Anthony G. Ethier

June 10, 1956 - April 03, 2024

Tony Ethier, cherished husband, father, grandfather, long-time resident of Sidney, BC, and man of much wisdom, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, with his family by his side.
Born in Ottawa (to Leone and Gilles Ethier) and raised in Edmonton, Tony was most at home by the ocean. After moving to Victoria with his parents in 1974, he signed up for Marine Biology at UVic. There, he met his soul-mate, Elaine, earned a UVic Floater coat as one of Dr. Hayward's cold-water stress-test subjects, and completed his degree through Bamfield Marine Station's summer program. He cultivated his boating savvy through crewing on commercial fish boats during summers, often being the only crew member not seasick.
With a new degree and a baby on the way (Nick), Tony joined SeaChem Oceanography (later AXYS Technologies). He spent 35-plus years in the Marine Sciences, travelling the globe, having memorable adventures with his work buddies and serving as a mentor, shaping the journeys of many. He shared memories of avoiding the crocodile in Lake Nasser with Jim, narrowly missing drowning in an Arctic gale or giving his Calgary Flames t-shirt to Igor after he lost at arm wrestling on a joint Soviet-US "cruise" on the Chukchi Sea. After leading the department for many years, Tony took off his 55th year to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime world tour with Elaine. Even after retiring he contracted back and followed this by founding a seaweed company (Cascadia Seaweed) with his buddies, Bill and Mike.
Tony's dedication to his family was not just a part of his life, but the very essence of it. He was the quiet backbone, managing logistics and ensuring that adventures proceeded seamlessly, even if you were halfway across the country from him. Alongside Elaine, he instilled a sense of wonder and love for the natural world, particularly the ocean, by exploring Canada with his children and grandchildren. This included making life-long Atlantic connections during 3 years spent living and working in Nova Scotia with AXYS. Typical autumns included hunting in the Interior of BC, a pursuit that he shared with his son, brother-in-law, Carl, and a few other good friends. Whether sailing the Gulf Island, leading Ventures (Scouts), driving to sunrise rowing practices, or designing elaborate garden watering systems, he possessed boundless patience to support and guide those he loved wherever their interests led them. Tony was the very embodiment of work ethic, always immersed in projects, even while on vacation. Relaxing meant bringing family and friends together with Elaine for good food and laughs.
In 2023, Tony discovered he would need his superpowers for problem-solving and organization to work his way through a diagnosis of cancer. Undaunted, he thoroughly organized everything that came at him and left us with the gift of his brave and peaceful passing. Tony will always be remembered as a calm, kind, logical, astute and hardworking man, who loved his family and was well-respected by all who knew him. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years (Elaine), children, Nick (Bertha), Valerie (Doug) and grandchildren (Everett, Perrin, Adele and Anastasia). In September, we invite all of you who sent recognitions, phoned, and visited Tony to a celebration of his life (September 14, 2024). He will always hold that permanent place in our hearts and his sage advice will long be remembered!