Victor James Keating

With great sadness we announce the passing of our father Victor James Keating. Victor courageously fought a long battle with cancer. His spirit and determination to win was inspiring to all. He passed away peacefully on June 4 at RJH. He is survived by his children, Michael Keating (Kristine Anderson), Vana (Paul) George and Lisa (John) Sherrah, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and ex-wife Doreen More (Bull) and niece Carel Mcleod, and nephews, Rick Parsons and Patrick Frith-Smith. He is predeceased by sisters Pearl Spicer, Eileen Casillio, wives Nancy McDonald and Daphne Burns. He was born in Regina and graduated from Vic High in 1947, and subsequently from UBC. He was an excellent jazz trumpeter, playing at the Sirocco and travelling to New York in the early ‘50s to hone his craft. Upon returning to Victoria, Vic taught Music and English at high schools for several years before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Information Officer. His military career saw him and his family posted across the country, and included posts with NORAD in the US, and Cyprus with the UN.

Upon retiring from the military, he was able to spend time on music as he was a jazz trumpeter and for a while the band leader for the Commodores Big Band. He was a member from 1984 to 1992, and band leader from 1986 to 1989. These were the "glory years" for the band when he and band manager Denis Lemon got the band regular gigs on the Vancouver Island Princess sailing between Victoria and Seattle. He and Denis were incredible promoters for the band and came up with the "Commodores" name and nautical-style uniform and logo. Though Vic the band was able to use the Public Service Legion on Superior St. for weekly rehearsals. Having access to the bar was a bonus.

Victor was an active member of Legion #127. Victor was a 33 year member, he religiously came to the Rotunda Ceremony and arranged his Snowbird migration date to accommodate his participation in this ceremony. Many years ago, Vic regularly came to the Friday socials and to our golf outings.

He spent winters in Yuma, Arizona and loved to travel and cruise and meet new people along the way. He went on about 15 cruises to the Great Wall of China and some interesting places. He went on a 3 week bus tour of Turkey, S.E. Asia, Central America, Vegas, Alaska, Ireland, Morocco and Spain. He lived life on his terms and was a lover of people and adventure.Victor always had a kind word and interest in people who served on cruise ships who were from impoverished countries like Africa or the Philippines. He knew everything about them and their families by his departure, he was loved by all..

Vic loved to watch CNN even in his hospital bed to see what Donald Trump was campaigning, he was not a supporter.

Vic will be incredibly missed by his family and many friends and was loved by all who were fortunate to have known him. His great sense of humor will surely be missed. Vic was selflessly concerned for everyone else but himself and figured he could beat this illness.

The family would like to thank Dr. Glenn, nurse Kim and the staff at RJH for the months of care. In lieu of flowers, donations to be accepted to the BC Cancer Agency. Condolences and celebration info may be offered at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/8733853.