Val passed away peacefully with family by his side while in Hospice. He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother, Murray. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Jeanne, cherished daughters Meara and Brenna and sister Faye. Born in New Westminster, Val and his family travelled around BC due to his father’s career with the RCMP. They settled in Victoria when he was 12. He made Victoria his home. He attended UVic for both his undergrad and graduate degrees and was a biology loving scientist who was a marine biologist and forester. He worked for the Provincial Forest Service for the majority of his career and met Jeanne while working there. They were married in 1977, settled in Highlands and had two daughters. He enjoyed scuba diving, camping, supporting his children’s pursuits, playing golf, Ham radio and his favourite pets were his cats. He was one of Highlands’ greatest volunteers who gave whole heartedly to his community in roles such as volunteer firefighter, emergency coordinator, water conservationist and many other committees including incorporating the municipality of Highlands. His beliefs in conservation live on in his children. He recognizes the Wesanic tribe and is grateful to have lived on their beautiful land.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful Esquimalt/Westshore VIHA workers for all their help with Val’s care. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences to the family may be offered below:
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgarden.com
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Connie Phair
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Nic Hymphreys Dear Jean, Meara, Brenna
I was very shocked to hear of Val’s passing. I have only good memories of the times I spent in Val’s company. Forestry field work in Prince George, joint projects at the Burnside lab, target shooting and as volunteers in the Highland Fire Dept. Val was an intelligent, funny and a very kind man.
My kindest regards.
Nic Humphreys
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Peter and Mandy Schuttinga Our condolences to the family, Jeanne, Meara and Brenna. We have great memories of Val as he worked tirelessly in his many volunteer capacities. He will be missed by many.
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Peggy Frank I am sure the saddest thing for Val was leaving his family – my condolences to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna.In some wonderful ways he lives on – in expressions you will say to one another, and in any act of kindness that you do. He had a huge heart and was always willing to share skills and knowledge with others. Like a few others I met Val in Bamfield and at a time of my life where good men really impressed me. Val was one of the best. I know he will live on in your heart Jeanne. How could you ever forget him. And Meara and Brenna, even though the last time I saw you you were small, I have a feeling that there are mannerisms, looks and inner feelings that are just like your Dad. What a great loss to the community.
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Barry and Verna Ford Dear Jeanne, Meara and Brenna
No words can take away the pain of losing a loved one but knowing Val and the amazing man he was hopefully leaves you all with a sense of comfort for the love and devotion he had for you. He was a great man giving so much of his time to our Highlands Community. Thankfully many of us can remember the great times we all had together building first the Eastern Highlands Volunteer Fire Dept then HVFD as we know it today. We know his community work was extensive and appreciated by all. We are so blessed to say Val was our friend for many years and truly a genuine caring individual who will be truly missed. Our Love and thoughts are with you.
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Reg & Diane Young So very sad to have heard of Vals passing and sincere condolences to Jeanne Meara and Brenna. As we all know Val was a really good person I was always happy to call him a friend and our times at the firehall were the best. If there was ever a question over a fact in a discussion Val was the encyclopedia.
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Howard McElderry Jeanne, Meara and Brenna:
Like Bill Roland, I was one of the Bamfield Marine Station crowd. Val and I shared the same graduate professor (John McInerney)and since we both were conducting a SCUBA diving-related research project, we were sort of pushed together like the odd couple. After a few days of mutual ‘who is this guy’ apprehensions, we both became not only great research companions, but also good friends. Val and I shared many many hours diving together on Ohiat Islet – often several dives over a 24 hour period – studying the movements and habits of black and China rockfish. Not all our dives were fun – like the time we surfaced and found our boat had drifted off its anchor! – but Val’s good nature and sense of humour made these experiences very memorable. Val later told me that I taught him a great deal about marine biology, but he taught me so much about being a great human being. I admired his friendliness, calmness, sincere interest and care for others, and also his genuine curiosity with his surroundings. I regret that our lives drifted apart after Bamfield but will always remember the many great shared experiences.
My sincere condolences to his family. The poem at the top is so fitting – Val was the sort of person who left a lasting impression on those around him.
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Joe Taylor I remember moving up here in 1981 as a young man and joining the Highlands volunteer fire department. The
budget being tight,the helmet and jacket issued to me were Val’s old ones bearing his name in felt tip marker. The jacket was a little big but I wore it proudly.
