Dad passed away peacefully at Veterans Memorial Lodge. Predeceased by his daughter Donna in 2002, left to honour his memory, are his devoted wife of 74 years Thelma, daughters Connie (Steve) & Kathy, grandchildren, David (Gayla), Scott, Catherine, Holly & Jodi , great grandchildren , Lukas, Sam, Quinn and Colton.
He was born in Nipawin, SK, the youngest of 4. Raised on a farm during the depression, there were lots of chores & lots of freedom. They enjoyed a rough & tumble life but never wanted for anything. He enjoyed playing all sports especially hockey. Dad moved to Victoria in 1942 when his father was stationed here during the war.
A welder by trade, he worked at Yarrows shipyard, then Coast Metal Craft, fabricating wrought iron railings, fences & other ornamental designs. With his ingenuity, his natural ability to engineer & fabricate, Hijacker Camper Jacks were born. With a partner, Clive Cameron, they started Victoria Industries to manufacture their product – HIJACKER JACKS and became leaders in the RV industry. He set a standard for his business ethics & his support of his employees.
Dad joined the View Royal Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1956 & retired in 1986 as Deputy Chief. He spent countless hours volunteering for the community. After retirement, Dad & Mom joined the JDF seniors centre, where they brought their special energy to everything they participated in.
Together, with the love of his life, Thelma, they created a loving home for their 3 girls. He was so proud of his family. His grandchildren adored him & he had a special relationship with each one. Our home in View Royal (that Dad built) was the center of our family & friends. There was always a reason to celebrate, play cards & entertain, – they were generous hosts. They camped, cruised, took bus, road & overseas trips, creating wonderful memories with everyone.
Messages coming in from the community recall his kindness, sense of fun, work ethic and integrity. He was highly respected . A man who did the right thing, even when no one was watching…
Up until his passing, Dad remained in good spirits; he joked with & teased the staff. He was well liked at Broadmead Lodge & we thank them for their kindness.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Reception to follow. Instead of flowers, donate to a charity or buy yourself some flowers & enjoy a memory of Everett.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
17 Responses
Everett was always joking, and the life of every meal at Cherish. We all loved them both. My condolences to Thelma.
On behalf of the Yardley Family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Everett. Hal, our Father, (97) today was recalling a number of “View Royal memories”, of great times with the Volunteer Fire Dept and the camaraderie of the members. Beating Langford FD, in Softball, was one of the many highlights.
“EV”, Dad said, was a great guy, and left a great impression on all those he touched. He will be missed.
What a beautiful ,fitting tribute to your dad. My condolences to your mom, you girls and your families. Both your parents made everyone feel welcome in their home. I have wonderful memories of them. I remember making those “ hijackers” in your basement with Kathy.
My thoughts are with the Creelman family at this hour .
I have so many happy remembered good times with
Everett and Thelma’s family .
Some of my life long memory’s belong to the times our family spent with yours .
Please accept my deepest condolences
Our family and all those that knew him
Will always keep him in our hearts as long as we Livelots of love from Dan Richards and all our family
Members ❤️
My sincerest condolences. Rest In Peace old friend.
We all have the most fond memories. What a lovely, kind, funny and special human he was. Our boy’s who have known your parents since they were very young, also have the kindest words about Everett.
Forever in our hearts. Love to you all at this sad time.
Debbie, John, Brian and Adam.
Wow, what a great and well deserved tribute to your Dad..so many fond fun memories with both your Dad and Mom…saved in my memory bank..Beautiful friends…love from my family to yours..Pat Garrington..xo
I remember Ev fondly. He was always gracious, helpful and funny. May the many memories that you all have of him, keep his love with you always.
Many times Ev and myself answered the”Horns” only to find Dakota laying in the middle of the road. He as a Newfoundland dog and did in fact have the right of way. My years with the View Riyal Fire Department where enriched with the knowledge that we worked for the community and each other keeping both safe and ready to meet the coming day.
Ev was and still is a reminder that we are each others keepers.
Thanks for the great times, memories that hang on even thru sad times.
Rest in peace, for answering the last “Horn”.
What wonderful tribute to your lovely dad.
Such a special man who will truly be missed.
We are sure you brought him great joy over the years.
We send our love.