Charles J. McCaffray

10/30/1930 - 04/25/2015

McCAFFRAY, Charles J. (October 30, 1930 - April 25, 2015) Charles passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria on April 25 surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Ann and his four children Judith, Deborah, John, Patricia, along with his 11 grandchildren: Kristopher, Kevin, Liam, Sean, Quinn, Ryan, Owen, Alex, Benjamin, Samantha, and Katherine. His cup of happiness was full. Charles is also survived by his sister, Marie Deane. Charles was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Glasgow, Scotland. Charles met the love of his life, Ann, while immigrating to Canada on the HMS Corinthia. They were married on December 27, 1958. Charles was an outstanding and well-respected educator. Beginning as a teacher in Ottawa, Charles continued to pursue more challenges in the field of education - superintendent of the North York Board of Education, president of the College of New Caledonia and Yukon College. He was instrumental in the creation of the University of Northern British Columbia, leaving a very important academic legacy for all of northern BC. In his retirement, Charles consulted in South Africa, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia among others, sharing his educational and unique academic expertise. He was always praised in those countries for introducing novelty to their classical teaching methods. He was also an accomplished linguist. Locally he consulted for Sprott-Shaw Degree College, BC Mental Health Association and a host of national and international colleges and universities. For the past three years he was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Dorset College and held an executive position in the Royal Society of Arts. He never wanted to take credit for all the great work he created for the several institution and business entities he advised and created. When offered the nomination the Order of BC, he declined politely in his characteristic humility. Family was extremely important to Charles. He was very conscious of what he wanted to give his wife and family and never forgot his commitment to them. He was a generous and compassionate man and a loyal friend. Most of all, he loved to tell stories to his grandchildren while enjoying a good scotch. He knew more about single malt than any connoisseur and knew the intricacies in differentiating Beaujolais, Bordeaux & Bourgogne. His knowledge of the arts, music and history was second to none. His joie de vivre was incomparable and so was his dedication to impart his extraordinary knowledge to younger generation of educators. Charles was truly a Renaissance Man A funeral mass for Charles will be celebrated on May 1,2015 at 1:00pm, St Edwards Church, 2085 Maple Bay Road, Duncan BC, with a reception to follow at the church. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations "In memory of Charles McCaffray", to the Queen of Angels School, 2085 Maple Bay Road 1-250-746-5919 or Heart and Stroke Foundation, would be most appreciated.