David Featherby

Dave was born and raised in Victoria where he met his loving wife Cathrine Bond, and they married in 1969. His parents were David Elmer Featherby born in Deloraine, Manitoba and moved to Victoria before 1945, and Catherine Elizabeth Wilkinson, born in Victoria.

Dave was a guy full of vitality, looking forward to each new day and all that it encompassed. He was always busy with one activity or another. In his retirement, Dave enjoyed boating, fishing, antique cars and caring for his 5 acre farm with the dogs, llamas, and many gardens. His favourite farm activity was mowing the lawns in perfectly precise patterns and keeping the rows of lawn in Cathy's dahlia bed short and straight.

First and Foremost in David's life was his family. They were his pride and joy. His three boys held a very special part of his heart and he would do anything for them. He loved family gatherings where he would spoil grandchildren and his oldest 6-year-old great-granddaughter. When his first two granddaughters were young, Dave created the Chocolate Island Club which has carried on through all the grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. They would have meetings, create stories where everything was made of chocolate, and end with the treasurer (papa) providing dilly bars.

Dave was always a hard and diligent worker. With a family of three boys, at a young age, Dave took his responsibilities very seriously. At one time he worked 4 jobs to make ends meet. His favourite job was his last which was working for Transport Canada and managing Victoria Harbour for almost 30 years. His actual title was that of Port Manager, Airport Manager, Harbour Master and Enforcement Officer but he preferred to be known as "The Harbour Master". In many ways, he was a humble man, he was an out of the box thinker, could see the big picture, and often came up with great ideas.

Dave will be forever missed by his lifelong partner and wife Cathy, their 3 sons Dave (Janis), Ken (Toni), and Rob; their grandchildren Hayley (Mark); also Gabrielle (Braedan), Sarita, Isaac (Brianna), and Sophia along with their mother Susan; great-granddaughters Ellie, Claire, and River.

He is also survived by his sister Faye (late husband Dr. Ezra Ford), Brother-in-law Ken Bond (Joan), along with many nephews and nieces.

Dave will also be sadly missed by his extended family, many work and personal friends including John and Debbie Berkes, Bob and Helen Green, and Cathy's cousin and longtime fishing buddy, Wayne Ruffle.

There will be a Celebration of Life and Reception at the the Laurel Point Inn on August 10, 2023 at 12:00pm with doors opening at 11:30am. This will include a flotilla of vessels lead by the Coho ferry, leaving the Harbor at 3:00pm and visible from the waterfront at Laurel Point, to take Dave on his last journey from the harbour.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Camosun College, Memorial Gifts, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society Featherby Award, which was set up in honour of Dave, or to another charity of your choice.