Maurice King

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful Dad, Maurice Francis Joseph King (Maurice J King), at home with his wife Janet, on December 2, 2019 at the age of 92. Our Dad is survived by his loving wife Janet (of over 17 years); his five daughters and four sons-in-law, Kathryn, Ann (Jim), Jean (David), Deborah (Geoff), and Barbara-Leah (Joe); his nine grandchildren, Chris, Jeff, Danny, Tom, Kelly, Matthew, Alexandra, Kyle and Ashleigh; and his three great granddaughters, Autumn, Jade, and Brianna. He is also survived by his first wife Catherine, mother of his five daughters, and by his nieces Patricia, Heather, Penny, and Mary and his nephews Danny and Brian as well as his great nieces and great nephews and many other family members and friends. He is predeceased by his sister Mary Mann and his brother Patrick King.

Our Dad lived an extremely active life and had a multi-faceted career. He was every bit a man who was “larger than life”. He accomplished, many times over, more than most do in one lifetime. In true Irish fashion, he wore his heart on his sleeve but at the same time his courage was inspiring. Our Dad had an expansive spirit that carried him through all the achievements and enjoyments (as well as the tribulations and regrets) of a life lived to the fullest, and then some. His life on his “Island in the Pacific”, as he so fondly called it, was a perfect place for his slower-paced retirement in his last 18 years. Our Dad mellowed out in his beautiful surroundings, including Janet’s tranquil garden. He cherished his family time and his special relationship with each of his family members, right up to the very end. We all miss our Dad so much but we are comforted that he is now at peace. As Dad often told us, “All is well”. So mote it be.

Our Dad was born in Montreal, Quebec and also lived in Greenfield Park QC, Rockburn QC, and Apple Hill ON before arriving in Nanaimo BC on Vancouver Island in 2001. Our Dad graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) from then Sir George Williams University in Montreal (which he obtained attending evening classes, while at the same time working full time and raising his family). He remained interested in current affairs and politics in his later years. His interests also included writing, communicating with people, reading, walking his Maltese Yorkie "Penny" on the beach, being in the garden with his cat Lucky, enjoying Island life with his wife Janet, and attending many plays and symphony concerts. His favourite films were Documentary films and his favourite music was Classical, especially Mozart. He was an avid reader of biographies, historical, and fictional books; and gathered an impressive collection of Canadian history and political books. Some of his favourite authors were Ian Rankin, Jack Whyte, George Martin, Susan Howatch, Michael Connelly, and, especially, Louise Penny. He also loved the poetry of Robert Burns and Robert Service and the poetry and plays of William Shakespeare.

Some of his many positions and accomplishments included; CN Employee, Trade Unionist (CBRE), Greenfield Park School Board Commissioner, the first Chairman of the South Shore Protestant Regional School Board, Director of the Charles Lemoyne Hospital, Director of Ormstown Regional Hospital, CEO/Manager of CN Employees Credit Union, Director General/CEO of the Quebec Credit Union League, Mayor of Greenfield Park, QC, Past Master of Huntington Masonic Lodge QC (highest rank), President of the Chateauguay Valley English-Speaking Peoples Association (CVESPA). In 1987 he hosted the TV Program “This Week in the Chateauguay Valley” on PBS in Plattsburgh, New York. In 1989 he organized the Unity Party (a political party representing individual rights and freedoms and working for the restoration of rights of the English-speaking people of the Province of Quebec). Speaking at the many rallies and events he was always able to move people deeply with his powerful words and charisma, all without any notes in hand. He initiated the historical appeal in 1989, on behalf of Mr. Gordon McIntyre, to appeal Bill 178 to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations and the U.N. found in their favour and declared Bill 178 of the Quebec French Language Charter as a violation of freedom of expression. He wrote the book “The First Step” to chronicle his appeal to the United Nations, which was published in 1993, and which was followed by speaking engagements by him to Canadian Clubs across Canada to discuss his book. He was the Founder and volunteer Publisher of Dialogue Magazine (from 1987 to present).

We are planning a private Celebration of Life for our Dad on his Birthday, March 25, 2020.