to stretch his legs. It was Arthur, Duke of Connaught [Queen Victoria's son], then Governor General of Canada. The Duke was en route by train to open the new Royal Inland Hospital in Kelowna, British Columbia on September 17, 1912. Charles Larke is third from the left. The man on the right was the Duke's secretary [1912-16], Col. Sir John Hanbury-Williams.

A faded, undated, unattributed copy of a 1923 newspaper obituary provides some further details of his life: “While a young man, he entered the service of the Standard Bank of Canada, coming to Colborne in 1877, and shortly after receiving his appointment as manager, a position he filled with marked ability and success, building up one of the largest businesses of the institution. “Four years ago [1919], he retired, being granted a pension. “In the business community his advice was eagerly sought and to his wise counsel and cheery optimism and kindly encouragement numerous men have attributed their success in getting over the thorny places in their business life. “Mr. Larke was a member and official of the Methodist Church, and his regular attendance at the services, and his ever bright and cheery greetings, were referred to as a great inspiration, especially to the minister, in the address given by his Pastor, the Rev. R.A. Whattam, who conducted the funeral services at the late home of the deceased on Wednesday afternoon. The church choir led in the hymns, and the solo, “Crossing the Bar”, was sung by Mrs. Byers. “The burial took place at the Lakeport Cemetery, the pall bearers being F.M. Brintnell, H.S. Keyes, D.C. Matthews, W.L. Payne, K.C.; James Thorne, and Major G.E.R. Wilson. The casket was basked with a large number of beautiful floral tributes of sympathy and esteem. Many friends and acquaintances attended the services and also accompanied the cortege to the cemetery. “The Colborne Branch of the Standard Bank was closed during the afternoon of the funeral, as a mark of respect to its former manager. “Besides his wife, formerly Miss Emma J. Bailey, he leaves three married daughters: Mrs. Geo. R. Hindes of Port Hope, Mrs. C.D. Trussell of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Mrs. J.H. Menzies of Calgary, Alberta. “Among friends and acquaintances attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Hindes, Mrs. Trussell, Mr. J.H. Menzies who has been East on business (Mrs. Menzies is on the way and is expected here Friday): Mr. F.A. Large, a cousin, of Brockville; Mr. H.H. Loosemore of the Standard Bank H.O. in Toronto, and Mr. Rowland, manager at Kingston; Miss Willoughby of Belleville; W. Bellamy, B.A., and Mr. Geo. Drewry of Brighton; Capt. Jas. H. Peacock of Port Hope; Inspector G. Goodrich of Cobourg. Mr. Fred Bailey, a brother-in-law, arrived here Wednesday evening having been delayed by poor train connection.”

An undated newspaper obituary provides some details of the life of Emma Jane Larke (1855-1938), widow of Charles Larke. “An highly respected resident of Colborne, Emma J. Larke, widow of the late Charles Larke, died Monday morning, May 19th, 1938, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.H. Menzies, Toronto, where she had spent the winter months. She had been in failing health for some months. “Deceased was the daughter of the late Levi C. Bailey. Surviving her are two daughters, Mrs. C.D. [Louise] Trussell of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Mrs. J.H. Menzies of Toronto. “For many years a consistent member of the Methodist, now United, Church at Colborne, Mrs. Larke was active in the Church organizations until failing health prevented. “The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at her home in Colborne and were conducted by the Rev. Roy H. Rickard with the Rev. P.W. Roberts assisting. “The interment took place at Lakeport Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers were V.G. Cornwell, F.P. Strong, Major G.E.R. Wilson, and H.S. Keyes: the active pallbearers being F.M. Brintnell, W.F. Griffis, Dr. W.G. Robertson, S.W. Sutton, Capt. A.G. Willoughby, and J.F. Wilson. “Among those from a distance attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Trussell of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. J.H. [Francis] Menzies and Mrs. J.H. O’Brien of Toronto, Mr. A.G. Scougale of Cobourg, Dr. Cameron Wilson of Napanee.”

Charles and Emma Larke had four children: Blanche May and Beatrice Grace born in 1880. Blanche died in 1912. Beatrice, whose married surname was Hindes, died in 1929. Louise Larke Trussell was born in 1882, died 1953. Francis Anne Larke Menzies was born 1885 and died in 1956.