Earl George “Buddy” Naismith

February 22, 1935 – July 30, 2026

Earl George “Buddy” Naismith passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on July 30, 2026, at the age of 91.

He left this life with a quiet confidence, ready to meet his Heavenly Father face to face. His faith was an important part of who he was and remained a source of peace and certainty throughout his life.

Born in Verdun, Quebec, on February 22, 1935, to Minnie and George Naismith, Earl lived a life marked by curiosity, learning, adventure and a genuine fascination with the world around him.

He graduated from McGill University’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering in 1958 and began his career with Nortel Electric in Belleville, Ontario. In 1972, he moved his family to White Rock, BC, where he began a new chapter as an educator, teaching mathematics at community colleges in Surrey, New Westminster and Richmond.

At Kwantlen University College, Earl created new opportunities for community learning, including the Ferrier Program and the Horticultural Program. He believed in the value of education and in creating opportunities for people to continue learning throughout their lives.

A lifelong learner

Earl was, above all, a lifelong learner. He almost always had a book on the go, and his interests seemed to know no boundaries — languages, cultures, history, literature, travel and learning simply because there was always something more to discover.

He became fluent in Mandarin and French, with a strong working knowledge of Russian, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages. He learned languages not simply to master them, but to connect with people and cultures beyond his own.

His curiosity eventually led him to earn a Master’s Degree in Classical Chinese Poetry from UBC. He became proficient in speaking and writing Chinese and translated hundreds of Chinese idioms and parables into English.

For him, learning was never something that ended with a degree or a career. It was a way of experiencing life.

Lasting gifts

Growing up, his daughters were drawn in by his fun and engaging spirit. Family life was filled with games, traditions and little rituals that made ordinary days memorable — from evenings of charades to family movie night, they were simple things, but they became part of the fabric of their family and memories they continue to carry with them.

Some of the most lasting gifts Earl gave his daughters were a curiosity about the world, an appreciation for education and an example of how to connect with others with genuine interest, openness and warmth.

Most importantly, he loved deeply, and he made sure his daughters always knew it.

25 Years Together

Earl and Roxanne shared 25 years together, with a relationship grounded in a deeply rooted respect for one another. They were often of one heart, even when they held differing opinions, and shared a love of symphony concerts, live theatre and bike rides.

They also treasured the quieter moments, often reading and praying together and for each other, finding hope in their shared faith.

For Roxanne, Earl was a beloved husband and companion whose curiosity, humour, intellect and warmth made life richer, and whose presence she will carry with her always.

A life that continues through others

Earl’s life continues through his four daughters, Rachel Cram (Dan), Lydia Phillips (Brent), Deborah Mitchell (Stu) and Esther Granger (Jason); his 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his step-children Meredith (Mathieu) and Caleb; his sisters Bonnie Naismith and Patricia Naismith; and the many friends, students, colleagues and family members whose lives he touched.

He is predeceased by his sister Carol Naismith.

A Celebration of Earl’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Coastline Church, Caledonia Street, Victoria, BC.

All who knew and loved Earl are welcome to come together to remember, celebrate and share stories of a life lived with curiosity, purpose, faith and a genuine joy in discovering the world.

 

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