Sydney Demidoff
September 8, 1915 – March 29, 2012
Our Dad passed away peacefully at the Campbell River Hospital with family by his side. Sydney was the youngest of eight boys born on a farm in Borden, Saskatchewan to Ivan and Eva (Gavrilik) Demidoff.
Dad lived in Deep Bay and was a rowboat fisherman and a fish buyer for BC Packers in the 1930s. He served overseas in World War II as a gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery. While stationed for training in Wales he met the love of his life Doreen (Roberts). They married at the end of the war in 1945 and moved to Canada. After living in several places on the island and the lower mainland they settled in Campbell River in 1955. Dad worked on the booms in Campbell River before getting a job as an oiler at the Pulp Mill.
Dad loved to tell stories, especially about his ancestors in Russia, and of his early days growing up in Mayerthorpe, AB and Trail, BC. He wrote in his memoirs that he was the family joker, and that was certainly true. The grandchildren were his best audience!
His garden was a source of endless pleasure, and he was always willing to share his knowledge with others. On any given day you could find him puttering around outside while he treated the neighbours to his beloved music.
Sydney is survived by his loving wife Doreen, son John, daughters Pat (Larry) Harwood and Sandra, Grandchildren Lisa, Jacqueline, Jennifer (Charles), Eugene (Chrissy), Jolene (Rob) and Great Grandchildren Byron, Natalie, Kaiden and Charles.
We would like to thank all the neighbours who watched out for Dad on his daily walks with faithful companion Harley. Thanks also to Dr. Walker, the staff at the hospital, the Home Support Workers, and the staff at Yaculta Lodge, where Dad enjoyed his weeks of respite visiting with Doreen.
No service by request.
Elk Falls Crematorium
Island Funeral Services
250-287-3366