Boswell (Bos) Malcolm
Dec. 14, 1937 – Jan. 23, 2024
Bos lived a full life of adventure, passion, resilience and exuberance. He was a truth-seeker, a promise-keeper and a story-teller. His motto and quest in life was ‘beauty, benefit and truth’.
Bos was born and grew up in Montreal and spent several years of his childhood in Campbellton, New Brunswick. Poverty touched his life and he learned at a young age to rely on himself. He was determined to shape a successful future, finishing high school at night while working at several day jobs to make ends meet. He was ambitious and went on to study business and philosophy.
A career in hotel management brought Bos from Montreal to Vancouver, where he developed a life-long love of the west coast of BC. He then established a career in commercial real estate, which led him into property development, before retiring at age 55. He was well-respected in his field, navigating the highs and lows of both his personal and professional life with integrity and kindness.
Bos travelled the world extensively for business and pleasure, exploring different cultures. In his travels and business dealings he had encounters with world leaders, royalty, movie stars, and business legends, which became the basis of fabulous stories!
He had a great passion for wilderness, wildlife and conservation. In his later years he found great joy in photography, particularly wildlife. He loved spending time in the mountains and on the ocean. He owned many boats and explored Desolation Sound, Princess Louisa Inlet and the Gulf Islands. He went on transformative treks to Nepal (once to Base Camp) and Peru. He went on safari in South Africa and fulfilled a life-long dream to walk among grizzlies in Alaska.
Bos roared through life. He had a wicked sense of humour! He loved cars, motorcycles, motocross, skiing, water-skiing, scuba-diving, boating, fishing and racquet sports. He worked hard and played harder. He was very fortunate to live to old age, given some of the chances he took!
He owned several Gulf Island properties over the years, finally settling on Gabriola, the ‘perfect island’. He lived here for over 30 years, almost 20 of those with his beloved Margaret, who, as he said, was his childhood sweetheart that he was fortunate to meet in mid-life. They spent magical summers boating in the Salish Sea and winters at their home in Mexico, plus went on many wonderful trips to Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Bos loved making deals, problem-solving and mentoring. He really enjoyed mentoring young people in business and life skills, motivating them to recognize that the world is brimming with adventure and that forging connections leads to a fulfilling and enriched life. He counselled many men with prostate cancer, having overcome it himself many years ago.
He established a special fatherly bond with Trevor Dickinson, son of a single mother, who he met when Trevor was six years old. He treasured having a parent-like relationship with him which enriched both their lives over the years.
Always wanting to be in charge and control of his life, when pain and suffering became too much Bos chose medical assistance in dying. His passing was very calm and peaceful. He is now soaring with the eagles above his beloved property. He will be dearly missed by Margaret, his relatives, Trevor, and many friends.
There will be no service at his request.
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.
~ Rumi
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