Loving Husband, Father, Grandad, Friend and Mentor to many, Stuart passed away at the age of 89, on November 25, 2018. Stu was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1929. He is survived and deeply missed by his wife Lilian, sons: Ian (Barb), Colin (Crystal), Bradley (Jacquie), as well as his three grandchildren Hunter (Catie), Adrienne and William. Stu will be also be missed by many friends including Alastair Mulholland, Alec Provan, Kevin Walker, Nial McNaughton and countless snooker opponents.
Immigrating to Canada in 1953, Stu worked many jobs and eventually found himself in Cinema, BC where he met and later married Lilian. Stuart and Lilian bought and operated Cinema Service (gas station; general store; post office; coffee shop; cabins; and a movie theatre!). Lilian also taught the local kids (grades 1 to 8) in a one-room schoolhouse. They moved to Quesnel in the early 60s and started their family. Stu also established a successful digging contracting company in Quesnel installing sewer and water systems for many small towns in the Cariboo. The family moved to Victoria in 1967 and Stu obtained work at Oak Bay Public Works where he remained for 20 years, ultimately retiring as the Assistant Superintendent. Stu founded the Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society in the mid-seventies and was always a little embarrassed when former Mayor, Brian Smith, referred to it at many official functions as Oak Bay’s Navy. Stu was involved in some 800 marine incidents over 22 years; the Oak Bay Police Board presented him with the Award of Merit for saving two people who went overboard in heavy seas when their sailboat capsized. Stu obtained a Master Mariner’s Certificate and operated and maintained a fleet of charter vessels for the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Stu skippered the Pride of Victoria on hundreds of whale-watching and dinner cruises over many years. Stu and Lilian took to the road in their RV and frequented Alaska, the Yukon and NWT where they dipped their toes in the Arctic Ocean! A year long trip took Mum and Dad across Canada where they shipped their motorhome to the UK, then onto Europe and eventually home again across the USA. Stu was a mechanic by trade; he was a tinkerer and loved to get his mind and hands busy fixing anything. His workshop was a meticulous place; he had every tool imaginable and a home for each one. He took great pride in his three grandchildren and enjoyed their company whether he told stories, played games or teased them. Stu battled CLL (leukemia) since 2008 as well as a multitude of other cancers but did not let his health matters bring him down. He was a frequent patron of the Snug and an avid snooker player at the Monterey Senior’s Centre. His motto “mustn’t grumble” kept him going. Stu was simply genuine, a man of great experiences, knowledge and wonderful stories.
The family would like to thank Drs. Kinnahan, Bieberdorf and Tiislar and the wonderful nurses at 4S RJH for making Stu’s last days comfortable.
A toast to his life will be held in The Snug (date TBA).
In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Victoria Prostate Centre would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
12 Responses
To Lilian, her sons and their families,
Deepest condolences on the passing of Stuart. He was an exceptionally good human being. He will be remembered and missed by me and Morris as well who passed in 2009. Perhaps they have met up again and are reminiscing about their times shared on the water and on the land.
Stuart or as I’d like to say behind your back ‘pops’ ,
You were an amazing man, always a smile and kind hug even when you were feeling your worse. We shared so much these last few years with our struggles, I feel fortunate that you were willing to take my bets, of course a bottle of scotch was involved but if it meant to benefit you then all the best.
I loved listening to your stories of your youth and when you first came to Canada and all that you’ve done and accomplished.
One of my fondest memories was when behind yours and Lilian’s back Brad and I were sorting through some old photographs and doing the soundtrack for your 50th wedding anniversary. I found a real connection to you then and it continued on.
You were an amazing husband, wonderful father and of course grandfather, but best of all you were well loved, liked and admired to all those you touched and or just crossed paths with and I’m thankful I was one of many.
Epitaph on my own Friend – Robert Burns
An honest man here lies at rest
As e’er God with his image blest
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The fri nd of age, and guide of youth;
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
Peace be with you as you are now free