November 15, 1929 – March 31, 2014
After a brief illness, Art passed away peacefully in the company of both his children, and with the love of many family and friends. Art was born and grew up in Tianjin, China. During the Second World War he was confined in a Japanese internment camp at Chapei, with his brothers and mother, eventually being liberated in 1945. At age 17 he and his younger brother Ken came to Victoria. Art attended Brentwood College, graduating in 1948, and was co-winner of the Yarrow Shield, for scholastic/athletic excellence and the Powell Cup for citizenship. He then attended Victoria College. He developed a lifelong passion for rugby, playing for the Oak Bay Wanderers and later refereeing. Art earned his surveying articles with the provincial government and received his Commission in 1958 (BCLS #386). Art’s surveying career spanned many decades. The annual survey trips took him to diverse and remote locations in BC. In later years his family joined him for summers at locations such as Golden, Princeton, Rock Creek, and Grand Forks. Art retired as Deputy Surveyor General of BC in 1988. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of BC Land Surveyors in 2005. Art married Yvonne Muriel Rose in 1953. They raised their children in Saanich living on Prestwood Drive. Art and Yvonne loved travelling, golfing, the outdoors, camping trips throughout western Canada, ventures abroad, and celebrations with family. After their 50th wedding anniversary in 2003, Yvonne passed away suddenly the next year while on a camping trip with Art. Also predeceased by brothers Douglas and Ken, sister-in-law Louanne, Art is survived by daughter Kathryn (Kevin) and son Keith (Bridget), grandchildren Emma (fiancé Mark), Brendan, Kyle and Taylor, nephews Robin and Ian, special in-laws Phyllis and Jim and by many other relatives. Art will be remembered as a true gentleman, for his quiet strength, intelligence, eternal kindness, great dignity and courtesy, and above all his love for family. He will be sorely missed by family and friends in Canada and overseas. A celebration of his life will be announced later this spring. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com, or, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of choice.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Geoffrey and Elaine Castle
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Barbara and Vic Chatt Our heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss. We cherish the memories of our many get together over the past 50 plus years.
Family was obviously so important to Art as displayed by the travel necessary to make it all happen. Barbara(Bodman) and Vic Chatt
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Kim & Sue Bowles Kathryn, Keith and Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. Always remember.
Kim & Sue Bowles
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Deborah Beban To Keith and Bridget and Kyle and Taylor,
Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Art was a truly fine gentleman, much admired by all who knew him. I hope you are comforted by the fact that your beautiful family brought him so much joy in his life.
Love from Deborah, Colin, and Eric
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David & Sylvia Keith Dear Keith and Family, Thinking of you at this time. I am sure you will hold the memories of your Dad in your heart forever. David & Sylvia
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Rosemary & Ross Bracken With our deepest sympathy to Kathryn ,Keith & families on the passing of your Father& Grandpa. Fond memories of a friend & neighbour .
A real gentleman.Ross & Rosemary Bracken
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Kerry Mason and Jamie Morton Dear Kathryn, Kevin and family,
Our sincerest condolences to you all.
Kerry and Jamie
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Roberta Jamieson (nee Hawkes) I grew up in a home at the corner of Union and Prestwood, and Art and Yvonne lived right behind us. I remember them fondly. My condolences to the family. God Bless.
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Wilma and Dave Tims To Art’s Family:
We are so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. It was so nice to see his friendly face in the newspaper this morning. He will be missed by you all.Dave met your parents when they came into the RV dealership in Sidney and then we found out we were Gordon Head neighbours. They used to pop in for a visit and we did the same with them. We don’t live in the Gordon Head area anymore. What a lovely couple they were and shared some wonderful stories with us.
Unfortunately the last time we saw your dad was at mom’s celebration of life.
Remember the good times and I’m sure there were plenty.
Wilma and Dave Tims
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Bern Neary It was a pleasure to have known Art. He was a wonderful man, and we are all saddened by his loss. Although nothing can ease your sorrow, I hope all the memories bring some comfort to you. All our lives were made richer by him.
Bern and Ruth
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Gayle Bliss Keith, Bridget, Kyle, Taylor:
May memories bring smiles to your faces, warm your hearts and bring comfort to you all.
Thinking of you, Gayle, Gerry and Stefanie
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Angela Bridge Kathryn, Keith, Robin and Ian,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Although only having enjoyed a few visits with Art it was a real pleasure to know him. Thank you for sharing such wonderful moments during his life. To me, Art was a rare and special person that with only a handshake and a hug, you feel you have known him for a very long time. What a dear man.
May peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Angela Bridge
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Ginge Porter Art was a wonderful person…..I remember many good times with the family. Kathyn and Keith..my thoughts and prayers are with you both…as well as the rest of the family.
He will be sorely missed by us allGinge
While we were shocked to hear of Art’s passing it was so fortunate we had a wonderful conservation while we were both
recuperating in the RJH albeit just a few days before his demise. Yes, he was indeed a gentleman and it was a privilege to have known him – since 1949. Our thoughts are with you Kathryn and the family. (Elaine and Yvonne were at Vic High together).