June 26,1944 – April 20, 2026
Jay was born in Birkenhead, England. He came to Canada in 1964 on a scholarship to McGill where he received his BEng. He then went to UWO where he earned his MBA. He met the love of his life, Anne Dawson, in Montreal where they were married in 1972. By then he had had enough of eastern Canadian winters, so the two of them migrated to Vancouver in 1973. There they welcomed their two children Brian and Jane. Jay was involved in several business ventures in Vancouver before retiring to Salt Spring Island.
On Salt Spring he indulged his interests in many facets of island life, as a tennis, golf and pickle ball player, as a volunteer, and, of course, as a worker with his beloved tractors, chain saws, etc., on his property. He and Anne became snow birds driving to Mazatlán, Mexico, for over fifteen years, where he pursued his love of sports and warm weather. He and Anne made many good friends in both places, and were fortunate to travel widely with them.
We are devastated by his loss, but grateful for his warm, easy-going manner, his steady presence, his English wit and his love and generosity which touched many people. He leaves his family: his wife, Anne, son Brian (Lauren) and grandson, Seamus, daughter, Jane and granddaughter, Dani.
How lucky we were, to end up next door to Jay and Anne, when we first wintered in Mazatlan. Their warm friendship , and Mexican savvy were so appreciated, and we considered ourselves lucky to have made such wonderful friends. How dreadfully sad to lose Jay. Our deepest condolences to Anne and her family.