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
13 Responses
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).
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
Kathryn, Keith and Family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. Always remember.
Kim & Sue Bowles