Anthony Jenkins

Dr. Anthony Jenkins, M.A (Cambridge); Ph.D (Berkeley), died August 23rd after a courageous battle with cancer. Son of John and Dorothy Jenkins, he was born in Sutton Coldfield, UK in 1936. Anthony left Britain in 1959 to teach English and French at Pictou Academy in Nova Scotia. On the ship to North America he met his future bride, Marion, and they settled in Victoria in 1960 when Anthony joined the English Department at Victoria College, later the University of Victoria. A specialist in Medieval Literature and Modern Drama, he published books in both fields. He was Director of the departments Honours Program for eight years and, for another three, Director of its Graduate Program. Two departmental awards for superior teaching led to the UVic Alumni Associations Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award in 1992. In 1996, as Professor Emeritus, he was appointed UVics Public Orator, responsible for citations to the recipients of the Universitys honorary degrees at Convocation. Also a pre-eminent Victoria actor, director and TV interviewer (Victoria Arts Calendar) for over 25 years, Anthony played such Shakespearean roles as Richard III, Iago, Shylock and the leads in such classics as Waiting for Godot, A Man for all Seasons and The Playboy of the Western World. He directed Shakespeare and Opera (The Bartered Bride) and played the lead in such musicals as Camelot and My Fair Lady. As a member of Equity and Actra professional guilds, he also did some work in TV and several pieces for CBC National Network in Vancouver. An avid opera-goer, he is remembered for the pre-performance lectures he gave for Pacific Opera Victoria. Pre-deceased by Marion, his wife of 47 years, Anthony leaves behind his two daughters Bronwyn (Edwin) of California and Megan and his two grandchildren, Mark and Emily of Ontario and his brother Peter (Joyce) of Brecon, Wales. Sincere thanks to his loyal friends, especially Bill Benzie and Norma Friedman, tireless helpers throughout his illness, and to his amazing physician, Dr. Anna Mason, who gave him strength, honesty, hope and dignity throughout his long illness. His family is also very grateful to the Victoria Hospice doctors, nurses and staff who gave Anthony great compassion and care in his final days. No service by request. In lieu of flowers please listen to your favorite opera.