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Angus Donald George Galbraith

January 27, 2013

WEB-Galbraith

T’ Bonnie Baxter Lassies

Wi’ posie aw’ full-up baskets

A hustle 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 a gifted 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 a familiar 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 a man 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 a junior 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 a successful 8 games, Angus received an innocent bodycheck 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 a high 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 3 years 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 a method 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 a part 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 a rich legacy of artworks and relationships.

In accordance with Angus’ wishes, no funeral service 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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