Born in Carlisle, England and passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Victoria BC. Survived by his loving family, wife Lorraine, son Dean (Jennie) and daughter, Ainsley (Damon).
Throughout his life, Keith was independent and adventurous. He immigrated to Canada in his early twenties, briefly returning to England to complete his Engineering education before heading to Vancouver and finally settling in Victoria in the 1970s.
Keith had a varied career as a Professional Mechanical Engineer with many years at BC Sugar Refinery, then in the marine field (including designing a sailing mast for a submarine), and finally in commercial and residential building design.
He was a longtime lover of the sea starting as a Sea Scout dinghy sailing in the North Sea. Determined to sail the sea but unable to afford the purchase of a suitable vessel, Keith built his beloved Ferro cement ketch, Sea Mouse, in his backyard. With Dean and Ainsley in tow, he cruised from BC to Mexico and to Hawaii and back. The offshore ocean sailing was followed by many years of local cruising in Sea Mouse and Flyte with Lorraine as his cook and navigator. With a zeal for sailing, swimming, fishing and scuba diving, he loved being on the water, in the water and under the water. In 1984, Keith joined the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) and was honoured to serve a term as Commodore. There he enjoyed sailing adventures, camaraderie, shared a love of the sea and developed many lifelong friendships. As President of the BC Marine Parks Forever Society, he advocated for the creation of new marine parks.
Music brought him much pleasure as a listener and piano player. As a young adult, Keith played jazz piano in a small seaside town in England and later continued entertaining friends whether they wanted to listen or not. With great enthusiasm, he enjoyed acting and piano playing in the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s pantomimes. Cycling, hiking, skiing, travel and love of animals (especially a certain cocker spaniel named Dustin) rounded out his passions.
Keith will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Keith’s memory to BC Marine Parks Forever Society. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Keith Stockdale May 17 1933 – January 28 2019..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique