John ARMSTRONG

ARMSTRONG _ John Beverley (Bev) Robinson John Beverley "Bev" Robinson Armstrong, 52, died unexpectedly at his West Vancouver home on Sunday, November 10, 2002. Born on July 29th, 1950, in St. John, New Brunswick, Bev was the son of Elizabeth C. (Kitty) Armstrong and the late David B. Armstrong of Vancouver. An extraordinary entrepreneur who not only introduced Red Robin restaurants to Canada and held the Canadian franchise rights to the successful chain, Bev was also a principal in many major real estate development projects in Canada and the United States. He was also a founder and shareholder, along with his brother Peter, in the Great Canadian Railtour Company, operator of the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer tour train, North America's largest privately owned passenger rail service. Bev is survived by his loving wife Laura-Lee, son Scott, daughters Lauren and Mariel, beloved mother Kitty of West Vancouver, brother Peter (Wendy) Armstrong, nieces Ashley and Chelsea and nephew Tristan of Vancouver and sister Joy (Ken) Jones and nephew Christopher and fiancee Jen of West Vancouver. He is fondly remembered by his numerous friends, many who shared his love for and knowledge of the finest of wines, automobiles and world travel. Known as a man with an exceptionally generous spirit, Bev cherished his children and wanted all around him to share with him in the enjoyment of life and the joy of close friendships such as those he enjoyed with his many friends in the Young Presidents Organization. His outstanding generosity benefited many local charitable organizations such as Family Services of the North Shore and Children's Hospital but a personal sense of pride was felt most strongly through his significant volunteer involvement as President of the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey League in which his son Scott played. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 11:00 a.m., West Vancouver United Church, 2062 Esquimalt Avenue, West Vancouver. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, gifts to the British Columbia Children's Hospital Foundation, Eating Disorders Clinic, 4480 Oak Street, Room B321, Vancouver, B.C., V6H 3V4, would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hollyburn Funeral Home.