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Earl Proteau
September 22, 1932 - January 10, 2026
Tribute
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Earl Proteau, who died peacefully at the age of 93 at Sunset Lodge in Victoria on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Earl is survived by his son Don (Kim), daughter Brenda (Trevor), his cherished granddaughters Brooklyn (Dan), Lauren, Elissa (Tyson), and Chelsea (Murat). His great grandchildren Casen, Rheo, Walker, Lola, Aksel, Everhett, and Emmerson. His sister-in-law Donna Ferguson, and brother-in-law Fred (Carol) Barton. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Earl was predeceased by June, his devoted wife of 56 years in 2011. His father Arthur Romeo, his mother Magdalene, and siblings Marshal, Antoinette, and Ida.
Earl was a lifelong resident of Chemainus, and his roots run deep in the community. He was the last surviving sawyer of the old Chemainus sawmill and enjoyed golfing for many years at the Mount Brenton Golf course. He freely gave his tomatoes to friends and neighbours and always had time for a chat and a laugh. Earl loved family gatherings that involved card games and his victory cackle will be long remembered. Earl was a long-time volunteer with the Chemainus Cemetery clean up crew. He also supported June quietly in the background with her many local charitable endeavours over the years. In retirement they enjoyed travelling the world and RV’ing North America, and spending time with family and friends.
Earl especially enjoyed the companionship and affection of his long-time friend Mary Francis. Earl would walk over to Mary’s house for morning coffee and Mary’s neighbours would often awake to their laughter.
Earl will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit, his laugh, and love of life.
The family would like to thank Earl’s Chemainus doctor, Dr Salamohammed, and the incredible caregivers and staff of Sunset lodge in Victoria. Also, thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Cowichan District Hospital.
Earl’s celebration of life will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM, Saturday, April 11th at 3055 Oak Street, Chemainus.
In lieu of flowers, grow some tomatoes and give them to friends.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: John Shelling
Relation: Family friend
What a great guy and such a character. It’s hard to believe we will never hear the clinker or Hector stories again. Always quick with a one liner followed by a cackle. A man committed to conformity, anything else was hippy bs. Many happy memories of golf, card games and dinners with the family. You are deeply missed.
From: David & Rachel Jackson
Relation: Friends and neighbours
Earl was a valued friend and neighbour. We moved into his neighbourhood four years ago and he welcomed us with home grown tomatoes and books on Chemainus, his home town. Since then we have enjoyed his friendship and humour. He was always there to lend a helping hand. I remember him saying that that was neighbours were for. We also enjoyed hearing his memories of growing up in Chemainus and working at the sawmill. He will be missed.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
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Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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