It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sigmund Richard Officia. A 15 year battle with Parkinsons finally weakened his resolve and he succumbed peacefully, on Friday August 12th, with his beloved wife of 55 years, Diane, at his side. Sig was born in Lachine, Quebec. He moved with his family to Vancouver B.C. in the early 1950’s. Sig joined Ingersoll-Rand in 1956 and was transferred to Toronto, Ontario in 1961 and remained there until his retirement in 2002. After retiring, he and Diane moved to Victoria B.C. Sig was a loyal employee of the Ingersoll-Rand/Dresser-Rand group for 46 years. He is remembered by his co-workers as an honest individual who was dedicated to customer satisfaction. His initiative, dedication to a job well done, and outspoken nature made him an influence to everyone whom he came in contact with and his outlook on work influenced many of his coworkers. “Do it right the first time” is a phrase Sig took to heart in everything he did in both his work and personal life.

Sig became known as the Tomato King because of the huge tomatoes he grew in his garden. Some of his other loves were the outdoors, golf, curling and hockey, especially coaching minor league hockey. In his later years, Sig’s real passion was his grandkids. Spending every moment he could with them, be it skating, tobogganing, water fights, roughhousing or just playing. Sig loved being a “Papa”.

He is predeceased by his parents, Louis and Julia and sister, Suzanna. Survived and greatly missed by his wife, Diane; son, Lance; daughter, Lynn (Doug); 5 grandchildren, Douglas (Samantha), Richard (Stephanie), Kenneth, Julia, Logan and 2 great grandchildren, Sawyer and Annabelle. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother, Edward and sisters, Carollyne, Marlene, Louisa and his many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.

A special thanks to the staff of Saanich Peninsula Hospital ECU #1 for their excellent care and especially to those who could bring out that special smile in Sig.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Sig will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31st at McCall Gardens new location, The Sequoia Centre, at 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation may be made in Sig’s memory to Sannich Peninsula Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. ondolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Trinity Draycke

    Hail all the “Tomato King”! For he will always be remembered and will live on in all our hearts.

    With very fond memories always……

  • John D Heal

    Diane and family, it has been many years since I have had the pleasure of working with Sig at Ingersoll Rand, we are very sorry to hear of his passing.
    Our prayers go with you. Judy and John Heal North Saanich BC

  • Paul McGrath

    Diane & Family

    Sig was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a treasured guest in our home during my parents years with TCPL. I remember the lively discussions that flourished around the dinner table. They enjoyed the family friendship, photos and memories that grew out of that bond. Margaret, like us all, was sadden to hear of his passing. Her first thoughts were of you Diane and she offers her heart felt condolences to you and the family. The country has lost one of its ” pipeline pioneers “.

    The McGrath Family

  • Annette Locke Rockwell

    Diane and Family
    I will miss visiting with Sig. Most of all I will miss his hello and good-by smiles and hugs. I am so very glad he was part of my life.
    Cousin, Annette Locke Rockwell

  • Dick Rockwell

    To Sig – Wherever you may be.

    August 20, 2016

    Many thanks to you and Diane for the hospitality shown to Annette and to me while visiting your enchanting Vancouver Island. Do not let your daily {Martini “Gin” Time} slip by without proper recognition.

    May fair winds and a following sea be yours forever.

    Dick Rockwell

  • Bill Durie

    Diane & Family

    It is with great sadness we hear of Sig’s Passing and we send to you all our deepest sympathy. Working with Sig for 10 Yrs at CIR it certainly was an experience, we worked hard, played hard and I have lots of great memories!!
    Sig rest in peace

    Bill Durie

  • Jack & Sandra Koch

    Diane & Family….

    Although it’s been quite a few years since we’ve been in touch, we wanted to offer our deepest sympathy to you Diane and your family.

    Although he is gone, he’ll never be forgotten.

    Jack & Sandra Koch Coquitlam B.C.

  • Lucy Scott

    Diane and family,
    I enjoyed many visits from Sig at Tecumseh while working as Jim’s receptionist. He was always smiling. Things were never the same after he retired.
    So sorry to hear that he passed. My condolences to all. May he rest in peace.
    Lucy Scott

  • Irene Moore

    That is a beautiful obituary for a lovely man. We will miss him and that wonderful smile.
    Irene Moore.

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