William Richard Varley

Born on December 22, 1932 – Passed on July 21, 2025

Dick was born in Victoria to Gertrude Maude Cuthbert and John Leonard Varley and went to Royal Oak Elementary School and Mt. Newton High School.

He worked at Royal Oak Modern Service as a mechanic – called B.A. Gas at the time.

In his early years he loved racing cars at Western Speedway alongside Billy Foster and David Cooper and with many other buddies in his 1934 Ford Coupe - 88 Kersey’s car. Dick was inducted into the Victoria Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1985.

He worked with Chew Excavating as a heavy-duty mechanic for over twenty years and after retiring Dad bought a place in Youbou on Lake Cowichan – waterskiing, campfires, and moonlight.

Dad was very well-traveled and as a family we traveled the world by sea for two years; we drove throughout Europe in an old camper he fixed up when we lived in England. Eventually we journeyed on to live in Australia for part of that time.

He mastered the Peruvian – Machu Picchu along with his wife, Muriel, while they adventured down around South America and accomplished the great – figure 8 – around North and South America – at sea in 62 days. Their travels included several adventures in the Mediterranean and up into the Black Sea.

Dad is survived by his wife of 68 years Muriel Varley, a daughter Karen Levis and a son Richard Varley. The rest of the team include: his sister Clara, four grandsons, and four great granddaughters.

He loved moonlight on the waters and I expect he is out there strolling in the light.

A private family Celebration of Life is still to be determined – perhaps on the Winter Solstice.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Summit on Hillside in Victoria (Hummingbird House) in Dick’s name.