Francis Theodore Naish

With great sadness, we bid farewell to Francis Theodore Naish, who died aged 95 at his home in Oak Bay. Born in Jersey, England, to Major Theodore Edward and Ruth (Harrison) Naish, Francis moved with his family to Canada and grew up in Penticton, BC. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, after which he attended the University of British Columbia, where in1948 he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in Mathematics and Physics. He worked briefly at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and then for the rest of his career taught mathematics at Royal Roads military college. During most of his life he was active in the Scouting movement, first in Penticton, then in Vancouver and Victoria. He was known as "Akela" (Cubmaster) to generations of children in Oak Bay, and was honoured by the Scouting community for his expertise in and devotion to running a fine pack. In his later years he "adopted" many children, some of whose families had come to Canada from other parts of the world. He loved children and took child-like joy in organizing their activities and shopping at flea markets to add to his huge collection of games and toys for their entertainment. He was a tireless champion for their education, not only giving them advice but also helping them with their homework, volunteering in their classrooms, and providing financial support . He truly lived the Scouting promise "to help others at all times." Francis was a man of genuine kindness, old-fashioned courtesy and decency, and steadfast good cheer. He was meticulous and self-disciplined in managing his daily life; after undergoing heart by-pass surgery in his 60's, he instantly changed his diet from white bread and ample desserts, to brown rice and almond smoothies. At 95 he was impressively tech savvy, maintaining a lively email correspondence with friends and family, complete with photo attachments and YouTube links. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by many, especially his "adopted family" the Do's, and long-time friends the Prescotts and the Whincups. Funeral service will be at Church of the Advent, Colwood (510 Mount View Avenue), at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 28 March, Rev. Ken Gray presiding. This will be followed by interment of ashes in Hatley Memorial Gardens and a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Francis's memory to a charity of your choice.

Funeral Service