Arthur Owen Geverding

It is with deep sadness that we share that Arthur Owen ‘Art’ Geverding passed away on July 20, 2023 after a short illness. Art will be greatly missed by his sister Carolyn Parcher (Aaron, predeceased), daughter Heather Geverding, grandson Keiran Geverding (Kayleen) and brand-new great-grandson Greyson Geverding.  He will also be fondly remembered by nephews Brad (Christine), Kevin, Andrew (Maddy) and Michael Parcher.  He is predeceased by his parents Ethel (née Roberts) and Ronald Geverding, and his younger brother David (2013).

Art was born in Montreal in 1946 on the same day of the year as his grandfather, and the same day his daughter would arrive precisely 21 years later. The family moved to Northern Ontario when he was three, and here the love of nature and outdoor pursuits that would come to define so much of his life were primed. He grew up in New Liskeard and was a member of the high school football team. Art graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury with a degree in Geography and began teaching at Confederation High School alongside his wife Georgia. He remained in the area until the early 1970’s when, choosing a different path, he first moved briefly to Toronto and then on to his adopted province of British Columbia. In this period of his life Art put countless miles on his trademark motorcycle and created an enduring record with his skillful photography, a passion and hobby that led to some professional opportunities along the way.

He met Lynne in B.C., and they ultimately settled in Vernon and would continue to be partners for the next many years. Art worked until retirement at a local veneer plant where he was legendary for his regular consumption of an epic number of sunflower seeds. He took every advantage of the abundant hiking, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and biking opportunities in the beautiful Okanagan Valley for all the many years he called it home, and remained devoted to an active lifestyle to the end of his life.

One of the few things that rivaled his passion for being outdoors and in nature was his love for his canine companions over the years.  Each one was a partner in his adventures and a loyal friend to him.  His dogs were frequently required to graciously suffer the presence of a cat as well; Art’s modest home was small but lively.  He is deeply missed by his current dog, Misty.

Art was full of curiosity, always both interested and interesting. He was fiercely independent and self-reliant with a biting wit. A love and knack for gadgets and electronics, first inherited from his father, was in turn inherited by his daughter and his grandson.  He had many hobbies and interests over the years, with flight sim being a particularly enduring one, and ancestry research a particularly fruitful one. His efforts helped build relationships with distant relatives in The Netherlands and Australia that the family treasures.

Art was a brother who kept his connection with his sister steady despite the challenges of great distance.  Carolyn will very much miss their phone chats as they marked special days and caught up with each other’s lives. He was a good friend, and a good neighbour, and will be greatly missed by those who knew him and could count on him and his bike and Misty as a daily presence.  Long-time friends more afar will miss the arrival of phone calls and emails with his signature BFN :>) sign-off. 

While we are truly saddened that it is now our turn to say ‘Bye for Now, Art’, we are heartened that the time he has to spend spelling and pronouncing the apparently baffling G-E-V-E-R-D-I-N-G for other people should be significantly reduced.

Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to Dr. Stephen Friesen and the Vernon Jubilee and Kelowna General Hospitals for their care of Art over his last weeks.  A special thank you to those in my dad’s Vernon family: neighbours Paul and Morgan for their over-and-above support of Art and Misty during this time, and to neighbour Sam for her help with Misty as well; to neighbour Connie for her immeasurable help to the family, and to Art’s long time friends Bob and L.M. for reaching out with love and care.

If you would like to make a donation in Art’s memory we can share that he has previously supported Westcoast Inland Search & Rescue in honour of their work.  He never did want anybody spending too much money though, so go easy. :>)

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: