Islwyn Davies passed away at the Victoria Hospice on August 27, 2023, following a brief bout with cancer. He was 82. He leaves behind his daughter, Jackie (Brent); son, Andy (Tania); grandchildren, Ben, Chad, Chesley and Luke; as well as Christine Bell, his very best friend of the last 10 years; and a lifetime’s accumulation of friends across the world. He was predeceased by Win, his loving wife of 50 years. His liberally-dispensed words of wisdom on life, home improvements and technical projects will be sorely missed by all. He was, after all, always right.
Islwyn was born August 3, 1941 in Ebbw Vale, Wales and was the only child of Benjamin Davies and Katherine Rees. He spoke only Welsh until he started school and, at the age of 12, was accepted into the local technical school, where his life-long passion for engineering projects and problem-solving began. To further his technical training he moved to Rugby, England in the early ‘60s, where he met and married the love of his life, Win.
Islwyn wore many hats during his career but was primarily a rotating equipment engineer. In 1973 he took a position with a British firm to work on a project based in Mexico City. This opportunity provided a better life for the whole family and was the start of Win and Islwyn’s exploring the world. After Mexico, Canada became their new home: Montreal briefly, then Cochrane/Calgary for many years. An RV was acquired for thorough exploration of Alberta, BC and south as far as San Diego, summer and winter!
Win and Islwyn became empty-nesters by their mid-40s and the decades that followed were the best years of their lives. In 1991 they moved to the Victoria, BC, area where Islwyn designed and built their dream home in Dean Park. This home was truly a gift to Win with his love for her evident in the fine craftsmanship, space for family to visit, and the Rolls Royce parked in the garage. During this time, work required travel to Alberta, San Diego, Brazil and Alaska. Win was at his side whenever possible, and they took every opportunity they had to travel purely for enjoyment, often with friends and extended family. If there was a beautiful beach to walk on and some fine dining to be had, they were happy.
Their empty nest years included cherished time with grandchildren. Ben, Chad, Chesley and Luke were lucky to have young and enthusiastic grandparents. Many a good memory was made at Island View beach, during driving lessons on the ride-on mower in the yard, and on morning (race) walks in Oak Bay. Islwyn was a tireless cheerleader of each and every grandchild and dispensed many priceless words of advice and encouragement.
A move to Oak Bay in 2005 gave them more time to enjoy life, while still providing space for Islwyn’s creativity and skill in home renovation. Islwyn was heartbroken to lose Win in 2012; they were still very much in love.
In his final 5 years, he lived at Goodwin Manor, making new friends and substantial contributions to the maintenance and upgrade of the building, for which many are grateful.
Islwyn would be happy if you remembered the last time you shared a laugh with him and that you always “gotta have a plan” and a dream.
We are thankful for the care given to Islwyn by Dr Down, Dr Parhar, and the many compassionate folks at BC Cancer and the Victoria Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
My deepest and most sincere condolences to all Islwyn’s family.
He and I were childhood sweethearts way beck when in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, UK.
We have written to each other for many years, comparing our different vocations in life and speaking about our families.
The last time Islwyn visited Wales, we met up in Swansea… he was staying with some cousins in that area… which was where his parents hailed from.
I will miss our ‘chats’ over emails. R.I.P my dear friend.. xx