James Geoffrey Costeloe

COSTELOE, Major (Ret.) James Geoffrey Geoff passed away peacefully on February 22 at the age of 88. He was born, the son of a vicar, in Nottingham on December 4th, 1920. He spent his youth in Cumberland where he attended St. Bees School. He was the last remaining of nine siblings. After school and a brief stint with the Merchant Navy, Geoff enlisted in the Border Rgt. in May 1939. As a part of the 1 st Btn., he served in WWII in North Africa and in the glider borne invasion of Sicily. In March 1944, he was assigned to the First Airborne Reece Sqn. and fought in the Battle of Arnhem. After the war, Geoff went to Burma as an Officer with the Burma Frontier Force, later becoming Superintendent of Police and a rubber planter in both Burma and Malaya where he met his beloved wife Betty. They were married in Singapore on March 18th, 1950. Having been rescued from Arnhem by Canadians, Geoff proudly enlisted with the 3rd Btn. PPCLI in 1951 and served in Korea. In 1952, he began his career with the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada stationed in Germany and Canada. Betty and Geoff made many household moves in this time period but finally settled in Victoria, their home for the past 28 years. He led a full and wonderful life. He was a true gentleman until the end. We will miss his twinkling blue eyes and great sense of humour. Geoff is survived by Betty, his best friend and wife of 58 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Tim (Brenda) of Wellington, NZ and Nigel (Janet) of Calgary, his beloved grandsons Geoff, Derek, Michael and Ben and by many nieces and nephews. Details for a Celebration of Geoff's life will be made at a later date. If so desired, donations may be made in Geoff's memory to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort St., V8S 5J2 "So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. " 528362