April 23, 1924 - January 21, 2012

Geoff is remembered with love by his wife of 52 years Shirley, his daughters Jennifer (Chris) Cunningham, Jocelyn (Graham) Atkin, son Dean (Theresa) Bodman and his grandchildren Malcolm, Zachary, Maggie, Jeremy and Noah, all of Pinantan, B.C.

Geoff will also be remembered by his bother Alan of Victoria, B.C. and many many nieces and nephews throughout B.C. He is predeceased by his brother Phil.

Geoff's was a life well lived. Born in Grand Forks, B.C., he grew up in Rock Creek and the Kettle Valley area. His tales of family, ranch life and adventures with his school chums were colourfully told at many family gatherings. Friends from his school years stayed in touch over all the years and many visits to the Kettle Valley kept these friendships vibrant. In 1937, the family moved to Vancouver Island, first to Parksville and then to Victoria.

In 1944 Geoff followed his brothers into the army, volunteering for the Canadian #1 Special Wireless Group, which saw service in New Guinea and Australia. Again, strong friendships were made during these years and several reunions were held with two being hosted by Geoff and Shirley at their ranch in Pinantan. Upon his return from military service, Geoff completed his high school at Victoria College and, following in his father's footsteps, joined the BC Forest Service in 1947. Geoff attended the BC Forest Service Ranger School in Surrey in 1955 and worked as Deputy Ranger in Salmon Arm, and Forest Ranger in Alexis Creek and Blue River before serving in the Kamloops District Office until 1965.

As Forest Ranger in Alexis Creek, Geoff was instrumental in the creation of a protected nesting area for White Pelicans at Strum Lake, now part of White Pelican Provincial Park.

In 1957, Geoff met Shirley, the love of his life, in Kamloops. They were married in 1959 and lived in Alexis Creek and Blue River before moving to Westsyde in Kamloops. In 1964 they bought their ranch east of Pinantan Lake, naming it Jay Springs Ranch, which began with a herd of Brown Swiss dairy cows before they decided to focus on raising sheep. The family continues to reside and raise sheep at Jay Springs to this day.

Many long-term Pinantan residents will remember Geoff from his years as a school bus driver once kids started to be transported to Kamloops for school.

In 1976 Geoff was honoured to be chosen as a Nuffield Farming Scholar and travelled to the UK to study British farming practices. As always happened with Geoff, more life long friendships were made; he and Shirley travelled to many countries attending Nuffield reunions and hosted several fellow scholars at Jay Springs Ranch.

His love of birding and the wonders of the natural world led him to be a founding member of the Kamloops Naturalist Club and an avid participant in bird counts throughout the region. Birding was a constant activity on any walk, drive or holiday trip and anyone with him on the trip would learn from his vast knowledge.

Geoff was committed to public service. He served two terms as a director for the TNRD, was Chair of the Agriculture Advisory Committee of the PNE, sat on numerous boards and committees and was active in many organizations such as the BC Sheep Breeders Cooperative and the Kamloops and District Woodlot Association.

The family is eternally indebted to the wonderful care aides, nurses and staff at The Hamlets who cared for Geoff as he struggled with failing health and dementia through his final months. Thanks are also due to Dr. Waller and Dr. Boughton for their care.

A Celebration of Geoff's life will be held at Jay Springs Ranch in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion "Poppy Trust Fund" would be appreciated.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com. Service arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Services, telephone 250-374-1454.