It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the inimitable Roger Graham Chilton, in his 83rd year, on Thursday March 17, 2022, in Vancouver B.C.  A hugely popular citizen of Vancouver, Roger was born in Croyden England on January 26, 1940, to Christopher and Evelyn Chilton.

Roger will be dearly missed by his children Glenn (Lana Pearson) and Nancy (Ray LeBlond); his grandchildren Emma, Sophia, Kate, and Max; his wonderful companion Michiko Sakata; his sister Hazel Beesack and brothers Gord, Rob, Doug and Keith Flis. Roger is predeceased by his wife Marianne Chilton.

Roger’s father died during the war and his mother had the good fortune to subsequently marry a Canadian soldier, Joe Flis, who brought Roger and his siblings Hazel and Gord to live with them in Hamilton Ontario. Roger was fiercely independent as a child and teenager, camping in the deep woods, or driving in to New York or Toronto to see the jazz greats perform and to hang out with the Beat Generation.

His self-dependence served him well as he put himself through university, always maintaining his essential academic scholarships, and graduating in Engineering Physics from McMaster University in 1966. This, while working full time as the Production Manager for the Hoover Company and supporting his wife Marianne and two children. His successful business career would seem relatively less arduous.

As a young management consultant, Roger, with his wife Marianne, moved the family out to British Columbia in 1969, immediately taking to the west coast lifestyle, enjoying skiing at Whistler, and becoming proficient at tennis and squash, and slightly less proficient at golf.

Roger was dedicated to his work and his family, an engaged and loving husband and father, and an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. Roger was the founding partner of Western Management Consultants in his 30’s and Go Direct Marketing in his 40’s. Both would grow into industry leading enterprises with offices across Canada. 

Despite his self-made success in business, Roger was most proud of the paradise getaway he created on Pender Island with Virginia Greene and shared for years with her daughter Justine who grew to love Roger as a father.  Pender was a place Roger generously shared with family, friends, and friends of friends.

Generosity was Roger’s most defining characteristic. He devoted immeasurable time to supporting friends, business associates, arts organizations, and community groups. Building community was his passion. Roger had a huge appreciation for the culture, ethos, and art of the Indigenous people of the west coast and a strong concern for the preservation of the Salish Sea.

Roger lived his entire life to the fullest. He travelled extensively on every continent, meeting up with friends for “hikes” to exotic locales. Mongolia, India, and Vietnam in particular left lasting impressions. Roger’s love of travel and the arts continued until his final days and he could always be found at museums, galleries, the theatre, symphony and local jazz and blues watering holes. Many an establishment will miss his Happy Hour patronage and so will his family, especially his grandchildren who he thought were “First Class”, and his many friends who shared his love of red wine and good conversation.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held soon.  And please celebrate Roger always by supporting the arts.