JONES, Geoffrey Burrett Died peacefully on July 6, 2012 , in Victoria, B.C. He was born on May 2, 1928, in Calgary, Alberta. Predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Mary; Geoffrey is survived by his children, Ted (Susana) and Bronwen (Mark); his grandchildren, Gisela and Fernando and his three nieces, Wendy (Pat), Carol and Susan. A Memorial Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 2:30 pm with a reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC. Condolences may be offered to the family at McCall Bros.
Times-Colonist Obituary
Geoff observed the night sky from his home in Oak Bay using his Mead LX-200 10″ SCT. He also used his William Optic Red Anniversary edition apochromatic refractor for grab-and-go observing. Geoff was learning astrophotography using his Canon Digital Rebel dSLR, and had some success – see his online gallery.
Geoff helped Victoria Centre run Astronomy Café held on Monday evenings in Fairfield, and was a regular at this social event for amateur astronomers. Geoff also attended several RASCals Star Parties. His cheerful disposition was always valued by his fellow amateur astronomers.
Geoff actively supported the creation of Victoria Centre’s Observatory (VCO) atop Observatory Hill in 2008.
“Thank you to Geoff Jones, a member who opened his house to the Technical Committee, so testing of the Paramount ME, computer systems and weather station could take place in town. Geoff’s generosity enabled the Committee to complete their work in record time.”
President Joe Carr at the dedication of the Victoria Centre Observatory, August 18, 2008.
 Geoff at the VCO in 2008 |
 Charles Banville, Nelson Walker, Bruno Quenneville, Geoff Jones |
 Geoff Jones, Charles Banville, Malcolm Scrimger tacking on tarpaper – roof fully retracted |
 Michel Michaud, Charles Banville, Geoff Jones & Bruno Quenneville standing proud by the new pier |
 Geoff Jones approves the final level of the pier |
 John and Geoff review the installation |
Condolences
| I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Geoff. Geoff hosted Astronomy Café for some years and I always looked forward to meeting him on Mondays. My condolences to his family. Charles Banville |
| Everyone who interacted with Geoff at the RASC greatly enjoyed his company and approach to life. He earned that wide respect by being truly an exceptionally nice person. He will be missed by his many friends in the RASC. Jim Hesser |
| I am extremely pleased to have met and built up a lasting friendship with Geoffrey at astronomy cafe over the past two years. We had much in common by both of us being widowers and the love of astronomy.I always placed the high chair at the corner of the table for Geoffrey to sit on at astronomy cafe and always enjoyed seeing him come into the room with his bright shining smile and wonderful uplifting words of continuous encouragement. Bronwen and Mark you had a wonderful father and please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father’s death. Dennis McMunn |
| I was saddened and shocked to learn from the Ham Radio community net on Monday 23rd and the RASC Victoria list that Jeff had passed. His interest in his hobbies as well as many others made him unique. His unfettered desire to explore our universe, communicate via radio and his stories were always entertaining and educational. His presence in our community and others will be greatly missed. Malcolm Scrimger |
| I am very sad to hear this news. He was a kind and gentle soul, and was always able to make me smile. He will be missed. Li-Ann |
| I am deeply saddened to hear Jeff’s passing. He was a kind and gentle person. His infectious smile will certainly be missed by all. Sid Sidhu |
| I’m so sorry to hear about Jeff ….. he always had a good word and a smile. Nelson Walker |
| I am so sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. He was a kind and gentle person. He was a friendly face at welcome tables for the RASC at the open houses in Fairfield, and at Astronomy days. He will be missed.Happy observing out there, Geoff. Lauri Roche, President, RASC Victoria Centre |
| Geoff was a dear and close friend, I will miss him……… I have many great memories, too many to highlight here, but his encouragement and efforts on the VCO project inspired all of us to pursue the vision. Bruno Quenneville |
| Like many other members of the Victoria Centre, I always looked forward to checking up with Geoff at Astronomy Cafe and other centre activities. A couple of years ago, he bought remote observation time through the internet, so that our inclement weather and the vicissitudes of advancing age could not prevent him from observing. And his work and advice constituted a real and important contribution to the creation of the VCO.I am genuinely sad to hear of his passing, but I am glad that he was a member of our centre and a friend of ours. Chris Gainor, 2nd VP, RASC National |
| Geoff was unfailingly kind and enthusiastic. It’s very sad to hear of his passing. Jim Cliffe |
| Sorry to hear that. We will all remember Geoff’s generosity and his contributions to our group. David Lee |
| Geoff was genuine and infectiously happy; I will miss his always friendly hello. Brian Robilliard |
| I agree with everything John said. I always looked forward to seeing Geoff; he had a smile and enthusiasm that were infectious.Condolences to Geoff’s family. He will be missed by all. Sherry Buttnor |
| Geoff was one of the happiest guys I ever met, always with a smile on his face and a question to ask about astronomy gear or something else he had come across. I think it gave everyone a lift when he walked into a room. I know we loved to see him walk in to Astronomy Cafe and show us the latest gadget he had found. We will miss him a lot. John McDonald |
| I have to smile every time I remember Geoff. Like me, he was a dedicated techno-dweeb – always fascinated with the latest electronic gadget. We often traded experiences within the two groups we both belonged to: Big Blue and Cousins (computer users’ group) and (later) at RASC Victoria Centre. Astronomy is custom made for people like Geoff (and I), who want to keep learning about new things, but are dedicated to using electronics and other gadgets we either buy or make. Geoff mastered all this gadgetry despite his advanced age, and was always eager to take on more. Geoff was also a consummate volunteer in both groups, and contributed valuable time and effort to his fellow members. Mostly, I will remember Geoff’s good humour and his laugh. He was a great guy and a good friend, and he will be missed. To his family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. Joe Carr |
| I was very sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing; he was a good friend, and we shared a number of dinners together. I will miss him and his presence at the meetings. T. Rand Collins |