On Feb 13th in the early morning hours, Gordon Scarff passed away in the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island at the age of 93 years. He was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on July 2nd, 1915. After many years of logging and milling on North Pender, Gordon arrived on Saltspring in 1962 to begin his newly formed company, Scarff Equipment Ltd. For many years, Gordon wielded machinery and equipment on all parts of the Island, working cooperatively with the provincial government and local municipalities on roads, water and sewer lines and many other projects where his backhoes and other equipment could be put to use. There is a Scarff Lane near Ganges, named after him as a tribute to his contributions to the road and housing infrastructure of Salt Spring Island as we know it today.
Gordon trained for his private pilots licence in the Spring of 1973 and on May 18th of that year he took his first solo flight in a Cessna 150.
Gordon is survived by his daughters Dr. Carol Scarff of Kelowna, BC and Audrey Shaw of Victoria BC; grandchildren, Dr. Ronald Seatter and Donald Seatter of Ottawa, ON, Eugene Seatter of Vancouver, BC, Amanda Clark of Lacombe, AB, Robert Shaw and Emily Madeline Shaw of Victoria, BC; and sister Florence Harris of San Marcos, California. He also leaves behind five great-grandchildren, namely Brandon, Brooklynn and Jayde Seatter of Ottawa, ON; Tessa Virley O’Connor and Madeline Virley Seatter of Ottawa, ON.
Gordon is predeceased by his wife, Madeline Ayers Scarff; his parents, Susan Rothwell Scarff and David A. Scarff; and five siblings, Clara, Geordie, Evelyn, Edwin and Harold.
In lieu of a memorial service a private family wake was held at
Gordon’s favourite haunts on the Island in order to celebrate his life through storytelling, laughter and tears. The interment will take place at the Garden of Devotion, Hatley Memorial, Victoria, BC at a later date. Those inquiring of a way to offer condolences to the family and honour Gordon’s life are encouraged to give a donation in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Our Father’s approach to life was enthusiastic, bold,
and full of song!
Sincerely submitted, Carol & Audrey