Arthur Robert Fontaine

Dr. Arthur Robert Fontaine passed away peacefully at Berwick House in Victoria, BC on July 2, 2022, at the age of 92.

Arthur is predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Marion (2015).  He is survived by his son Robert (Jill) and daughter Hélène (Doug).  Arthur also leaves behind three grandchildren: Ben and Rosie Fontaine, and Clayton Taylor.

Arthur was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on August 1, 1929, and was raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Arthur excelled in academics.  He represented his state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee and established his high school debating team that he led to a state championship.  He went to McGill University on scholarship where he met Marion and obtained a degree in Zoology.  He and Marion continued their studies at Oxford University.  Arthur obtained his DPhil and subsequently set out on an adventure to Jamaica to pursue post-graduate work.  Arthur and Marion eventually settled in Victoria when both Arthur and Marion accepted positions at Victoria College – which later became the University of Victoria.

Dad thrived in his long career as a professor at UVic.  He was immensely knowledgeable.  There was never a need for encyclopedias in the Fontaine home, Dad would provide detailed answers to any questions us kids had about the physical world.  He was enlivened by collaborating with colleagues and mentored countless graduate students.   He was very proud of his role in helping establish the Bamfield Marine Station.  He enjoyed many travel adventures.  In addition to his time with Marion in Jamaica, Arthur would often speak about the year the family lived in Fiji where he would comb the reefs in infinite amazement and pleasure.   His favorite work trip involved traveling with a colleague to Germany to buy an electron microscope for UVic.  Thousands of his former students will share fond memories of his invertebrate zoology class which was punctuated with entertaining stories of his adventures far and wide.  Many former students went on to become physicians, making it easy for Dad to find an excellent family doctor.  A lovely example of meeting a former student occurred recently when an emergency room physician excitedly asked Arthur … “Are you the famous Dr. Fontaine?”.

In his retirement, Arthur developed his woodworking skills – creating wonderful pieces of furniture that became celebrated items in the family home.  After 20 years of retirement together, Arthur’s wife of 63 years, Marion, passed away.  Marion’s passing took the wind out of Dad’s sails.  He missed her greatly.  Dad eventually sold the family home and transitioned into a nearby retirement home.  Arthur met a wonderful companion, Betty Bosdet.  Betty and her children adopted Arthur into their family and he became a regular fixture at their holiday gatherings.  Arthur eventually moved up to Campbell River for a brief time to be closer to his son Rob and his family.  He returned to Berwick House in Victoria and reunited with many friends shortly before his passing.

At Arthur’s request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities – the Nature Trust of Canada.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com