Gordon William Pascoe, August 1, 1940 –  September 9, 2026

Gordon William Pascoe – Sunrise: August 1, 1940 – Sunset: September 9, 2026. Born in British-occupied Shanghai, China, Gordon was later interned during World War II with his mother, Evelyn, and future sister, Heather, in Ash Camp, a Japanese civilian internment camp for expatriate women and children. His father, Jock, was held concurrently in a separate men’s camp. Decades later, Gordon would write and compose the award-winning play Gonzo, a deeply human tribute to a compassionate Japanese schoolteacher-turned-guard he bonded with during those 1,000 days of captivity. Reviewers described the work as a “compelling and beautiful and fascinating story, so full of all different kinds of emotion and humanity and humor,” preserving an important chapter of history. Upon the ending of the war, Evelyn and Jock returned to their home in the Scilly Isles, England, where they reunited and raised their children in what proved to be an idyllic setting. Family and the Lantzville Home Gordon’s life took a definitive turn when he met and married Jill Kingcome. The couple eventually moved to Canada, and after surviving a couple of freezing winters in Saskatchewan, they wisely headed west to Lantzville, BC. There, with the help of friends, they built the family home that they managed to remain in until 2022. Along the way, they raised three children and welcomed several grandchildren: Sandra Pascoe and her son, Eric Samson. James Pascoe (Janice) and their children, Brandon and Carys. Andrew Pascoe (Carolyn) and their children, Tyler and Alixandra. Center Stage and Loud Pianos Gordon spent his lifetime fancying himself a composer, a theater enthusiast, and a man of the dance floor. Whether it was Ballroom or the Jitterbug, if there was music, Gordon was on his feet. He travelled extensively just to go to plays and attend dances, eager to experience the arts wherever they took him. Local students will likely remember him for his loud enthusiasm for Gilbert and Sullivan, and the community will remember his long-time involvement with the Nanaimo Theatre Group. At home, his family will remember him for the countless nights he played the piano and sang rather loudly downstairs. Words of Thanks The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gordon’s wonderful community of singers, musicians, and dancers, as well as his dear friend Diane, for the immense joy they brought to his life in his later years. Your contribution is immeasurable.

• Date : 2026-09-09
• Location : Victoria, BC