February 4, 1928 - October 19, 2021
Dad grew up in Vancouver, B.C. The family moved to North Vancouver when he was a teenager, but he also spent a lot of time on the family farm in Aldergrove, B.C. Always keenly interested in machinery, Dad worked for Finning and then Pacific Tractor as a young man. He met and married Sheila Irwin in 1950 and they moved to the Aldergrove farm to raise beef cattle.
Dad brought the family to Salt Spring Island in 1965, to run Rainbow Beach Resort on Booth Bay. He started the Stacey Charter Service watertaxi business soon afterward, which exists today as Gulf Islands Water Taxi. He also played a big role in moving the old St. George's Church in Ganges, and expanding it into All Saints by the Sea.
Dad was a sociable guy. He was also a terrific storyteller and never ran out of stories, many truly hair-raising. He will live on in our memories as a good-hearted, loyal, loving, hard-working and amazingly talented man who could truly turn his hand to anything, and who had a terrific repertoire of jokes which have been passed along to his children and grandchildren.
Dad is predeceased by his brother David Stacey, his sister Elizabeth Brightwell, and his grandson Rob Stacey. Fondly remembering Dad are wife Sheila, kids Dave Stacey (Sandy), Mike Stacey (Lesley) and Jill Bartle (Dave), his brothers Robert Stacey, Tony Stacey and Neil Stacey, and an ever-expanding gaggle of grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are profoundly grateful that Dad was able to live out his entire life in his own home with his beloved wife, our mum Sheila.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Dad's absolute gem of a G.P., Dr. Mohammud Ibrahim. Words can't express what your compassionate care of our Dad has meant to us. Thanks also to the staff of Cowichan District Hospital, and Dr. Michael Jansz, who provided such thoughtful care.
We are thankful for the loving care and support of our parents from the Parishes of St. Peter's Anglican Church Quamichan, and St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Duncan and the Ven. Brian Evans through these past years, and which continues to come our way through this difficult time.