Tribute

Desmond Robert Champion
November 23, 1935 – April 13, 2020

Des died from natural causes in Ganges, B.C. He was born in Vancouver but moved to New Zealand as a baby. He learned his trade as a carpenter in Auckland before moving back to Canada, where he spent many years as an unofficial but much-loved member of the Denton family, both in Vancouver and on Salt Spring Island, where he lived out his final years.

Friends and family described him as a thoughtful and caring person with a lovely smile, a delightful quiet voice, and a witty sense of humour. He loved animals, especially dogs. His many interests included astronomy and other sciences, electronics, photography and wine-making. Des had an endless curiosity about the world and would often jot down perceptive thoughts about what he saw and heard.

He was predeceased by his brother Lawrence and sister Lillias, and survived by his sister-in-law Kathy Champion. Des was also predeceased by his dearly-loved friend Dorinne Denton and survived by his ‘sister’ Lynne Denton (Mark Hughes) and Lynne’s sister Laurie (David Schmidt) and Lynne’s niece Patricia Denton.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the B.C.S.P.C.A. or Lady Minto Hospital, per his wishes.