October 31, 1944 – May 7, 2014
Surrounded by his loving family, Stuart passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice after a courageous, nine year battle with cancer. Predeceased by his mother, Hilary and father, Antony, he is survived by his wife of 45 years, Anthea; his three children, Adrian (Katie), Sara (Jeff) and Hilary; his four grandchildren, Griffin, Andrew, Ellysen and Henry; his twin brother Gordon, sisters Alexandra and Carolyn and seven nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends.
Born in England, Stuart came to Canada in 1970 and lived in Toronto with his wife for 11 years. They later moved to Nanaimo before settling in Victoria in 1985.
An award-winning architect, his passion for design was undeniable as was his zest for life. He pursued many varied interests with a remarkable intensity. From cycling, x-country skiing and kayaking to art, photography and music, he was never idle. Perhaps most of all, he loved sailing. If he was not out on the water, he was often found at the marina working on his boat and visiting with friends. Stuart served as the Registrar for the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), the Chair of the Board of Directors at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) and sat on the Saanich Design Panel. Stuart will be remembered for his zany sense of humour, his intelligence, his integrity and his kindness. He will be in our hearts and forever loved.
A celebration of Stuart’s life will be held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 3475 Ripon Road, on Wednesday, May 14, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society or Victoria Hospice.
Condolences for the family may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
28 Responses
Hello Anthea,
You probably don’t remember me, it was way back in Nanaimo and the Figure Skating Club., I do remember visiting you after you moved to Victoria. I think you were at Ten Mile Point. (I was Vipond then)
I certainly remember you and Stuart. I am so sorry for your loss, in the short time I knew you both, he was one of those people you remember in so many ways- how sad to lose him so soon.
I see from the obit that Adrian and Sara are both married and you have grandchildren. 4 no less. I only have 3!
All the best Anthea as you enter a new stage in your life.
With love and fond memories
Priscilla
Anthea and family. I worked on many committees with Stuart as we had parrallel architectural practices. He was an interesting person, a hard working member of the AIBC always giving. It is my honour to say I was his friend. Please accept my condolences and go forward in life proud and happy you were part of his life.
Ben Levinson
As another UK trained architect who emigrated to B C in 1976 I did have the pleasure of being involved with Stuart when he was the chair of the AIBC Design Panel Committee when I was in the process of setting up a Design Panel here on Salt Spring Island. At that time I found him to be both contentious as an architect and an enjoy-er of life!
My condolences go out to his immediate family and all his friends who are saddened at this loss.
Hilary, Anthea and family,
Love and condolences to you all as you experience this loss. Stuart was a great man and we had many great conversations when we all used to come hang out at the Piets residence at a young age. The success and kind hearts of his children are truly a product of what great parents Stuart and Anthea are. My thoughts are with you all and I’m sorry I could not be in the country to be there in person on Wednesday. Thinking of you.
Dear Anthea
I was saddened to read of Stuart’s untimely passing – our thoughts are with you and your family.
We haven’t seen each other since you moved away from Toronto, but I still have fond memories of our visits. It has always been my intention to visit Vancouver Island and stop by, sadly things haven’t yet worked out that way. Hopefully now that I’m retired, we will finally get a chance to visit.
Glad to hear of your expanding family, you beat us by one grandchild (we have three).
Much love,
Henry & Ruth Gibbs
Dear Anthea
Stuart was a very loyal and giving man, and GNS was most fortunate that he shared his talents with the school first on the Board and then the Foundation. His warmth, intelligence and wry humour will be greatly missed. I am grateful for his many contributions to the school, and for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Dear Anthea and family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Stuart. May all the wonderful family memories comfort you at this time.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rick, Jan, Nolan and Hilary Wheeler
Dear Anthea and family…
My sympathies to you.
I knew Stuart in his role as Chair of the GNS Foundation. I joined as a new member in 2012 and had the good fortune of sitting next to Stuart. He immediately extended a big welcome and engaged me in my duties as a fellow Board member. Stuart was very generous to a newbie like me and showed me the power of listening. My relationship with Stuart was brief but he left an indelible impression of a sage man who was deep and and generous . Stuart ‘s quiet leadership is going to be missed significantly on the Foundation
Best regards
Jim Hopkins
Dear Anthea and children: We’ve just read Stuart’s obituary in the T-C.
Such a wonderful and quirky man! A real shock to hear of his passing. We will surely miss his warm smile, and his huge contributions to the community and to GNS, from which we all benefited immensely. Our thoughts are with you.
Our heartfelt condolences to Anthea and family for your loss of Stuart.
He was a good friend and a top notch person that we had the priviledge to know and enjoy coastal boating adventures with.
Stuart’s good humoured individualism will be sorely missed!