March 12, 1917 – January 21, 2013
With sadness we announce the passing of Geoffrey Venables on January 21, 2013 in Victoria, BC. He was 95. Geoff was predeceased by his loving wife Beverley in 2004 and is survived by his daughter Joan (Vic), his son Stephen (Colleen), brother-in-law Bill, along with grandchildren Nicole, Brandon, and Tanya and great-grandson Shane. He also leaves behind a niece, a nephew and many great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Geoff was born in Victoria on March 12, 1917. His early life was spent in Port Angeles and Anacortes, Washington.
During World War Two he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and was a member of the Army band. After the war he embraced his passion as a classically trained musician playing violin with the Victoria Symphony. Geoff was the last surviving founding member of the Hometowners, one of the finest western bands in Canada broadcasting weekly on coast-to-coast CBC radio and locally on CJVI radio during the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s.
A “crowning” achievement of the Hometowners was performing live for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at an impromptu square dancing recital at Government House during their visit to Victoria in 1959.
Geoff loved his family, travelling, and his waterfront home on Dallas Road which was the center of many memorable events.
“And the band played on!” Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Patty Romeo
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anne simmons Our sincere sympathy Although I was aware of Mr. Venables and his music for many years, via my radio, it was not until the early 1980s that I actually met him at the local Queen Alexandra Hospital (Solarium) where he and his fellow musicians played each year for the children , families , and staff at the Queen Alexandra on Arbutus Road. Geoff was very kind and always interested in the young people.
I think of him as a very accomplished local musical hero, as were all the Hometowners
Happy memories.
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Dorothy Venables Bryant Geoff was my former Uncle by marriage, and our families were very close while our children were growing up. Geoff and Bev also became close friends of my parents during that time. One memory that I will always cherish is that of the duet Geoff and I did at our church here in Portland, OR – me singing accompanied by Geoff on his violin.
My deepest condolences to Joan, Steve and their families
“Cousin” Dorothy
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Brian Andiel My deepest simpathy on the passing of our dear friend Geoff. I took violin lessons from Geoff from 1996 to 2000. I would knock at the side, basement door at Dallas road always to be greeted enthusiasticly by Geoff for my lesson. In 2000, Geoff played violin table to table at my wedding reception at the old Oak Bay Beach Hotel and for the first dance with my wife Dianne. He was a great showman! What a great man! I am very glad to have known Geoff Venables.
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frank lee My sincere sympathy on Geoff Venables passing. As a youngster I often enjoyed the Hometowners band in Beacon Hill Park. Only recently did I find out the Jim Botten, a fellow member of the Rotary club, his father was Botten on the Base fiddle. Super group, great memories, never knew them personally, but always enjoyed them.
Sincerest
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Dianne Pearce My sincere condolences to the family of Geoff, a very dear man. The night of the week that Geoff and the Hometowners recorded their CBC broadcast from Studio A, CJVI, was a treat for we station employees who enjoyed every performance as we watched and listened from the lobby. Geoff was unfailingly friendly and courteous to us. My last memory of this sweet man was when my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Deep Cove Chalet -Geoff was the strolling violinist and stopped to chat with us. May you find comfort in the many memories shared by Geoff’s friends and admirers.
Dianne Pearce.
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Brian Usher Your Dad was a big part of my life growing up with Fred Usher and the Hometowners. My Dad was born the same year, 1917, but we lost him 24 years ago. Keep all the good memories!
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Ron Usher My condolences to the family. With the passing of Geoff an era has truly come to an end. I have many fond memories from early days in Victoria listening to Geoff as he played with my Father’s band, the Hometowners.
For photos of Geoff and the band, as well as a number of recordings go to this link: http://tinyurl.com/hometowners
Ron Usher
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Noreen Lamb/Lorna Taylor Sorry to hear about Geoff and our condolenses to your family. I will always remember him playing his violin and Aunty Irene dancing to “I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts”.
I was sad to hear of Great Uncle Geoff passing. I am so glad we had all met a couple of years ago, and to hear the stories of the three brothers growing up. I enjoyed seeing all the pictures you had too.
My memories of Geoff are at the house on Dallas Rd. He was a very gentle and soft spoken man.
My condolences to you, Joan, Steve and families.