Malcolm passed away peacefully on February 7 in Victoria, B.C., surrounded by his wife and children. Malcolm was born in Kelty, Scotland before immigrating to Canada with his parents and younger brother, Alec. After graduating from the University of Victoria, Malcolm’s daughter, Miranda was born shortly after, and he began his extensive career as a teacher throughout Greater Victoria and the Ministry of Education. It was while teaching at SJ Willis that he met his wife Grace and her two sons Gilbert and Gabriel. They were married in 1989 and had two daughters, Genevieve and Giselle.
A passionate and inspired educator, Malcolm touched the lives of thousands of students in his 48-year career. His love of teaching was clear to everyone he crossed paths with, and his impact was far reaching. Always a memorable teacher, former students tell him when they see him how much they enjoyed his classes. He had a special way of meeting students where they were and encouraging cooperative learning for current and future success. Supporting and advocating for his students was one of his greatest achievements, and his educational contributions will have a lasting effect on generations of students.
Malcolm had eclectic interests and hobbies including ikebana and ballroom dancing, which he did with Grace weekly. He had a designer’s eye and completed several renovations in their family heritage home and sewed matching dresses for his daughters and wife. Above all, his proudest accomplishment was raising his children and witnessing their impact on their communities. He was his family’s biggest fan and the first to cheer them on in any and all of their endeavours. Being with his grandkids was an added joy in his life. Those closest to Malcolm know he was happiest spending time with Grace and their dog, Gemma.
You are and will be forever missed.
We thank the CCU nursing team at Royal Jubilee Hospital, as well as Dr. MacDonald and the renal team for the compassionate care they provided Malcolm in our last days together.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ‘Malcolm and Grace Wong Sneddon Fund to Support Chinese Canadian History and Legacy’ held at the Victoria Foundation. To make a donation online, please visit www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca under Make a Donation please indicate the name of the Fund in the comment box.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
Dear Gracie, Gilbert, Gabriel, Genevieve and Giselle,
We were shocked and devastated to read about Malcolm’s passing in the Times Colonist. What a profound loss for your family and for the community. Our thoughts are with you all during this challenging time.
With love,
Jane, Phil and Family
Dear Grace and family – so very sorry to hear of Malcolm’s passing. With our very best wishes to you and your family at this difficult time. Take care.
Shari and Phil Winter
Dear Grace and family,
We are so very sorry to learn of Malcolm’s passing. We send our sincere condolences. Malcolm lived a life that truly mattered. His role as an educator touched countless lives, and his role as husband, father, friend, and community member was deep and wide. Our hearts ache for you, and we send our deepest wishes that memories of happy times will soon ease the pain you feel now. Julie and Bill.
Dear Grace, we were very sad to hear of Malcolm’s passing. We will miss him on the dance floor. Like you, he was a wonderful part of the dance community and we always looked forward to classes shared with the two of you. He had a great way of relating to others and brought a positive presence to the dance classes. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Grace and all your family,
I was very saddened to hear of Malcolm’s death. I only met him once but I remember well what a friendly and kind person he was.
My deep condolences to you all.
Jane Bond
(fellow parent all those years ago at Quadra School)
To the family of Malcolm Sneddon. My condolences to you on the passing of Malcolm. I worked with Malcolm at Lambrick Park Secondary and Victoria High School. I referred to Malcolm as “the math whisperer” – he helped students understand math and through his skills the students gained confidence in all learning areas. Every student would benefit from a teacher such as Malcolm Sneddon.
So sorry to hear about your loss, Grace.
It is apparent Malcom cherishes all you do; making your family life rich and supporting so many others.
May he rest in peace.
Raymond Mew- Kahren and family.
Dear Grace and family – my sincere condolences at this sad time. – Lara Wilson, UVic Special Collections & University Archives
On behalf of several Vic High students from the grad class of 2014, I just wanted to say what a wonderful impact Mr. Sneddon made on our experience. Our parents even remember him! Best wishes to his family – I enjoyed reading more about his home life.
Our condolences to you and your family Grace. Malcolm was always there with you and supported your endeavours. We enjoyed his company whether it was at ballroom dancing or at dinner events. Malcolm was also a great teacher and I was fortunate to have him as my teacher at Central. He influenced many kids during his many years as a teacher. We will miss him but will always remember member his kind and helpful nature.