A Tribute to Arvid Chalmers

ArtSpring has lost a friend and supporter, and the Salt Spring community has lost a treasure. Arvid Chalmers was one of the driving forces and founding members who helped turn the vision of a community arts centre into reality, and his sudden death on January 28 comes as a shock to all of us.

As we all know, Arvid brought laughter and entertainment to Salt Spring, going back to the early days in the Hysterical Society, the kilt-wearing Scottish ferry worker Maggie MacCaffrey, the sleazy realtor Milt Bottomly, and of course as one of the Geezers, beside his long-time comedy partner Sid Filkow. He also loved music and performed enthusiastically, and it is consoling that he died doing something that he so enjoyed.

Arvid was also generous with his time at ArtSpring, serving in recent years as the gifted auctioneer in our Treasure Fair. We know how passionate Arvid was about children and young adults as he continued to make suggestions about how to make ArtSpring a better place for all of us.

Our condolences go out to his family and his many friends. His loss will be felt across the island.

Donald McLennan, President
Island Arts Centre Society