Posts

Posts

Obituary: Matthew Thomas Steffich

Matthew Thomas Steffich: September 25, 1958 - June 3, 2020 Matt died suddenly in his prized gallery, Steffich Fine Art (Salt Spring Island), which he proudly grew over the period of 27 years. Born in East Vancouver, Matt had a spirited and textured childhood with his siblings and many friends. He had endless stories of his adventures around his neighbourhood, the PNE, hockey games and countless concerts and gigs. After being excommunicated from Catholic school, which he often bragged about, Matt continued his growth as a world-class guitar player. He would tell anyone who would listen about his 9 years with The Fins. The stories were wild, hilarious and not for the faint of heart. Matt continued to gig whenever he had the chance, and played guitar to his final day. In 1992, Matt and his then wife Jen Rosling moved to Salt Spring Island and started his lifelong passion, Thunderbird Gallery (now Steffich Fine Art). Matt proudly and falsely claimed to know nothing about …
Read more about Obituary: Matthew Thomas Steffich

Island’s Trust Escapades

I have been writing a column for Fishbowl Magazine for over 9 years. As some of you know, I write in a humorous tone about the quirky island we live on. However, if you are expecting this next piece of writing to be funny, you should surf in another direction. Allow me to start with a joke: What does Fulford Pub, The Salt Spring Coffee Company, Vesuvius Pub, Tree House and Salt Spring Metal Recycling have in common with Island Escapades? Punchline: Everything. Was that funny? I was deeply affected after reading about the stop work order the Island’s Trust has placed on the Watkin family, and their dream to re-activate the Island Escapades property. The businesses that I listed in my joke are the prominent tip of the iceberg in what is obviously a bigger issue. If you surf over to the Island’s Trust, one of the first things you will read is this: “Preserving Island Communities, Culture and Environment.” I understand that beyond this brief mission statement, there are lega…
Read more about Island’s Trust Escapades