Remembrance
Since our inception in 1955, hundreds have spent countless hours volunteering their time and expertise organizing events and teaching others the lapidary arts. Here we recognize those who while no longer with us, give us reason to remember. Contact the webmaster if you wish to add an individual to this list.
Wiley, Frederick (1930-2024)
Wiley, Eileen (1929-2011)
Burnaby Laphounds and South Okanagan Rockhounds
Fred Wiley passed away, age 94 on November 1, 2024. Predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Eileen (Skelton) in June 2011.
Fred had a 40-year career as a Pharmacist in Greater Vancouver and he took pride in getting to know his customers and their families. Fred and Eileen were longtime members of the Burnaby Laphounds and Fred was President in the 1960’s. Their red Burnaby Laphounds jackets were found in the closet, along with the club crests! Fred and Eileen attended many meetings and events in Bonsor Hall. The group had a lot of fun together and kept in touch for over 60 years! Fred and Eileen had 3 daughters and as a family, spent many hours on Beavis and Wahleach rock bars along the Fraser River between Chilliwack and Hope looking for agates, jade and petrified wood. Family holidays were spent looking for rocks around BC and the Pacific Northwest. Fred labelled many of their finds with details about the rock and location they were found in. They had a full lapidary workshop and taught their daughters how to make cabochons. In addition to lapidary work, Eileen took up silversmithing and faceting. She had so much patience and her attention to detail was incredible.
Fred and Eileen moved to Oliver, BC in June 1994. They built a lakeside home, where Fred lived independently until his passing. They were active in the Oliver community. Fred and Eileen maintained their membership in the Burnaby Laphounds even after their move and they attended the annual Rockhound Rendezvous in many areas. They enjoyed the camaraderie of the rockhound community and participated in several outings with the South Okanagan Rockhounds and got to know some of the members. In 2012 Fred joined the South Okanagan Rockhounds. He was always interested in field trips and adventures. Fred attended meetings regularly and he contributed through his experience, to making the club interesting. Family members enjoyed choosing some special cabochons, jewellery or rock samples collected by Fred and Eileen to remember them by.
Fred wanted the rock collection and equipment to be shared by the members of the South Okanagan Rockhounds. The members were so excited to see Fred and Eileen’s collection, and they spent many hours as a group emptying the very full “rock room”. Club members bid for some of the equipment and the funds raised in Fred and Eileen’s name are being directed to the BC Lapidary Society’s Scholarship Fund. Fred and Eileen would be so pleased with that legacy and acknowledgement.
Babcock, Gerry
1933-2018
Interlakes Rockhounders
Many Rockhounders remember Garry Babcock, rockhound for over 60 years. Garry passed away on November 18, 2018 in 100 Mile House.
Garry's Rockhound career began in the fifties when he accompanied a group to a manganese mine and found some Rhodonite with green in it.
In 1957-58 the BC government offered inexpensive course in geology, taught by geologists from five different mining companies in BC. Garry took the course and earned his prospecting diploma in 1958. He never did any official prospecting, but the knowledge gained about geology helped him know how and where to look for good rocks.
He joined the Vancouver club in 1955. By 1960 he was working for a logging company in the 100 Mile district and helped form the 100 Mile District Rock Club. He married Elsie in 1960. Shortly after, the family moved to Ontario where Garry joined the Niagara Peninsula Geological Society. While there, he went on three excursions to Herkimer to collect Herkimer diamonds.RR. Brock University, built in the Sixties, asked for rock samples and some of Garry's donations are still there.
The family moved back to BC in 1967. For a while he joined clubs in other areas so his sons could participate. Eventually Garry worked with Mike and Brian Bolivar and others to form Interlakes Rockhounders in 2001.
Garry spent much of his time helping youngsters and other rockhounders. He even developed a set of rules for Rockhounding which he shared with others:
- Use all five senses in finding and identifying rock
- Learn to find the basic matrix these minerals are formed in
- Use proper tools properly
- Basic head, eye and foot protection is essential
- Join an organized rock club
Garry is survived by his loving wife Elsie, and sons Michael and Robert who carry on the art of rock hounding.
Smith, Cecil
1925-2018
Port Moody Rock and Gem Club
An active member of the Port Moody Rock and Gem Club from 1986 until his passing in 2018, Cecil taught hundreds of people the art of lapidary from the Kyle Centre workshop in Port Moody. Originally from Medford, Oregon, Cecil's interest in working with stone began in his youth and was a source of enjoyment throughout his life. Cecil spent much of his workshop time constructing 3D models from Coquihalla River serpentine. Many of his models were graciously donated to the Port Moody Rock and Gem Club so that his work could continue to inspire other lapidary enthusiasts.
