Dorothy Winifred Arnet

Dorothy is survived by her two sons Gordon Lang (spouse Yvette Thompson, granddaughter Marcelle, spouse Brian great granddaughters Reyven, Finley and grandson Stewart, deceased 2022) and Brent Lang (spouse Jill Clemes), grandson Reagan Lang and grandson Jesse Anderson, (spouse Nikki Bhalla, great grandson Hudson and great granddaughter, Dahlia). Stepdaughters Kathryn Hamilton (spouse Tom) and Theresa Ingraham (spouse Tracey) Step grandchildren- Joel, Coulter, Jordan and Chase.

Dorothy moved to Vancouver, BC at the age of 13. After finishing high school, she began work as a Bell telephone operator. At age 20, Dorothy married Irvin Lang, an aspiring and talented musician. Gordon was born a year and a half after their wedding, then Brent, 3 years later. Dorothy and her new family resided in Burnaby, then North Surrey where she worked in admissions at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

In 1961 her passion began for the west coast of Vancouver Island and Long Beach. Traveling by car (over 7 hours) was quite a long and difficult journey then, going as many times as possible each year. Moving to Victoria in 1967, Dorothy worked as Office Manager for Dr. Sutherland and then as executive assistant to the director of Psychiatric Nursing at Eric Martin Institute. Reading, learning to speak fluent French and public speaking with Toastmasters were Dorothy’s pastimes.

Dorothy moved to Ucluelet in 1979 working with the Oak Bay Marine Group. There, Dorothy was introduced to Edward Arnet, a handsome alderman and Fisheries Captain whose family are original settlers of Tofino. In 1980 Dorothy began her work at Pacific Rim National Park Head Office as executive secretary to the Superintendent. In those 10 years at the park, she worked for 6 Superintendents. Retiring in 1990, she worked part-time at the RCMP detachment in Tofino.

Wickaninnish Beach (Long Beach) was Dorothy’s favorite place in the world, amazingly during her tenure at Pacific Rim National Park, her office looked out on to Long Beach. Living in the Tofino area, Dorothy was able to immerse herself in her community through her work where she built many dear and lifelong friendships. As well, she attended and worked as church secretary at the beloved St. Columba Anglican Church in Tofino.

In 1995 Dorothy and Edward, (both now retired) moved to Dean Park in Sidney where she enjoyed gardening and the many bird species that frequented their property. Sadly, Edward passed in 2005. Soon after, Dorothy returned to Tofino. Dorothy was passionate about Tofino’s local history and maintaining its present and future historical values, all the while helping to preserve Clayoquot Sound’s nautical and natural history, donating and volunteering her time and energy to its preservation. Dorothy would share her love of the region’s beauty and history with anyone who might listen. In 2014, she again returned to Sidney, residing on Amherst Street for 7 years. Dorothy kept her life busy with her dear doggy Smudge and the many animal visitors who frequented her home. Just ask any squirrel.

Dorothy became a member of St Andrews Anglican Church in Sidney in 2017 attending regularly and developing many close friendships at the church. Dorothy finished her full and wonderful life living at Beechwood Village, then Oakwood Manor in Victoria.

Dorothy left us in peace.

““How lucky am I to have something so special, that makes saying goodbye so hard” - (Winnie the Pooh)

There will be two Celebrations for Dorothy, both in 2026 at St Andrews Church in Sidney and St Columba Church in Tofino. Dates and details to follow soon.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to either Church or the SPCA.