Jeremy Arthur McArthur

On October 26, 1954, Jeremy McArthur was born with a zest for life. He embraced all that it had to offer in a journey that spanned choirboy to sailor, ballroom dancer to scuba diver, cable TV host to intrepid travel blogger.

He was drawn to sports from an early age and competed in hockey, rugby, sailing, rowing and even tried a bit of dragon boating and lawn bowling. In his last years, he became a ferocious “Qwirkle” player.

Jerry’s working life was also multi-faceted, much of it spent on the water where he ran a crew boat and for brief episodes, he taught sailing, ran a water taxi and was an urchin diver. For the hospitality industry he operated a tea house, was a Maître d’ Hotel, bartended and waited on tables. He enjoyed his last working years as a parks contractor for Strathcona park. His working life reflected his spare time pursuits of cruising the waters of BC and hiking its great outdoors.

His broad life experiences made him an excellent storyteller, often with brandy and pipe in hand. One minute he’d carry you to a sunken ship and the next, you’d be on the edge of you seat in Tokyo brushing up against the Yakuza, or enjoying a heartwarming anecdote from his work with the mentally handicapped, or along with him for a bracing sail in the Swiftsure.

He was a fun travel partner, attracting many adventures abroad, never too shy to pretend he knew the language, customs or rules of the road. Always managing to maintain his cool, even when missing the flight to his honeymoon, lost in St. Petersburg’s underground or accidentally barging in on Italian lovers in Venice. No trip was boring.

Jerry battled, without complaint, many serious health issues, always remaining optimistic, supported by his core faith and strong family ties.

Too early, he passed away on July 9, 2026, surrounded by family. He was so well loved and will be sadly missed.

“I never knew life could be so good!”

- Jerry, surrounded by chaos

Jeremy leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Eva, children: Elizabeth, John (Xena), Alastair (Carlie), Thomas (Maya), grandchildren: June, Jukka and Brielle. Preceded in death by brothers Ian and Jaimie, he also leaves behind sisters: Kathie (Ron), Susan, Pam (Brent) and brothers: Tony (Aya) and Tim (Linda) and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

A service in memory of Jeremy McArthur will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 201 Birch Street, Campbell River. Tea to follow at 177 South Alder. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation of BC are appreciated, or just make a point of thanking your health care providers - Jerry always did.