Vancouver Island Masonic History Project
As part of our Vancouver Island Masonic History Project, with its sections on Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments and Deceased Brethren, here is a page on Biggerstaff Wilson, a member of Vancouver & Quadra Lodge, No.2, who is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
Biggerstaff Wilson (died 5 June 1925, aged 51) was a leading figure in Victoria business as head of the B. Wilson Company, a cold storage company, and Wilson Brothers, a wholesale grocer. Two of his business buildings are still standing at 532-538 Herald Street in downtown Victoria. His former home at 1770 Rockland Avenue is now on Victoria’s Heritage Building Registry.
Here is a brief biography of Biggerstaff Wilson taken from various sources:
“POPULAR GOLFER DIED YESTERDAY IN CALIFORNIA
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Biggerstaff Wilson of Victoria Succumbs After Long Illness; Was Native Son
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Victoria has lost one of its most popular sportsmen in the death of Biggerstaff Wilson, who passed away yesterday at Beverley Hills, California, the sad news reaching the city yesterday afternoon. Mr. Wilson had been ill since his return from England over a year ago, and left for California a few months ago in a search for health which proved unavailing.
He is survived by his widow, two sons, Billy and Dick, and a daughter, Miss Marion Wilson, also four brothers and a sister, Mrs. Church, Joseph E. Wilson, H. Goulding Wilson and Charles E. Wilson, all of Victoria, and W.E. Wilson of San Francisco. The remains will be brought to Victoria for interment.
A NATIVE SON
A native son, Mr. Wilson was born in Victoria fifty-one years ago, the fourth son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson. He received his early education in Victoria, before leaving for England, where he attended Christ Church College, Finchley, near London. On the completion of his studies he returned to Victoria where he has since resided.
As head of the firm of B. Wilson Company Limited, the late Mr. Wilson was one of the leading commercial men of the city, and was exceedingly popular with a host of business associates to whom his death will occasion a keen sense of loss.
GOLF HONORS
…………………..he was one of the finest players in the West. In 1921 he was selected as one of the eight leading golfers from the West to go to St. Louis, Mo., to play in the special team match staged in connection with the amateur championship of the United States.
Mr. Wilson, who was familiarly known to his acquaintances as “Big,” ranked as the top-notch golfer of Victoria. His sixty-eight over the old course at the Victoria Golf Club, stands as the amateur record and has only been surpassed in opne play by Phil Taylor, the club professional……….
Mr. Wilson was a member of both the Colwood and Victoria golf clubs and was always ready and willing to assist in any manner, whether it was with his clubs on the fairway or with his unquestioned ability in the council chamber.”
(Source: Victoria Daily Times, 6 June 1925, page 1 & 2)
“The remains of the late Biggerstaff Wilson, who passed away at Beverley Hills, California, on June 5, reached the city this morning. The funeral will be held from the residence, 1770 Rockland Avenue, to-morrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, proceeding to Christ Church Cathedral for services at 2:15. Interment will be made at Ross Bay Cemetery.”
(Source: Victoria Daily Times, 9 June 1925, page 9)
Business Buildings In Downtown Victoria
Two of Biggerstaff Wilson’s business buildings are still standing at 532 Herald Street and 536 Herald Street in downtown Victoria. 532 Herald Street is now a condominium known as “The Biggerstaff” after Biggerstaff Wilson.
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