December 1, 1932 - August 2, 2024

In loving memory ~

Basil Boardman, 91, of Victoria BC, passed away on August 2, 2024. Basil was born the middle of three brothers to William and Nora Boardman in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire, England on December 1, 1932.

After trying out a few different jobs, including collecting taxes on his motorbike, Basil returned to school and became a teacher and principal. Teaching was his lifelong calling and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in England, Alberta, and Victoria who benefited from his wise and kind guidance during their elementary years.

Basil was a man of many adventures. His first and biggest adventure was to meet Margaret at a New Year's Eve party and marry her eight months later, followed by emigration to Canada with four young children, another child born in Lethbridge, and a final move to Victoria, BC. Teacher, principal, kayaker, artist, guitar player, choir leader at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, tennis player, Yukon portager, Cuban tour guide, and life-long learner.

Beloved Dad to Lenora, Kristina, Andrea, Christopher, and Jennifer. Father-in-law to Steve, Mitch, Shelley, Tony and Ray. Grandad to Selena, Chris, Jake, Faydra, Sam, Deryk, Alison, Gillian, Callahan, and Cara. Great grandad to Cove and Vale. There are too many stories to tell about how Basil was amazingly patient and supportive, including teaching five children to swim in Henderson Pool in Lethbridge, helping them learn to drive on the back roads of Colwood, building hundreds of sandcastles with his trusty shovel at the Esquimalt Lagoon and Elk Lake, and turning his handkerchief into a mouse and hiding the red double-decker bus in the couch a million times to entertain his grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at the Priory for taking such good care of Basil during his final years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Scholarship Fund of the Retired Teachers Association in Basil's name to honor his lifelong commitment to education (#5-515 Dupplin Road Victoria BC V8Z 1C2).

Family and friends are welcome to join us at a Garden Party to celebrate Basil Sunday August 18th, 2:00 pm to 5:00 at 3733 Metchosin Road.

Dormir apretado, Basilio.