Edward Readshaw

Edward Emerson (Dick) Readshaw, P. Eng., M.I.C.E. 23 February 1927 - 5 July 2012. Born Darlington, County Durham, England Eldest of four brothers and one sister. Educated Darlington Grammar School and King's College, Newcastle, University of Durham. Graduated 1948, Bachelor Applied Science (Engineering) with 1st Class Honours. Diploma in Public Administration, University of Victoria, 1966. In 1948, met Huguette Sauvan of Marseille, France, on the white cliffs of Dover, while she was enroute to the London Olympics. Married in Marseille, 31 December 1949. Began his engineering career in 1948 with British Rail (travelling frequently to France); switching to road works in Darlington and South Shields and the Road Research Laboratory outside London. Emigrated to Canada 1957 as District Highway Engineer, New Denver, BC. Rose through the Ministry of Highways to become Director of Highway Design and Survey. With others, engineered and built nearly all the existing BC highways, culminating in the spectacular Coquihalla Highway. Dick was a renaissance man. Cabinetmaker, boat builder, artist and his wife's odd job heavy garden work man. These came together with his love of sailing. Member of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Owner of four sailboats all named Massilia, Roman name for Marseille. Survived by brother Donald (Audrey), wife Huguette, children; Annette (Larry - deceased) and John (Laurie) and four grandsons; Paul (Signe), David, Michael and Matthew. Also numerous nephews and nieces in England, France, Australia and the United States. Pre-deceased by siblings; Arthur, Mary and Leslie. Thanks to all the staff at Glengarry Chandler Unit, who provided Dick, Huguette and family with attentive care and support for over three years and to the Patient Care Staff at Royal Jubilee, North 8, who were also so caring and thoughtful at the end. A Celebration of Dick's Life will be held at 14:00 hr., Friday, 13 July 2012, Royal Victoria Yacht Club. No flowers please. Donations can be made to the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation - Glengarry.