Art McQuade

Richard Arthur (Art) McQuade
February 26, 1951 - November 23, 2021 (Age 70)

Richard Arthur (Art) McQuade passed away at the age of 70 on November 23, 2021 in Parksville, British Columbia surrounded by his family after courageously living the past year with brain cancer.

Art was born to Hugh and Alice (née Christensen) McQuade on February 26, 1951 in Three Rivers, Quebec, the third of five children. He spent most of his childhood in St. Lambert, Quebec, and graduated from Chambly County High School there in 1968. Art attended Sir George Williams University in Montreal, where in 1974 he earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in accounting. Art was an active sports player during his school days, including baseball, hockey, football, and basketball.

Art married Janice Eliason in St. Lambert on June 26, 1971. They had two children: Michael in 1977 and Serena in 1981. The family first lived in Calgary, Alberta and relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1985. Patient, loving, and hardworking, Art was a wonderful father. No matter how difficult a situation might be, he would make time for his family and those he loved. Michael has fond memories of going on father son camping trips, watching baseball games, and playing hockey with his dad, just to name a few. Serena will always remember her dad as a very kind and gentle man who put others before himself. When Serena worked late night shifts at her job, Art would talk with her on the phone while she walked home in the dark to ensure she made it back safely.

Throughout his career, Art worked as an accountant with multiple oil and gold mining companies. He also started his own accounting and tax services practice serving clients both in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Despite popular opinion, Art actually enjoyed doing taxes. He did taxes for many people, often charging next to nothing for his services. He saw it as a way to meet people from all walks of life, and to help them when he could.

Art’s love of God could be seen throughout his life. His longtime friend Mal Finlayson remembers, “He was seriously grateful about God’s love and provision for him, and he wasn’t shy about saying so.” When Art shared his testimony he emphasized, “I think it’s important to know, it’s not a story about Art McQuade. What we have gone through is a story about God.”

While on a trip to Mexico, Art’s sister Jane befriended a local nun named Sister Lissy. Art and his siblings banded together to support Sister Lissy and her ministry to the poor in Yucatan, Mexico for many years. Art even orchestrated flying her out to Vancouver for respite and to share her story with the community.

After Art and Janice divorced, Art married Kathy Horne (née Samsonoff) on September 17, 2016 and moved to Parksville on Vancouver Island. Art and Kathy packed lots of adventures into their five years together, traveling throughout Europe, visiting friends and family across North America, and church mission trips. They especially loved vacationing in Tofino. Their loving companionship was a blessing to all who spent time with them. Having a blended family was an important part of their life. Kathy's two sons, Devon and Kyle, and their families were just as much a part of his life with Kathy as his own family, and many fond memories were shared through the years.

In Parksville, Art quickly became a part of his church community in as many ways as he could, including summer day camps, church security (after all, nothing is more intimidating than a 60-something accountant with a flashlight), and a men's singing group. He and Kathy also participated in an outreach trip to Molokai in Hawaii where they built an addition onto a Sunday school and made lasting friendships. And, of course, there was his involvement with the worship team. Art loved music and he could often be seen singing with the worship team at church. Art is surely now making quite a joyful noise with the heavenly choir!

A dedicated volunteer, Art never asked for anything in return. He worked hard for anyone he met. Art volunteered for many years with the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) where he mentored, partnered, and assisted the men in the rehabilitation programs by helping residents with their taxes (sometimes clearing up 10 years of back taxes), and often simply spending time together. He could also often be found volunteering with the Salvation Army Food Bank and Soup Kitchen. In fact, Art volunteered any chance he could – especially for the homeless, the hungry and the poor in his community. When the Olympic and Paralympic Games came to Vancouver in 2010, he chauffeured athletes and volunteered absolutely everywhere. Whenever you needed help, Art was always there with a friendly smile, an enthusiastic work ethic, and a lot of great stories to share.

Art stayed physically active throughout his life. He loved to run in any type of weather and participated in many races from 10K to full marathons. To stay fit and save money, Art commuted for many years on his bike from mountainous North Vancouver all the way to downtown Vancouver, navigating bridges, steep inclines, and traffic. He considered the sports section the best part of a newspaper and was a lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. In recent years, Art and Kathy walked the boardwalk in Parksville every day, taking in the stunning view, savoring the salty sea air, and developing friendships along the way.

Known for his gift of conversation and sense of humor, Art had a way of making people feel instantly at ease. Mal Finlayson joked, “You might agree, Art was somewhat outgoing. An understatement? He was one of the most outgoing people I’ve ever met.” Art’s friend Paul Woodyard said, “One thing I would describe Art as is enthusiastic. He’s enthusiastic about all kinds of things.” Art loved to share stories, often peppered with self-deprecating humor. With his remarkable height, broad smile, full head of voluminous white hair, and extroverted nature, he was always easy to find in a crowd. Art’s sincerity, curiosity about the world, and interest in truly getting to know people created many life-long friendships.

Art was many things to many people, and throughout it all he was always thoughtful of others and a constant gentleman. As one of his hospice nurses commented, "Even during his care he was always looking out for the next person."

Of all his roles, being a grandpa was one of his absolute favorites. Art relished playing with his grandson Ethan, seeming at times to be a giant kid himself! They read countless books together, raced toy cars, told silly jokes, danced, and took great delight in throwing as many beach rocks into the water as possible. When his granddaughter was born last year, Art and Kathy cherished each moment they had with little Sienna to love and care for her as often as possible.

Last February, the community at Parksville Church came together to mark Art’s 70th birthday with a surprise drive-through birthday "parade” in lieu of a traditional party because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Art arrived in style in a limo, and sat with his family on a couch in the church parking lot, while a seemingly endless parade of friends drove through to celebrate Art. The outpouring of love on this special day was a testament to his impact, even later in life.

Thank you to family and friends who have reached out with love and support as Art lived with brain cancer this past year. And a huge thank you to the incredible doctors and nursing staff at Hospice at Trillium Lodge for their kindness and care.

Art is survived by his wife Kathy, son Michael (Sarah), and daughter Serena (Dama); grandchildren Ethan and Sienna; siblings Margaret (Earl), Bob (Pat), and Christina (Paul); and Kathy’s sons Kyle (Angela), and Devon (Amy). He was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Alice, and sister Jane.

Art will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him. As Rodney Anderson, a dear friend of Art's, so eloquently put, "Art was an easy person to love and appreciate. He will be long remembered with appreciation."

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A memorial will be held at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church in Parksville, BC at 1pm on December 4, 2021. A recording of the service will be made available for those who could not attend in person at https://artmcquade.wordpress.com/.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Trillium Hospice
(memo: In memory of Art McQuade)
PO Box 940
401 Moilliet St, Parksville, BC V9P 2G9

Include your name and return address for a tax receipt.

Lives Cherished and Remembered