Born January 18, 1937 in Calgary, Alberta; passed away September 18, 2019 in Victoria, BC.
Miles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances; daughters, Sally Forseth (Alan Fyfe) and Tia Primrose (Vaughn McColl); granddaughter, Charlie Kocurek; niece, Anne Williams (Matt), sons Miles and Toby; nephew-in-law, Doug Grant and son, Rory.
Dad was actively involved in his community through sponsorship of youth sports teams, the Gordon Head Kiwanis, Camosun College Foundation Board, Saanich Police Board, and Sidney Anglers. He was a 1955 Mount Doug grad and continued to meet his classmates for lunch every month.
Being an experienced automotive mechanic with good business sense, Dad bought Gordon Head Shell from Mel Dennstedt, and carried on with the gold standard Mel had set for customer service, for the next 30 years. Miles employed many of the local kids, often being their first boss, sometimes twice! Miles and Fran then went on to create Tires Unlimited, with a very loyal and hardworking team, for the next 25 years.
Through their membership with Capital City Yacht Club, they had years of boating. Great years were spent at their cabin on Piers Island. He was one of the many active volunteers and donors on the PIA and the PIID.
Miles was proud of his granddaughter, Charlie. He believed strongly in education and supported not only her goals, but those of many others.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 11 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, Royal Oak location, 4665 Falaise Drive.
Fran has asked for no flowers, please.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
My sincerest condolences to Fran, Sally, Tia, and the rest of the Primrose family. It was my great pleasure to work for Miles and Fran in the Gordon Head Shell days and Miles is remembered as a kind, patient, and honourable man, who gave many young men and women an early step into the world of employment. He was a very wise and special man to work for and with, and I was saddened to hear of his recent passing. Godspeed, Miles Primrose. Heaven is fortunate to have you.
Dear Fran,
I’m sorry that (the other) Miles and I can’t be there right now, but our thoughts are with you. All of us loved Miles dearly. We’ll miss him so very much.
Our best wishes go out to you, and to Charlie, and to all of your friends and your family.
Matt and Miles
Miles made a lasting impression though his many contributions to the Piers Island community. It was my privilege to work with him on countless island projects. Fran and family can take solace from the fact that he will always be remembered as someone his Piers neighbors could count on. An example to all of us.
Gerry Kristianson
Dear Fran and Family
Miles will be deeply missed on Piers Island. He was a “fixture”, riding his lawn mower while cutting the grass in the orchard and fields, always doing his share to help out. We will miss his big smile and positive words he had for everyone. The Primrose contributions are seen everywhere on Piers. Miles was so generous. So many good memories of a lovely man. Thinking of all of you and sending hugs,
Sandy and Bob
Fran and family …
I am so very sorry to hear of Miles’ passing . Miles will be deeply missed by Family , Friends and Customers. This has been a challenging year of loss ….. the one Gift Of Advice that I can offer to You is to Let Your Loved Ones Help You on this very difficult journey..
Sending My Love
Sandy Seabrook
WestCoast Tire
Dear Fran and family,
We will always remember Miles’ warm smile, kindness and generosity. I know it’s cliche, but we are all a little bit poorer for his passing. Sending love and condolences.
Sincerely,
Catherine, Craig and Brendan Marney
How does one sum up a man, a man I knew briefly, but well, in the last few years of his very full, amazing life? Miles was energetic, humorous, and incredibly generous. That is a huge part of the man.
When I drove him around town on his many errands (he called it Driving Miss Daisy), particularly anywhere near auto industry businesses, I witnessed another part: people would walk out their doors to shake Miles’ hand and say a warm hello, reminisce and share a laugh with him. They talked to him with respect and admiration, and he was always gracious and appreciative. These sweet, frequent interactions told me so much more about Miles the man.
He used to say, “You made my day.” Well, Miles, you made my day, too. I miss you, my friend. Blessings to Fran, Tia and Sally, all such wonderful people.
Dear Fran
Miles was a man who made a difference. Our small Gulf Island Community would not be the wonderful place it is today without the dedication and contributions of Miles. Your husband thought of everyone else first. And that is the lasting memory we will keep of him.
Love Steve and Pauline
Piers Island
I am truely sorry to see Miles go. He was a very good man and influenced me greatly as a young man. My condolences to the entire family.
We are deeply saddened by the passage of Miles. We shall miss him greatly every time we visit. He was always cheerful, loved exchanging jokes, and was always full of energy.
Bess and Don