It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our Dad, Trav Custance after a tough fought battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He leaves behind his 3 children, Brad, Karen (Glenn Sauer), and Gary (Karen Hathaway), granddaughters Michelle Sauer (Andy Vickers) and Christie Sauer.
Born and raised in Victoria with summers at Shawnigan Lake, Trav or Trevor as he preferred to be called in his latter years, was the oldest of 6 children born to Travers (G.M.) and Doreen Custance (nee Elford). Predeceased by his brother Barrie, he is survived by his siblings Keith, Cheryl Orr (John), Sidney (Joni), and Barbara Drewry, along with beloved nieces and nephews.
In his early years, Dad worked at a variety of jobs, starting with the B.C. Forest Service, moving on to B/A Oil (later known as Gulf), Ocean Cement, and then a stint manufacturing dynamite on James Island. In 1973, Dad joined the RCMP and was posted at the Victoria Airport Detachment in the newly created position of Special Constable. Dad quickly earned the respect of his peers and co-workers, and for many years he was in charge of the Detachment. The Airport taxi drivers addressed him as “Chief”, due to the respect they had for him for his fair and impartial treatment and his conflict resolution skills. He retired from the RCMP in 1994, which coincided with the closure of the Detachment.
One of Dad’s great passions was military history having descended from a long line of military men, starting with his grandfather who fought in the Boer War to his Dad who was an enlisted officer in World War II. He himself was a reservist MP at the Bay Street Armouries. When Dad inherited his grandfather’s military kit, he took great care of it for many years prior to donating to the Canadian War Museum to be enjoyed by many as an artifact. Dad was also one of the founding members of the Vancouver Island Arms Collectors Association, and he would take great pride and pleasure displaying his enviable collection of antique British military weapons at their annual gun shows.
He was a devoted grandfather to Michelle and Christie. He and Michelle shared a love of horses and G-Paw would always help her prepare for the local Saanich horse shows by shining her riding boots, making her the envy of others. Dad also took up model building, and he never ceased to amaze us with his skill and attention to detail when building an intricate scale replica from a set of blueprints.
Dad was a true gentleman and fiercely independent right to the end, and he was always kind and considerate of others. He was quick with a joke and he never missed a punchline – he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed pub lunches, especially if he could flirt with the servers; and he was thrilled when family members were free to join him , especially his number one chauffeur Michelle. He will be missed.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Karen Hathaway
-
Karen Hathaway It’s so hard to believe it’s been 1 year.. Gary, Mitch, Nicole and I stopped by and shared your favorite spirits with you. Jason would have come but he’s at Sea. Everyday you are in our thoughts…. we wish you were here to celebrate Jason’s promotionS We know you are proud of him… AND thank you everyday for guiding and encouraging him to the path he his on… love you and miss you. ❤
-
Robert G. (Bob) LITTLE, C.D. Trevor and I was in Special Constable training in 1973. Being both ex Military we become good friends. After training he went west to B.C. me,the other coast Saint John N.B. Reading the Obit is like reading my family hisory. My history starts in Glasgow, in the British Armyand all the way to now, was military. I retired from the Force in 1996 in Newfoundland.
Please accept my regards re your loss.
Bob Little
-
George Kilvington I worked with Travers in 1973, and found him to be an upstanding member, serious about his work. He was always friendly, and will be missed. I was transferred out of the area and lost touch. My sincere condolences to his family. Regimental Nos. S/921-41671.
-
Mel McIntosh Trevor was at the Victoria Airport while I was in Sidney.
He was a true gentleman.
His immaculate grooming was as if he had just stepped out of a shower.
-
Vancouver Island Arms Collectors Association Sincere condolences on Trav’s passing from the members of the Vancouver Island Arms Collectors Association.