Much later I was elected to Council and remember Val coming to meetings, encouraging us to “think safety”. His suggestions were always stated very calmly,and were of benefit to the Highland community.My thoughts go out to you.
Joe Taylor
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Sharyn Romaine I met Val about 15 years ago when he first attended our DOGS support meeting. He was a wonderful asset to our group always willing to offer his help and advice. We had several social get togethers at our home and Val came to everyone – often offering rides to those who would not be able to come without his assistance. He was a great guy and he will be missed enormously by many, many people. Mike and I both send our condolences to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna.
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Margo Thomas Dear Jeanne, Meara & Brenna,
Sending you our deepest sympathy in the passing of Val, your loving husband & father. I hope you have many happy memories & photos to give you some comfort at this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts.
Margo, Peter & Tegan Thomas
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Bill Roland I was a grad student at the Bamfield Marine Station when I first met Val and we became friends and were roommates in Cabin 7. Pretty much every morning at about 7 he would shout ‘turning on the lights’ and dress to go diving. We shared many a ride to Victoria and back, with or without Opah, his cat, and occasionally with Hector, Yogi’s and Howard’s dog. About 1981 he got a Biometrician job at Forests, right along side my wife to be, Wendy. Good years of friendship past, with a notable reunion to Bamfield in 2011 with Jeanne and Wendy. Val was very attentive during Wendy’s illness.
Obviously I miss him and the world is a bit lonelier for me. My condolences to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna.
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John D. Sloan So sorry to hear Val passing away. I knew Val from my days with the BCFS Protection Branch and often
had great times and casual interaction with him during that time. I often referred to him as that gentle giant in the room. He was as big as his heart and will be surely missed by all that knew him.
My heartfelt condolences to all his family. Rest in peace big guy.
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Vicki Gillett I was shocked to hear of Val’s passing. My husband Steve and I were neighbours in the Highlands quite a few years ago. What a wonderful family. I am so sorry to read this news. My husband, Steve, passed today of complications of ALS. Lots of wonderful memories with you in the Highlands. Love to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna.
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Kayla Depuit Growing up next door to the Fletcher family, and spending time with them in their home, I am grateful for all the times Val was there for me over the years. From fixing my car, to offering his, lending me vinyl records, laughing at my leaving screen doors open, and availability to discuss the natural world, he was a strong and dependable figure in the Highlands community. He will be missed, and my heart is with Jeanne, Meara and Brenna. Wishing peace to Val, and his beautiful family.
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Bob Ferris Bob and Nancy Ferris
Our condolences to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna. I new Val from our time at the fire department, emergency program and knew him when he was with BCFS. He was one of the good guys.
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nancy fletcher dear Jeanne,Mera,Brenna
So sorry to hear of Val passed away. He was such a kind person . I know what the family is going through as I went through it 3 yrs in 2021 ,I did not know Val was sick and my heart goes out to the family GOD bless . Nancy Fletcher —(not a relative just the same last name)
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Meghan T I’m grateful to have known Val and to have grown up spending lots of time in the Highlands with the Fletcher family. I remember his quiet passion for marine biology (I remember a field trip exploring tide pools). He had a gentle respect and care for nature and the forest, which is why he was the perfect volunteer and advocate for the Highlands. Sending all my love to Brenna, Meara, and Jeanne. I hold the Fletcher family very dear to my heart! xo
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Michael Pelchat It was a shock to hear of Val’s passing. I worked with Val in the BCFS for many years and came to know him has a kind, thoughtful colleague who was generous with his advice and assistance. His cup was always half full, seeing the humour in many of the stressful situations public servants often find themselves in and breaking the tension with laughter. He was a gentle soul taken far too soon from us.
My condolences to his family.
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Margaret Bigrigg Dear Jeanne, Meara, Brenna,
So very sad to read that Val passed away. Lovely writeup in the newspaper. My heart goes out to you all. Jeanne hope we can get together some time in the future for a cup of tea.
Wish I could help you through the sad, sad, time.My kindest regards to you, Margaret Bigrigg
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Cindy Sanz My heartfelt condolences to you Jeanne, Meara and Brenna. I remember Val as friendly man who was generous with his vast knowledge of the forest. Wishing you peace and love at this most difficult time. Hugs Cindy Sanz
I always thought of Val as a gentle giant. His kind soul will always stay with me. My heart and love go out to Jeanne, Meara and Brenna at this difficult time. Val touched many lives and those of us who knew him were so lucky.