Geoff Venables

Geoff was born in Victoria and his early life was spent in Port Angeles and Anacortes, Washington. During World War Two he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and was a member of the Army band. After the war he embraced his passion as a classically trained musician playing violin with the Victoria Symphony. Geoff was the last surviving founding member of the Hometowners, one of the finest western bands in Canada broadcasting weekly on coast-to-coast CBC radio and locally on CJVI radio during the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. A "crowning" achievement of the Hometowners was performing live for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at an impromptu square dancing recital at Government House during their visit to Victoria in 1959. Geoff loved his family, travelling, and his waterfront home on Dallas Road which was the center of many memorable events. "And the band played on!" Geoff was born Born March 12, 1917 – Died January 21, 2013 My father, Geoff Venables, violinist for the Hometowners, now 93 years old, is still living! Up until last year Bill Botten and dad shared the "last surviving member honors". I actually own one of Bill's old bas... more...