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Arthur Aitkens Obituary
AITKENS, Arthur Charles March 1st, 1934 May 5th, 2011 A difficult life, bravely borne. Lover of rocks and fossils and stars. Always a seeker of knowledge and a fount of information for the rest of us. Predeceased by father Chas and mother Gene. Survived by sister Fran, daughter Jennifer (Bruce), son Trevor (Seeta) and grandson Sacha, and nephews Huw (Missy) and Owain (Jess) Davies. Art spent his first four years at Estevan Point where Dad was radio operator. From there he travelled Canada and Europe, but the wild west coast was his heart's haven. The family thanks the first responders and all those who loved and cared for him ~ Steve and the staff at The Cridge; nurses, staff, and friends at Glenwarren Lodge (where he was proud to be elected president of the Residents' Council); and Dr. Ted Rosenberg. He was a Gentle Man. A graveside service will be arranged at a later date. 625811
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Aitkens
21 Entries
Fran Aitkens
May 2, 2012
Almost a year has passed since you left us and this tribute will soon fade into the ether. We have held several gatherings to celebrate your time among us and to remind us of your legacy -your children, the curiosity and love of learning you taught us all - from searching the encyclopedia to Googling every question - our love of the wild west coast, our compassion for those whose brains work differently, and so much more. Rest in peace now, my brother.
Edmund McClay
May 31, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Trevor, Jennifer, Fran and family,
Though from a long-ago time, Art is remembered with fondness. Wishing you cherished memories and gratitude for having enjoyed his companionship.
From a very old friend,
Art with his nephews, Owain and Huw, at Nanny's house, Victoria, Christmas 1972.
May 14, 2011
Art carrying nephew Huw, John Dean Park, Victoria, 1969.
May 14, 2011
Art on glass balls on Long Beach, about 1940.
May 14, 2011
Street photo of Art in Dublin, Eire, on his motorcycle tour, 1950.
May 14, 2011
Art and Fran survey the breakers at Long Beach, 1948.
May 14, 2011
Aitkens family in London, UK, Christmas 1949.
May 14, 2011
Street photo in Vancouver, Art and Gene, about 1940.
May 14, 2011
Chas and Gene with baby Art at Estevan Point, 1934
May 14, 2011
Joanne Manley
May 14, 2011
I had never met Art Aitkens, but knew of him through his younger sister Fran. Fran tried so hard to keep Art safe and well. She was the one who visited him when he was in the hospital, and she made sure to include him in family events with his nephews Huw and Owain. Because of Fran, Art was able to be part of a caring community of friends who enjoyed and respected his wide knowledge of the natural world. His passing will leave a large measure of sadness in Fran's life, and in those of his children. My hope is that peace and acceptance will follow sadness, which is surely what Art would have wanted.
barry mackay
May 13, 2011
sorry to hear about Art's passing. My sincere condolences to Trevor and Jennifer.
Trevor Aitkens
May 12, 2011
Adios Dad,
You have now "gone West" in the symbolic sense as well. Your safe harbours were the Gordon Head farm and Whittington's cabins at Long Beach.
The dates Thursday May 12, 1983 when I reconnected with you by phone and Tuesday August 23, 1983 in person brought me a full circle. There were 9 trips from Ontario to follow - each filling in missing gaps and later including my own family.
I remember your great pool of knowledge that spanned many disciplines in a non-computer environment.
Mujhee bahut mazaye (I've had a wonderful time).
May peace follow you on your journey.
And the road to peace short (sabse chote rasta hai).
Your loving son, Trevor
Each Christmas, mom took our pictures with the clothes and gifts sent by Dad and Grandma (note wee puppy) to send with thank you notes.
Jennifer Aitkens
May 11, 2011
Proud new dad: Art holding Trevor - Smithers, BC, 1961.
Jennifer Aitkens
May 11, 2011
Four generations: Granny Aitkens (holding Trevor), Chas, and Art (holding Jennifer), Christmas, 1961.
Jennifer Aitkens
May 11, 2011
Jennifer Aitkens
May 11, 2011
One of my earliest memories of Dad is going on a fossil hunting expedition in Driftwood Park near Smithers. I'm sure most of what we found that day was little bits of fossilized plant material, but I was hooked on science from that day to the present.
Jasper and Dorothy Ottosen
May 11, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you, Jennifer and Trevor and Fran at this time of sorrow.
Fran Aitkens
May 11, 2011
One of my early memories is riding on the back of Art's new motorbike that he got to tour England and Ireland on. I'd be about 8 and he 16. He was so proud of it that it spent the night in the front hall. Mom wouldn't allow it in his bedroom. Love you, Art.
Mavis Vet
May 11, 2011
No words can ever express the loss of a loved one - my heart goes out to the family.
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