Charles Tobias Baptiste (1922-1981)

Charles Tobias Baptiste , son of Alexander Hill Baptiste (1901-1930) and Catherine Campbell Bradford Baptiste (1903-1982), was born in 1922 in Renfrew.

Charle's parents moved abroad to India and Burma in connection with Alexander's job as a Shipwright when Charles was young. Charles however remained in Renfrew with his Aunt 'Queenie' presumably for his education. His sister and only sibling Jemima accompanied her parents. The interesting life of Jemima is described in this site.

Given Alexander's untimely death aged just 29 from Valvular Heart Disease and his apparent residence in Burma until his late 20's, it seems unlikely that Charles spent much time with his father. After Alexander's death, his wife Catherine briefly lived with Jemima in a Houseboat at Balloch before remarrying and moving to London. Charles continued to live with his Aunt in Renfrew.

Charles flew with the RAF over Germany in the Second World War in the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito and is in fact described as a War Hero by various people from Renfrew who knew him, on social forums. After the war, we known that he continued in service for a time as a Pilot Trainer.

	Charles Baptiste - RAF Pilot and War Hero Circa 1947

Generally known as "Charlie" in later life, he enjoyed a successful post-war acting career in theatre and Scottish Television. His TV work included parts in Garnock Way as the comedy character 'Luigi' an Italian Cafe owner, Archie the Tramp in High Living and BBC Scotland's Children's Hour. He was also the house manager at the Edinburgh Theatre.

The University of Glasgow's Theatre Archive lists 75 productions involving Charlie. Some notable mentions include:

• "Rob Roy" which ran between 28th December 1959 and 30th January 1960 included the performer Russell Hunter who starred alongside Edward Woodward in Callan.
• "A Man for All Seasons" which ran between 19 March 1962 and 3rd March 1962 also included the young actor Tom Conti.

	Garnock Way Opening Titles		On the Set of High Living

Charlie was a well-known and popular figure throughout his life, who lived with his sister Cecelia Queen "Queenie" in Renfrew.

He passed away suddenly on the 23rd January in 1981, The cause of death was Valvular Heart Disease - the same condition that had caused the early death of his father. His passing was noted in an article describing his life in the Glasgow Herald newspaper.

	Charles' Passing as Reported in the Glasgow Herald

      Family Tree Summary

Forename	Surname	Born	Died	Cause of Death
Charles Tobias	Baptiste	1922, Renfrew	23rd Jan 1981	Unknown