Dearly loved, now sorely missed, Basil made his final flight on January 30, 2020 and almost certainly headed east, towards the family farm near Rivers, Manitoba, where he was born on September 27, 1935. Although transplanted to the island as a young man, Basil's heart remained on the farm.
His passion... all things aeronautical. His work ethic... legendary. Throughout his life he was happiest when there was a project underway. He undertook the building of airplanes, boats, houses, carpentry, and furniture, all of which gave him reason to rise each morning with a smile and a day's production in mind.
Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Doris, his brother Ted, and youngest song Dale. Basil is survived by his wife Lesley, his sister Betty, step-children Wayne (Karolyn) and Michele, and oldest son Dean.
Basil's earthly remains will rest at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens after a private interment. Please consider making a donation in his memory to the B.C. Aviation Museum, 1910 Norseman Rd., North Saanich, B.C. V8L 5V5 or to Parkinson Canada, the agency that funds support for patients and research.
Sands Funeral Chapel Cremation and Reception Centre (Nanaimo