With great sadness, we bid farewell to Francis Theodore Naish, who died aged 95 at his home in Oak Bay. Born in Jersey, England, to Major Theodore Edward and Ruth (Harrison) Naish, he moved with his family to Canada and grew up in Penticton. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII, after which he earned a BA in Mathematics and Physics at UBC.
He went on to a career teaching mathematics at Royal Roads military college. For most of his life he was active in the Scouting movement. He was known as "Akela" (Cubmaster) to generations of children, leading large packs in Vancouver and then in Victoria and Oak Bay. In his later years he "adopted" many children, some of whose families had come to Canada from other countries. He loved children, took child-like joy in organizing their games and outings, and was a real champion for their education.
He truly lived the Scouting promise "to help others at all times." He was a man of genuine kindness, old-fashioned courtesy and decency, and steadfast good cheer. He will be lovingly remembered by many, especially his "adopted family" the Do's, and long-time friends the Prescotts and the Whincups.
Memorial service will be at Church of the Advent, Colwood, 1:00 pm, Saturday, 28 March, followed by interment of ashes at Hatley Memorial Gardens and a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.
To send condolences or make a memorial donation, please visit www.earthsoption.com.