A Season of Community, Gardens, Music, and Meaning

A Letter to Our Community

Summer on Southern Vancouver Island brings a rhythm all its own. Gardens are in full bloom, waterfront pathways fill with evening walkers, music drifts through public squares, and neighbours gather once again at markets, concerts, and community celebrations across Greater Victoria.

At McCall Gardens, we are continually reminded how deeply community matters. Whether through quiet conversations, shared memories, or time spent with family and friends, the summer season often encourages reflection alongside celebration. It is a time to reconnect with the people and places that bring meaning to our lives.

In this edition, we are pleased to share a collection of local highlights, seasonal experiences, thoughtful planning resources, and stories from the people who help serve families every day. We hope these pages inspire moments of enjoyment, connection, and appreciation throughout the season ahead.

Warm regards,

Trevor McCall and the McCall Gardens Team

Summer Evenings at The Butchart Gardens

Summer at The Butchart Gardens remains one of Greater Victoria’s most beloved traditions. From colourful perennial displays to evening entertainment under the stars, the gardens offer a peaceful and uplifting experience for visitors of all ages.

The summer concert series and illuminated gardens create a memorable atmosphere that draws both residents and visitors throughout the warmer months. Evening strolls through the Sunken Garden or the Rose Garden can feel wonderfully restorative, especially during the long daylight hours of a Vancouver Island summer.

For many families, visiting the gardens becomes part of an annual rhythm — a familiar place where memories continue to grow across generations. Summer reminds us that beauty often lives in simple moments shared together.

Waterfront Markets and Community Gatherings

Across Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, summer markets and outdoor community events continue to bring neighbours together in welcoming and meaningful ways.

From Sidney’s seaside charm to neighbourhood festivals throughout Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and Victoria, local gatherings offer opportunities to support small businesses, enjoy local music, and reconnect with the community after the quieter winter months.

Outdoor markets also reflect something uniquely comforting about life on the West Coast: slowing down enough to enjoy conversation, fresh food, handcrafted goods, and time outdoors with family and friends.

Community traditions, no matter how large or small, help strengthen the sense of belonging that makes Greater Victoria such a special place to call home.

A Walk Through Local History

Summer is an ideal time to explore the stories and heritage woven throughout our region. Greater Victoria is fortunate to have remarkable historical organizations and archives that preserve the memories of earlier generations.

The Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria continues to offer thoughtful opportunities to learn about local history through walking tours, research, and preservation work. Their efforts help connect present-day residents with the individuals and families who helped shape our communities many decades ago.

Likewise, the City of Victoria Archives remains a meaningful resource for genealogy, family history, photographs, and community memory. Exploring these stories can be a powerful reminder that every life leaves a lasting imprint on the people and places around us.

Reflecting on local history often encourages us to think more deeply about our own family stories and the legacy we hope to leave for future generations.

Wellness, Friendship, and Lifelong Connection

Summer also brings many opportunities for older adults to stay active, social, and engaged throughout the community.

Organizations such as Silver Threads Service continue to provide welcoming programs, educational opportunities, fitness activities, and social gatherings that support healthy aging and meaningful connection.

Maintaining friendships and community involvement can have a profound impact on emotional wellbeing. Whether through a walking group, art class, volunteer opportunity, or shared coffee conversation, moments of connection help strengthen both resilience and joy.

As we age, community becomes increasingly valuable. Summer offers many simple opportunities to reconnect with others and enjoy the companionship that enriches everyday life.

The Benefits of Funeral Preplanning

Many people find that summer provides a natural opportunity to organize important personal and family matters with greater clarity and peace of mind.

Funeral preplanning allows individuals to communicate their wishes thoughtfully while easing future emotional and financial burdens for loved ones. Having important decisions documented in advance often gives families reassurance during difficult times.

At McCall Gardens, preplanning conversations are approached with care, compassion, and respect. Families are guided through options at a comfortable pace, allowing them to make informed decisions that reflect their personal values and preferences.

Planning ahead is not simply about preparing documents. It is an act of consideration for those we care about most. Thoughtful preparation can offer tremendous comfort to future generations.

Staff Spotlight

Meet Dean Freer – General Manager/ Licensed Funeral Director

For many families in Greater Victoria, Dean Freer is a familiar and trusted presence whose calm professionalism has helped guide people through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Born in Trail, British Columbia and raised in Victoria, Dean joined McCall’s in 1988 and has devoted decades to serving families throughout the community. After completing his professional training through the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Mortuary Science program, he became an important part of the growth and evolution of McCall Gardens.

When Sequoia Gardens was established in 1998, Dean was promoted to Location Manager. Today, he serves as General Manager, overseeing operations while continuing to uphold the compassionate standards that families have long associated with McCall Gardens.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dean has remained deeply involved in the broader community through volunteer service and civic organizations. Over the years he has contributed his time to the Shawnigan Lake Fire Department, the Saanich Police Reserve Program, the Victoria Harbourside Rotary Club, and the Royal Canadian Legion. His longstanding commitment to community service reflects the same care and dedication he brings to the families he supports each day.

Outside of work, Dean enjoys fly fishing, golf, hockey, and time with his family. Colleagues and families alike appreciate his steady leadership, warmth, and genuine care for others.

Aftercare Support for Families

The weeks following the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, particularly when families are faced with administrative responsibilities and unfamiliar paperwork.

McCall Gardens offers a dedicated Aftercare Program designed to help families navigate many of these important tasks with guidance and support. Assistance may include government applications, pension notifications, insurance matters, account updates, and referrals to grief support resources throughout Greater Victoria.

Families often find reassurance in having compassionate assistance available during a time when even small tasks can feel difficult to manage. The program reflects McCall Gardens’ commitment to caring for families not only during funeral arrangements, but in the months that follow as well.

Support, guidance, and kindness can make a meaningful difference during periods of grief and transition.

Upcoming Events at McCall Gardens

FREE Executor Protection Workshop: Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 1:00 pm 

McCall Gardens invites members of the community to attend an informative and complimentary Executor Protection Workshop focused on estate planning, probate, wills, and reducing stress for loved ones in the future.

Topics include:

• How probate works and how it impacts your Executor
• The importance of having an updated will
• Ways to help your Executor professionally manage estate responsibilities
• Strategies to ensure funds are available despite frozen bank accounts
• How funeral and cremation preplanning can reduce emotional and financial stress for families

This educational workshop is designed to provide practical guidance and peace of mind for individuals and families planning ahead. Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged.

To learn more and register, please visit: Executor Protection Workshop Registration

Closing Reflections

Summer reminds us to pause and appreciate the moments that bring comfort, connection, and meaning to everyday life. Whether gathering with family, attending a community event, tending a garden, or simply enjoying the beauty of Vancouver Island, these experiences help shape lasting memories.

At McCall Gardens, we remain grateful to be part of a community that values compassion, service, and care for one another. We wish you and your family a peaceful and meaningful summer season.