Dr. Marvin “Marv” Argatoff, 74, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023, at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Nelson, British Columbia to Alice and George Argatoff.
Marv studied Optometry at the University of Waterloo, where he met his wife Gail (married December 26, 1978). After graduation, Marv and Gail moved to Victoria, BC, where Marv opened his optometry practice in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre (now called Royal Oak Optometry) in 1979. Marv loved serving the community and his profession and worked at the same practice for nearly 45 years before (although he would deny it) retiring in 2021. Marv also served for years on the Board of Directors for BC Doctors of Optometry.
Outside of work, Marv enjoyed golf, fishing, cooking, sports, and spending time with family.
Marv will always be remembered as a generous, kind man who loved animals, was unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit (seriously), and wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to help someone in need.
Marv is survived by: his wife of 44 years, Gail; brothers George, Harold (Patricia), and Philip (Pat); sisters Nina, and Patti (Kelvin); daughters Joanne and Sandra (Jared) Raath; and grandchildren Nolan and Serena Raath. Marv was predeceased by brother Gerald and sister Molly.
A public Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, from 2:00-5:00 pm, on Sunday, June 25th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal charity in Marv’s name.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
-
Brent & Christie Morrison
-
Dr. Jack and Marilyn Williams Dear Gail and family,
We are sadden to hear of Marv’s passing… our heartfelt condolences. Marv was a valued colleague who served his profession well. Always a source of newsworthy discussions mixed with his inimitable humour. He will be missed by many.
-
Alisa Mokosak Think of you Gail and family. I worked for Marv 1987-1997 I can’t say enough about what a kind, giving boss he was. He would so often pass down toys, cloths etc to my children, not to mention the coffee’s and lunches at Fonbo’s so generous, he will be missed.
-
Jane Stewart I am so very sorry to learn of Dr. Argatoff’s passing. He was my Optometrist for many years. He was such a nice man, I so enjoyed my appointments with him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
So sorry to learn of Marvin’s recent passing. We remember fondly Marv and Gail warmly welcoming us and our boys to Victoria many years ago. We will remember Marvin for his quiet, friendly demeanor as a colleague and a friend. Our sincere condolences to Gail and the girls.