-
Keith Davies Trevor was a personal friemd who I met in 1973 when we both started with the RCMP at Victoria International Airport, Trevor was a leader and was not hard to understand when he was put incharge of the Detachment at Victoria Airport, I had moved around the province a fair amount and did get a visit or two with Trev when I was back to Sidney Victoria for extended period of work with RCMP. RIP Trevor you are a friend I will never forget
-
Ken and Marilyn Tomlinson We met Trav in 1961 when we were first married and rented one side of his duplex at 1330 Yates Street. He and his family lived in the other side so we got to know them well and spent many years visiting, even after both families moved on. As what often happens, as time went on, we all got busy raising families and we lived in different areas of Victoria so we lost track of them but we always remember those wonderful years when we were close and have thought of them over the years. We were sad to read Trav’s obituary and we’re thinking about his family at this sad time.
-
Mark Albrecht Dear Karen, Glenn & Family – I was very saddened to hear of Trav’s passing. I always enjoyed meeting up with him & you Glenn, usually once a year, at some point, at the local two day gun show. Trav was always a dapper guy with a twinkle in his eye & kind word. It is clear why he will be missed. My sincere condolences to you all. With kind regards, Mark Albrecht.
-
Dave Merchant Although I did not know him, Travers sounds very much like myself. I retired from the RCMP 2000 after 24 years of service, I enjoyed learning the history of our regiment through the formative years from late 1800’s through to 1910. I too have a deep family military history, beginning with a great grandfather who fought in the Boer war and WW1. My father served in the Royal Canadian Navy from the age of 15 until retirement, 25 years. I was proud to be a member of the RCMP and served in many small isolated communities through my service. Travers would have been the type of person I easily formed a friendship, sharing so many elements in our lives. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of a beloved Dad, Uncle and Grandfather. Sincerely, Corporal David Merchant, Retired. Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Georgetown, Ontario.
-
Vicky Elliott It’s so nice to learn more about your dad’s past. Wow! We knew him as a fun-loving man who always had a smile on his face, but what an interesting life he had. Your dad would have been pleased with this tribute. He had a large presence and will be greatly missed. We send our love and hugs to you Karen, Glenn, Michelle, and Christie.
-
Sid & Joni Custance Where to begin! Coming just days after losing Brother Barrie, now my oldest Brother has reached the last post. We are truly saddened. He was an inspiration to me, and his knowledge of Military history encouraged me to visit many sites through out the world which in turn created a special bond between us. Joni and I will miss him every day.
-
Don Mitchell [ Winnipeg ] I became a long term friend [ close ] when we ended up at Doncaster School in the same class. We have remained close friends for all these years. We did not see each other for many years, due to the fact that I worked for General Paint and was moved to Vancouver , Regina , Saskatoon , and Winnipeg . I bumped into Trev. at the Sydney airport , when I arrived for my Dads funeral. WE had a brief chat , as I was on a time element. Several years later { I was again in Victoria for burial of my youngest Brothers ashes. Trev and I managed to get together for a few beer and a lot memories . Over the past few years we have been connected thru the internet. I was aware of his health situation, but I was shocked at the announcement of his pending demise. I will miss him dearly , may he rest in piece My sympathies go out to his family
-
Sue Leach Dear Karen and family, I’m so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad and I have many great memories over the years as I was so fortunate to grow up in the same Oak Bay neighbourhood as you, Karen and we have been friends since we were just 5 yrs old! Pre-Willows School K to grade 7 and then onto Oak Bay High School, your Dad was always there for you and he loved his family immensely! Trav Custance you will be missed by your family and friends, as you were a very sweet and fun man and very brave too!!! My Dad had a great love of rifles too and I remember going to many gun shows at the Empress over the years! Sending all my Love to you and your family during this very sad time, Virtual hugs from me to everyone!!!
-
Pam McRae ( Custance) Loved visits with my uncle Trav , he was always so much fun, great stories and always entertaining. He also showed a genuine interest in our farm and horses and we shared many stories via e- mails over the years. I will miss him! Rest In Peace my dear uncle!
-
Christel Hume What a Beautiful tribute to your Dad, Karen! Sending your Family Loving Thoughts and Prayers. I have so many wonderful memories of your Dad during all of the years we went to High School together. A Very Special Dad for sure.
Sincerely,
Happy Birthday. We’ll be having a drink for you tonight… miss you soo much ❣❣