Len (Leonard) Harrie Mustard

Born and raised with his sister Brenda, and lifelong friend Geoff, in Brighton, England, Len's adventurous spirit emerged early. As a young man, he left Brighton for Bermuda, where he served as a police bobby. From there, his journey took him next to New York and then Toronto, where he built a career in advertising.

In Toronto, Len and first wife Sylvia started their family, welcoming daughters Sandi and Erica before making a life-changing move to Vancouver Island in 1974 where Jody, his third daughter, was born. The Island became the place Len would call home for the next fifty-two years.

For the past twenty years, Len shared his life with his beloved wife, Marie Mustard. Together they built a partnership grounded in love, companionship, laughter, and mutual devotion.

Len was an entrepreneur at heart. He opened businesses, took chances, reinvented himself more than once, and was never afraid to start over. Over the years he owned and operated several successful businesses, including Beullah’s Fish and Chips, Mustard's Restaurant in Qualicum Beach (now Dees), and later The Pickle Pot in Nanaimo. After a brief period in real estate, he found his way into property management, where he built and operated House Watchers and continued working until retirement.

But if you asked those who knew him best what defined Len, they probably wouldn't start with his career. They might tell you about soccer or motorcycles or theatre or sailing or his relentless love of life.

Len approached life with determination, optimism, and a refusal to quit. He was fiercely loving, endlessly resourceful, and, according to everyone who knew him, wonderfully stubborn.

Soccer was a lifelong passion. For many years, weekends were spent on the sidelines cheering him on as he played the game he loved. Long after many people his age had hung up their cleats, Len was still finding reasons to stay in the game.

He also loved motorcycles and fast cars (the Porsche especially). He was almost never without a motorbike. He loved the thrill of speed on a bike and if you knew what to ask, he'd be happy to tell you a spirited story about outrunning a pesky policeman or two. Skydiving was another daredevil pastime that filled his adrenaline bucket. Len embraced life with enthusiasm and never lost his appreciation for speed, adventure, and the freedom of the open road.

For many years while living on the island, Len participated in theatre productions, from small bit parts to leading roles. His penchant for performance was also indulged by his 26-year run as the Qualicum Beach Town Crier. With Marie at his side, his beloved consort, Len regaled and delighted many with his authentic town cries.

Ultimately sailing was his greatest passion. When asked recently if there were any stories he wanted us to always remember about him, he said “Sailing”. Whether sailing local waters or the Straits of Florida, sharing adventures with family and friends, or participating in the legendary New Year's Day voyages of the "Terrible Mustards," on the water with friends from Schooner Cove Yacht Club, Len found freedom, joy, and community. It was where his adventurous spirit was most at home.

Above all, Len's greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his wife, Marie Mustard; his sister Brenda Mayotte and brother-in-law, Wayne; his daughters, Sandi Mustard (Jordy Neilson), Erica Mustard, and Jody Moore (Dave); his step daughters Wendy Anderson (Bryan) & Cheryl Keck Baycroft (Taylor); his grandchildren, Ryan Moore, Sadie & Teddy Leonard Mustard Egglestone (father, Jacob), Miles & Ruby Anderson, and Noelle Baycroft; the mother of his children, Sylvia (Donn) Gardner; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Len's legacy lives on in the determination he inspired, the adventures he encouraged, the love he gave so freely, and the optimism he carried through every chapter of his life.

The measure of a life is not found in years alone, but in stories, relationships, adventures, laughter, and love. By that measure, Len's was a life overflowing with riches.

The winds that carried him across oceans, countries, careers, and decades have gone calm. Those who loved him will carry his stories forward and think of him whenever they see a sail on the horizon, hear the roar of a motorcycle, or feel the pull of a new adventure.

Fair winds and following seas, Len/Dad. Thank you for showing us how to live boldly.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” --Mahatma Gandhi

"All stress comes from resisting the present moment." --Eckhart Tolle