12/31/2025
2025 Year in Review
Well, where to begin… 2025 has been a year of both wonderful highs and devastating lows for our entire team. We lost many good people along our way and want to pay tribute to them here today.
On January 10th, we lost the irreplaceable Jack “Johny Mac” McDonald. The face of McCall Gardens and our lead service director, passed away unexpectedly shortly after completing his final service of the day. He was surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, and will be missed by all of us more than words can express.
On June 19th, we lost Olive, Riley’s faithful companion and “our” amazing therapy dog. Greeter, companion, and bringer of comfort to the bereaved, she was the most requested member of our staff. She was a very special girl, and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to meet her.
On August 18th, we lost Craig Switzer, father of April Switzer. Although not technically part of our team, he was known to us, and through April, was part of our overall family. He will be missed.
On August 23rd, we lost Chris Dorrington’s partner and office administrator, Elizabeth Jacobson. She left an impression on all who met her. She was an incredible artist and mother who will be missed by her family both here and at home.
On November 6th, we lost Allan Mawdsley, long time service attendant for McCall Bros and McCall Gardens. One of the kindest, gentlest souls that anyone could hope to meet. He will be missed by us all.
On November 12th, we lost Stanley Kellow, another long time service attendant for McCall Bros at our former location on Vancouver Street. He will be missed by us all.
And although the above may sound like our "Annus horribilis" (Latin for "horrible year"), there were also high points as our staff continued to engage and offer our help throughout our community. Some of those highlights include the following:
On April 28th, the Sequoia Centre opened its doors as an official poling station for the Federal Election. We feel that it is important to participate in the democratic process and wanted to offer our space as a safe and convenient place for Saanich residents to attend on election day.
On July 31st, McCall Gardens Funeral & Cremation Service was announced as “Best of the City” for the 9th year in a row! We are so incredibly proud of this honour and will continue to offer first class services to our community.
On September 3rd, our Sequoia Centre became the new home and rehearsal venue for the Greater Victoria Police Chorus, a not-for-profit group founded in 1984, that fundraises and supports the community through a series of concerts throughout the year.
On September 13th, most of our staff were present in Vancouver for Hanna Beamer’s Graduation Ceremony. Hanna is now a newly minted and licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer. Not only that, but she received the BCFA and CCFS Academic Excellence Award (highest overall academic achievement), the Arbor Jurisprudence Award (highest academic performance in funeral law studies) and the Dodge Company (Canada) Ltd. Embalmer Award of Excellence (highest academic performance in embalmer studies). Congratulations Hanna!
On October 26th, The Victoria Hospice Society’s “Fashion for Compassion” took place at the Delta Ocean Point Resort, with McCall Gardens as Title Sponsor, and with Riley Acciaroli as a fashion model. The event was a huge success and surpassed it’s $200,000.00 fundraising goal. Well done to Trevor, Riley and the team for helping to make this such a successful event!
On November 11th, McCall Gardens once again participated in the Provincial Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cenotaph on the grounds of the Parliament Buildings. Chris Dorrington once again took on the duties of Master of Ceremony, and Trevor McCall laid a wreath in honour of our veterans. Many of our staff members participated in their own local ceremonies throughout the Greater Victoria area.
On December 13th and 14th, Chris Dorrington with the Greater Victoria Police Chorus held two amazing Christmas Concerts at the St. Paul’s United Church in Sidney, and at the Salvation Army Citadel in Victoria. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated.
Although our team was involved in many other activities throughout the year, these are a few examples of some of the highlights.
As we enter our 105th year of service, we want to say “thank you” to everyone who has entrusted their loved ones to our care throughout 2025.
In life’s most difficult moments, we are honoured to carry the weight with you, serving your loved ones with dignity, love, and care that speaks even when words fall short.
Every life leaves a story behind. We are here to honour that story with compassion, grace and unwavering support. Thank you and have a safe and happy New Year. - The McCall Gardens Team.
