6 January 1923 – 22 November 2013
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our precious father, grandfather and great-grandfather, William Gregory Scuby. He passed in peace and with dignity in his sleep at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on Friday, 22 November after a brief stay.
He is predeceased by three sisters Isabel, Mary and Annie and his wife Betty. He will be sorely missed by his two sons John, Joe (Louise); granddaughter Tara (Paul); grandsons Gregory, Joshua and Matthew (Kathleen) and great- grandsons Charlie, Stanley and John.
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Greek immigrant parents, he grew up in New Westminster, BC where he was the younger brother to three older sisters. He acquired many of his “business skills” as a young boy on the streets and in the alleys of New Westminster. He was an avid sportsman as a young man, playing basketball for the Duke of Connaught High School but the real passion of his life then was lacrosse, playing goal for the Knights of Pythias Junior Team, reportedly going undefeated for several consecutive years. He played his first professional game for the New Westminster Salmonbellies in 1938 at the age of 15, making the team full time the following year.
World War II interrupted his lacrosse career. Once called up, he spent the war at the bacteriological “Warfare Research Station” on the Island of Grosse Isle, PQ.
He moved to Prince Rupert in the 1940’s to begin his business career in the fur industry. It was there that he met the love of his life, Betty Ellison. Along with two sons, John and Joe, they moved to Victoria in 1962 where he opened his second shop, Scuby Furs, on Government Street. He ran a successful retail business there from 1962 to 1991 when he sold the business and properties to begin full time retirement.
In 1966, he purchased his dream farm on Salt Spring Island where he and Betty escaped for rest and relaxation while gardening and tending to his orchard.
During retirement he nursed his wife for a decade at home until her passing in 2009, a herculean effort for which we are all eternally grateful.
During this period he also developed a real passion for growing high quality garlic, for which he became famous amongst friends and neighbours.
Our family wishes to extend our thanks to Dad’s tireless and dedicated caregiver, Paula den Otter, and the unsung heroes of the Royal Jubilee Emergency and South Tower Ward medical staff who worked so hard to make Dad’s final days peaceful, dignified and pain free. God bless them all.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Saviour, 4648 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria on Saturday, 30 November at 12:00 noon. Interment to follow at St. Stephen’s Church Cemetery, 7921 St. Stephen Road in Saanichton. In lieu of flowers, we invite donations to the Victoria Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Michael Mai
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Molly & Bonnie Elliot I’m sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Today I found one of my grandmother’s fur coats that was an original Scuby design. We googled “Scuby furs” and saw your father’s obituary and thought it would be nice for your family to know what a beautiful keepsake he created (still in excellent condition). I will be very happy to wear it this Christmas in the 30 below Alberta weather.
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Denise Gunn I was saddened to hear about the loss of this lovely man. He was very much a part of my life for all those years that I worked for him in the early to mid 70’s. I was a Scuby girl and he would always refer to me as one of his girls. I am unable to attend today but wanted the family to know that you are all in my heart and in my prayers. God Bless.
Denise Gunn
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Marka Riske I remember your dad as a kind and lovely man. As a ‘school girl’ working at the Dry Cleaners, I had the pleasure of seeing him on his weekly trips – shirts… folded? The sparkle he had in his eyes… especially at the mention of his wife… has stayed with me for over 30 years.
My thoughts are with you –
Marka
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Karen Kirkpatrick John – just heard of your Dad’s passing. Deepest sympathies to you, Tara and Greg.
Even though it was a long time ago, I have many fond memories of time spent with you and your folks both at their homes on Vancouver Island and at your’s in Richmond. Lots of laughter and good times. Your Dad was one of a kind!
My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,
Sincerely,
Kirkie (aka Karen Kirkpatrick (Blunt))
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Bill Snowdon Police Chief (retired) I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was truly an outstanding individual. He possessed all those great qualities that make a person very special.
I will always cherish the kindness and friendship that he extended to Evie and I when we came to Victoria. It was a privelege to have called him my friend.
I will be out of the country on Saturday and will miss his service but my thoughts will be with you.
To John Scuby and Greg Scuby . I send my condolences . I remember many great stories of Greg speaking of his grandfather . A very inspirational man.