WVHS and the community of West Vancouver pays its utmost respect to Richard James (Jim) Carter who sadly passed away Sept 26, 2021, at 89 years of age. Jim was a very accomplished man as an educator, businessman, historian, sports champion, and artist. He served as President of the West Vancouver Historical Society from 2007 – 2011 and was the creative genius and force behind a number of WVHS initiatives.
We recently heard that a “labour of love” project that caught our attention early last year has come to a happy conclusion. The restoration of Copper Cottage is complete. Tony and Yvonne are living in their beautiful new home, landscaped with specimen plants that were moved with the cottage, and gearing up for the next stage of their project.
With the recent death of Sean Connery, we were reminded that he knew our community well. Apart from starring in at least two films shot in BC, Mr. Connery was an avid golfer, spending many hours playing at the Capilano and Furry Creek courses. Yes, in December 1989, Sean Connery was in West Vancouver, on Bowen Island for five days - filming the infamous Russia House movie.
A salute to Don Grant, historian and archivist. WVHS sadly announces to members the news that Don Grant, long time WVHS member and supporter, and Hollyburn Heritage Society historian, has died.
West Vancouver’s Frank Kurucz has crossed his final finish line. Frank died on Saturday, December 5, 2020, in his 91st year. Those whose lives Frank touched will remember him, each in their own way, and always with a smile. In his obituary, Frank’s son, Tom, and his family, have written eloquently about the extent and the value of his contributions and achievements, his love of life, passion for fitness a
In 1942, eleven year old Tom Taylor got his first job, delivering the West Van. News. The weekly newspaper, precursor of the Lions Gate Times and the North Shore News, would inspire his book, Glimpses, subtitled “World War II West Vancouver through the eyes of the papers and the paperboy”.
Tom and Margaret Taylor, life members of WVHS, have donated their inventory of Glimpses to the Society.
West Vancouver Council recently resolved to demolish Navvy Jack House. Built in 1873, Navvy Jack House is the oldest building in West Vancouver and the oldest continually occupied residence in the Lower Mainland. This galvanized community support to preserve the building.
WVHS pays tribute to North Shore resident, Mr. Michael Smith, age 90, who sadly passed away on April 2, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Our sincere condolences to the Smith family. Mike and his wife Nancy were strong supporters of WVHS and many WVHS members have fond recollections of Mike and his love of history. Mike was well known on the North Shore as a teacher, rugby coach, music lover and family man.
Find out about some of the upgrades at Point Atkinson. As part of its mandate to provide and maintain interpretive information on the importance of Point Atkinson, WVHS has installed a display inside the former Power House. Point Atkinson’s wharf mid-section was unfortunately completely demolished in a dramatic storm on Dec. 20, 2018. WVHS is pleased that the wharf will finally undergo some repairs.
