At the end of a grand 96 years, navigated with humour, courage, generosity, and love of family, Vic passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 20, 2018, following a brief illness. Predeceased by Helen, his beloved wife of 56 years, brother Albert, and sisters Irene, Lena, Iris, and Valerie, Vic will be greatly missed and remembered with enormous love by his grateful and admiring children Janice (John Vardon), Colin (Azadeh Shidrang) and Wendy, along with grandchildren Elena (Jonathan English), Miranda, Sean, and Christopher, and sisters Lily and Gladys in England.
Vic was a born storyteller, entertaining us all with fascinating (and often hilarious) stories of his rich life, which began in London England, where in his youth he was a talented soccer player. His service as a young man in the Royal Navy on the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable took him around the world. Back in post-war London one enchanted evening at a company dance, Vic met Helen. They married in 1954 and immigrated to Toronto in 1958, where their family of three soon grew to five. Vic worked for Alcan for over 25 years, rising to a management position, and in the process teaching his children the values of diligence and hard work. Despite the Cockney accent that never quite left him, he was a proud Canadian, camping with his family and exploring Canada with Helen.
In retirement, Vic and Helen became founding members of the Probus Club of Mississauga Centre which provided them with many opportunities to enjoy activities with new friends. Vic was known as an avid horse-racing enthusiast and a prudent handicapper, who usually came out as a winner upon placing a bet. A generous man, Vic often gave his winnings to family and charities. As a proud WW II veteran, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 15, participating in Remembrance Day ceremonies each year. Until recently, a fiercely independent Vic continued to live in the Mississauga house that has been the family home for almost 50 years.
Friends may call at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel on Tuesday May 29, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service celebrating Vic’s life will take place at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga, (Hwy. 10, N. of QEW) on Wednesday May 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) would be deeply appreciated by the family.