Victor John Greaves

Vic was born and raised in Birmingham, England November 21, 1938; here he spent his young childhood living through WWII where Vic, his mother and his younger brother were bombed out on two separate occasions. It was these bombed out buildings that would become playgrounds for Vic and many thousands of children. Upon reaching 18, Vic was called up for National Service where he served the next 3 years as a proud member of the Coldstream Guards- the final year being spent on ceremonial duties mainly at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. On completing his service he came back to civilian life, joining the family business of Stone Masonry and Bricklaying. Vic couldn't settle in the civilian life at this time, so he joined the Merchant Navy where he stayed until he met the love of his life, Anita, and started their lifelong journey.

Having been at sea for a few years, Vic decided that to raise a family, sea life was no longer for him, and thus returned to stone masonry and bricklaying - creating a legacy of work that will last for eternity. Together, Vic and Anita raised their son Peter, and in 1974 immigrated to Canada (with one dog in tow,) a move for which we were always grateful. After living in Cobble Hill, Duncan, and Crofton, they relocated once again in 1978 to Central Alberta, living in Red Deer, Innisfail, and Bowden. It was here that Vic taught Peter how to play crib and darts, spending numerous hours enjoying both. Having endured the cold winters of Alberta (not fun for a bricklayer,) Vic and Anita returned to Vancouver Island in 1991, settling in Englishman River where he would eventually retire.

Outside of family, Vic's specialty in life, or calling, was his love for animals of all kinds; having a natural instinct to create calmness to those animals in distress. Where Vic found his most joy was his love for raising racing pigeons which he would partake upwards of 10 years as a member of the Mid-Island Pigeon Racing Club. During racing season he could always be found every Saturday or Sunday sitting outside his pigeon loft, with one or two of his beloved dogs by his side. Eventually, Vic and Anita would move to Parksville, and it would be here that he would live out the rest of his life.

Vic will be remembered for his love of life, his love and pride shown and given to his family, his brilliant sense of humor, his wit, his beautiful singing voice, having the brightest smile, his laughter, his warm embraces, his strength, his staunch protectiveness, his love of sports (especially EPL soccer,) his woodworking, his love of reading, and the lasting impressions on all those that he knew. Vic is survived by his eternally loving wife Anita, his son Peter and his wife Kareen; his grandchildren Katharine Bartsch (Chris,) Sebastian (Candra,) and Mitchell; his great-grandchildren Oliver, Charlie, and Luca. He was predeceased by his mother Phyllis, his father Albert, his brother Gordon, and an infant sister, Valerie.

As a family, we extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Susan Hunter and all the staff at Trillium Hospice. There aren't enough words to show our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Hunter, giving us and extra 15 months of wonderful time to enjoy. To the staff at Trillium Hospice, we can never thank you enough for your care, compassion, comfort, respect and dignity given to Vic - you will never be forgotten... and thank you all for giving him his wings. We would also like to thank Respiratory Tech Joanne and the Oceanside Home Care Nursing team... you are all so special. A special thank you as well to Daryl Sneddon, whos lasting friendship since moving to Englishman River will be forever appreciated... you are admired and respected more than you know.

As per Vic's request, there will be no service; the family will be holding a family celebration of life well loved, well lived, and of one whom will be dearly missed. Your legacy will live on through your family, and your shining brightness will forever light up the sky. This is not goodbye, it's 'til we meet again... don't know where, don't know when... but we will meet again.