September 30, 1932 –January 27, 2013
T’ Bonnie Baxter Lassies
Wi’ posie aw’ full-up baskets
Ahustle o’er the moor past misty wraith
To the bonnie wee glen o’ Galbraith.
Angus passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2013,
at home in his beloved cabin on the Cowichan River.
He was born in Toronto, Ontario, but lived his formative
years in South Porcupine. He was predeceased by his
parents, Mary Galbraith (nee Donald) and Thomas
Teauch Galbraith and his brother Donald Mac Donald
Galbraith. All were born in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Predeceased also
by first wife, Evelyn Lorraine Galbraith (nee Craig). Angus is survived by loving
wife Sonia, daughters: Dawn (Patrick), grandson Shane, granddaughter Ciara;
Lesley (Gerard), grandson Ramsey (Amanda) and great grandchildren Peyton and
Liam; Alison (Andy). Stepdaughter Linda and granddaughters Hannah and
Rebecca; stepson Bruce (Ellen) and grandson Jordan. He is also survived by his
nieces and nephews, Tom, Heather, Moira, Cheryl, Glenda, Gordon, Stuart and
Kirk. Angus was well known in the Cowichan Valley as agifted sculptor and lover of
nature. He was an avid admirer and supporter of the Kaatza Lakeside Players,
attending all productions, making donations and doing his utmost to promote them.
As an honourary member of the Kaatza Art Group, he was afamiliar and welcome
exhibitor at their annual art shows. He often won recognition at the Annual
Cowichan Valley Arts Council Spring Art Show. Angus generously donated his
time and knowledge to aspiring sculpture students and fellow artists.
Angus was aman who used adversity to change course and reshape his path into
three distinct careers. His early love of sports focused on hockey and saw him
playing as ajunior in and around Ontario and in Quebec City when not working
in the South Porcupine Gold Mine. Shortly after his marriage to Lorraine, Angus
received an offer to play for the Paisley Pirates in Scotland. After asuccessful 8
games ,Angus received an innocent body check which resulted in amputation of
his left leg one month after his 21st birthday. His hockey career was over. With an
18 year old pregnant wife, and only ahigh school education, Angus quickly made
arrangements to return to the classroom and complete his education. He worked
at Imperial Chemical Industries attending Paisley Tech. The birth of daughter
Dawn was followed by daughter Lesley 3years later. With his diploma in hand,
Angus, Lorrie and daughters headed back to Sarnia Ontario in 1958. While
working for Sun Oil in Sarnia, daughter Alison was born.
Always looking for new adventures, Angus moved his family to Fort McMurray,
Alberta in 1966 to work for Sun Oil’s spin off company, Great Canadian Oil Sands.
During this time, he devised and patented amethod of analysis that is used in the
plant to this day. After several promotions, Angus was ready for early retirement
as Manager of Technical Services at the age of 45. Difficulties with arthritis
precipitated this decision, and the move to Lake Cowichan was made in
September of 1977. In Cowichan, Angus honed his sculpting skills, working almost daily with varying
mediums, such as wood, clay, metal and cement.
His curiosity led him to new and exciting techniques, while he drew his inspiration
from his beloved Cowichan River, flowing past the boathouse studio, and all the
critters and birds that were so much apart of every day. He incorporated the
inspiration he received from the works of art of various cultures and countries
encountered during his travels in Europe and North America.
Heartfelt thanks to the medical staff of the Duncan Hospital and Brookside Medical
Clinic. Special thanks to Dr. Froese, Dr. Postuk, Connie and the ladies in the
Chemo department, also Kathlene at Life Labs. His family greatly appreciated the
services provided by Cowichan Home and Community Care, in particular the
wonderful support of the Palliative Unit and the Home Care Nurses.
Angus is lovingly remembered by his family and many friends near to home and
far abroad. He leaves behind arich legacy of artworks and relationships.
In accordance with Angus’ wishes, no funeral services will be held. Instead a
Celebration of Life will take place this summer. Time and place to be announced.
Rather than flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made to the Kaatza
Lakeside Players.
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