May 12, 1915 to November 4, 2012
Arthur passed away peacefully in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox, British Columbia on Sunday, November 4, 2012. He was 97 years old (just 3 years shy of a 100).
Arthur was born in Gravesend, Kent, England. He worked as a Waterman on the River Thames and through hard work and a shrewd business sense eventually owned and operated his own piloting business of navigating ships up the River Thames. He retired early to the Costa del Sol in Spain with his wife Betty, where he enjoyed many relaxing years in the sun.
In 1976, Arthur and Betty immigrated to Canada to be closer to his son. They settled in Alberta, opened a restaurant and enjoyed the “wild west”. They retired to Courtenay in 1980. Betty passed away in 1986 leaving Arthur alone for many years. He had several friends and wonderful neighbours (Marge and John) who kept him on his toes and cared for him in his later years. He will be sadly missed.
Arthur is survived by his son Ken (Darlene), Garibaldi Highlands, BC; four grandchildren Jacqueline, Paul (Pam), Kendra, and Harrisen; three great-grandchildren, Nicole, Desiree, and Hailey and one great-great-grandchild, London.
An informal gathering to celebrate Arthur’s colourful life will be held at Piercy’s Funeral Home on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Wildlife Society of Canada.