Obituary of William Shelton

SHELTON, William George Born Aug. 10, 1927, in Winnipeg, George, as he was known to friends and family, died of pneumonia at Victoria General Hospital on Nov. 12th, 2007. Except for a year in Victoria that, by his own admission was far too short, George's entire youth was spent in Winnipeg. As a young man, He served in the ROTC and tried several varied, if unrewarding career paths before deciding his future lay in academia. In 1948, he was awarded a BA from the University of Manitoba and an MA in Philosophy in 1951. Doctoral studies in Philosophy followed at the University of London in England. While in the UK, George developed an enduring love of travel and the cultures of Europe. Returning to Manitoba in 1953, he briefly taught junior high in Toulon, Manitoba, which inspired him to return to his doctoral studies, this time in History. He completed his PhD on scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and taught History for 3 years in Dubuque, Iowa. Returning frequently to Winnipeg, George met and married in 1957 his loving wife of 50 years, Mary. With lovely childhood memories of Victoria still intact, George eagerly accepted an offer to teach History at Victoria College in 1961. His future now secure and growing family settled, George spent the remainder of his career at UVIC, heir to Victoria College, taking early retirement in 1985. An enduring interest in economics, philosophy and politics was reflected in many of his scholarly works, which examined key figures and concepts from his favorite era, the Age of Enlightenment. His family said, George was deeply curious and restless, traits which led us into many fascinating circumstances and places. Always looking to the next horizon, George adored his family, a good argument, plus learned books and whodunits equally, but above all he loved great food and good wine. In later years, his preferred situation was the dining room, library, or lounge of a grand cruise ship, a place where he could enjoy all his favorite past times in equal measure." He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Elizabeth; sons Christopher and Jeremy; son-in-law Campbell Thomson and grandchildren Jessalyn and Benjamin; nieces Katherine, Lisa and Jennifer; nephew Brock and sister-in-law Ingrid. George's parents, brothers Richard and Phillip and infant sister Marguerite predeceased him. The family wishes to thank all the caring professionals at VGH for their kindness, compassion and expert treatment. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's name may be made to Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton St., Victoria, V8W 3H2; Victoria Hospitals Foundation, Suite H304 633 Courtney St., Victoria, V8W 1B9 or Community Living Victoria, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Rd., Victoria, V8P 2M7. A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26th at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. 426526