Bedford was born February 16, 1930 in Gleichen, Alberta. He passed away peacefully on January 5, 2016 in the Care Unit at Berwick Royal Oak, Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Bulman in 1990, his daughter, Colleen in 1982 and his brother, Mervyn Bates in 1979. Bedford will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon Bodard, children Debbie (Lawrie Garrett), and Kevin (Gail); stepchildren, Shauna, Wynne and Keith Empey (Laurie); 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear sister, Marcia (Mike Picard) and her children, Correne and Devon, and 6 grandchildren.
Bedford was raised in Kimberley, BC. He received a BSc in Pharmacy at UBC in 1953. He then joined McGill and Orme Pharmacy and pursued his career there, retiring in 1986 as President. He served on many pharmacy committees throughout his career and was President of the Vancouver Island Pharmacists Association.
Bedford was active in a number of local organizations. He joined the Victoria Rotary Club in 1969 and held several positions including Vice President, Student exchange, and Historian. He was also President of the Capital City Executive Association and their Historian for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill for the Handicapped for over 20 years.
Because of his interest in history, Bedford was appointed Chairman of the Barkerville Pharmacy Restoration Committee. He later donated artifacts and set up the old time drug store on the 3rd floor of the Royal British Columbia Museum.
After retirement, Bedford became interested in genealogy. He and Sharon were avid researchers and travelled to many of the areas of origin of their ancestors. He was at one time President of the Victoria Genealogical Society.
Bedford was seen by many as a gentleman, with a kind heart, and known for his 100% approach to life.
There will be no funeral or memorial service at Bedford’s request. He will be cremated and interment will be at Royal Oak Burial Park at a future date.
We wish to express our sincere thanks for the kind and compassionate care provided by Dr. Ted Rosenberg and the staff in the Care Unit at Berwick Royal Oak.
Donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Marvel and Gordon Nash
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Ramsay Murray Sharon
I was sad to hear of the passing of Bedford and to realise we had lost touch as would all the old Capital City Executive Club though most we knew are gone.
Please accept my sympathy at losing such a fine companion.
Ramsay
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Doug and Anne Paula thompson To all the family especially those I baby sat! Anne Paula and I offer our condolences. I apprenticed at M&O and cannot thank Bed enough for all the encouragement he gave to me and all the other young pharmacists to be. The world needed people like Bed, Thanks for being there, we miss you.
To Sharon we send our love and we too will keep on traveling, such good advice.
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Ron Nicholson I offer my deepest condolences to Sharon and Bedford’s entire family.I knew Bedford through the Victoria Genealogical Society where he was extremely helpful and encouraged me to get more involved in the Society and in researching my personal family history. I certainly admired Bedford, and I hope his many fond memories comfort the family in this period of grief.
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Mike and Heather Steele Dear Debbie, Kevin, Sharon, and Family,
Our deepest condolences for your Dad’s passing. We will always remember his caring and happy disposition and the many
hours and days talking and visiting and joking around.All our Love and sympathy, Heather and Mike Steele
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Sue Stocks Mr. Bates was truly a man of class and a true gentleman. I know my father, Ron Stocks, thought a great deal of him as I did I. It is odd because just the other day I thought about him and have thought of him many times in the past year. My condolences to the family, never easy to lose a parent.
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Rob d'Estrube Dear Family,
Although I am now retired from the Capital City Executives Association I am sure I can speak for all who knew and admired Bedford in saying that he is remembered fondly and well respected for all of his interests on so many people’s behalves. Ever cheerful and helpful he was a cornerstone in the recent past for the Association; we were sorry to see him move on in retirement. He was tirelessly enthusiastic about the archival value of the Association records and he was able to have them placed in permanent archives through the efforts of B.C.’s chief archivist when he retired from our Association. In his time as President he provided us with sage leadership and our Association prospered under him. Bedford was a man we could all want to deal with and be friends with; I cherish his memory. I send all of you my condolences.
Rob d’Estrube
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Margaret and Harvey Buckmaster Sharon, We were saddened to learn of Bedford’s passing and want to send you our sympathy.
You were both wonderful to work with over the years in the Victoria Genealogy Society. It was a privilege to be able to get to know you both. Bedford was always so considerate and positive and it was a pleasure to converse with him.
We know how difficult this time is for you but hope many happy memories will help.
Take care, Margaret and Harvey Buckmaster
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Brenda Costanzo Kevin: So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I think of him often and all the fun we had together on Epsom Place during my UVIC years. He was a terrific person, very kind and loving and I know you will have many great memories of him to get you through the next while. I can still hear him saying I was his “EYE-talian” friend and telling me jokes! Take care. Brenda
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Peter Miller Dear Kevin, Debbie and family. Sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad. Will always remember our Epsom Drive neighborhood and all the families we grew up with.
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Merv Scott, Project Director, Victoria Genealogical Society Sincere condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of his passing.
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Bonnie Nelson Dear Debbie, Kevin and family….I am so sorry for your loss. Your folks were two of the most loving people; defining all that is wonderfully ‘family’! My mom recently moved to Berwick and I ran into your dad in the hall. Nothing had changed…his beautiful smile, big hug, warm nature and genuine interest in others! Hoping years of rich memories bring you comfort.
Hugs,
Bonnie
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Dave Obee A man with class and style. Bedford was an exceptional president of the VGS, and set a high standard for those who followed.
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Mike Picard May you rest in peace.
Was wondering how Bedford was doing and came across this notice on the Internet. Bedford was my second cousin on my grandmother Snell’s side of the family and I had just met him in person a short time ago. We had corresponded by email about our family history many times. Our condolences to Sharon and family. We lost two family members last year, our son Russell and my cousin Larry Gibson. Very sad times so you are all in our thoughts.