Skip to content
November 30, 1935 - November 24, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Lon Gaspardone on Nov. 24, 2020.
Lon not only leaves a hole in the lives of his family, but most certainly in the thousands of lives he impacted during decades as a leader in Canadian Scouting.
Lon was born Nov. 30, 1935 in Penticton, B.C.
As a lad in 1942, Lon moved to Nanaimo with his family during the Second World War after his father was stationed here with Royal Canadian Army.
Lon graduated from Nanaimo Secondary School in 1953, and not long afterward moved to North Vancouver where he met Sandra Michelle Oakley, the woman who would become his wife.
After tying the knot, the couple moved to Nanaimo in 1959, when Lon got on with MacMillan Bloedel's Harmac Division as an electrician, where he would remain a loyal employee for 30 years.
Lon thrived in Nanaimo where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and all the outdoor activities the Harbour City has to offer. Over the years Lon tried to give back to the community he loved.
He was very actively involved with Scouts Canada, and in particular with the 1st Nanaimo Group, as well as many other roles for more than 60 years he spent in Scouting.
He was a tireless recruiter of the Scouting lifestyle and principals. Lon started, then ran, the Vancouver Island Summer Scout Camp, which has grown over the years and provided guidance and opportunities to hundreds of young men and young women over the years, many of whom went on to distinguished careers in politics, and other leadership roles.
When Lon learned some youngsters who wanted to attend camp faced financial barriers, he would find a way to make it happen so no kid was left behind.
"It's the ones who can't afford it who are the ones who really need to go," he'd say.
When he wasn't busy with his beloved scouts, Lon spent many years playing goalie in both the Recreation League and Old Timers Hockey league in Nanaimo.
He also devoted 18 years to St John Ambulance with both the Therapy Dog Program and the Brigade, as a volunteer in various community events with the family therapy dogs that were used, among other things, to comfort crime victims.
Lon was predeceased by his mom Dorothy and his dad, Joe.
Lon is survived by his wife, Sandra, sister Marjorie, daughter Michelle Woodruff, son Darryl Gaspardone (Leanne Gallia), grandsons Christoper Woodruff (Amber-Gael) Kyle Woodruff (Dannielle), Spence Gaspardone and great-granddaughter Grier Woodruff.
Arrangements have been made with 1st Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Due to Covid-19, there will be no service.
However, when the pandemic ends, there will be a campfire and a mug up at Camp Cailett.


Secondary Title

Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.