Basil Anthony King

Born to Patrick and Kathleen in Clarina Castle, Co. Limerick, Republic of Ireland. Predeceased by siblings Patricia, Kevin, Emmet, Rosaria, Noel and Dorothy and his loving wife, Lena (nee Keaveney). Survived by youngest sister, Monica, and sadly missed by children Lorraine (Michael), Sheila (Doug), Deirdre (John) and Brian (Jill), as well as seven grandchildren (who have fond memories of putting in the basement) and one great-grandchild.

Although his first choice of careers would have been Steeplechase jockey, opportunity knocked and he became a Press Photographer for the Limerick Leader, then The Kilkenny Journal and The Irish Press. He emigrated to Canada in 1956 where he spent a brief, cold sojourn in Uranium City. He continued photography in Edmonton at the Journal, where he was joined by and married Lena. They settled in Sapperton and then Surrey.

He spent 25 years with The Columbian in New Westminster and later Coquitlam, making a lasting impression on countless people: his courteous and gregarious manner immediately put his subjects at ease. For decades, he would be hailed in the street by all manner of people who recalled being photographed by him. Each of these passersby would be greeted with a friendly smile and some pleasantries, even if he had no idea who they were.

He photographed many leading figures in sports, politics and entertainment, including Pierre Trudeau, Haile Selassie, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Gleason, Mick Jagger and the Beatles. He was particularly moved by Terry Fox.

After The Columbian folded in 1983, Basil transitioned to commercial photography, while freelancing for The Province and other periodicals .

Basil was infamous in many golfing circles around the Lower Mainland, fastidious with his bets, and never, ever gloated when he won. (I can’t even write that with a straight face.)

After golf, he enjoyed puttering in the garden and watching sports (napping) with his feet up beside Lena.

A Funeral Mass will be at Good Shepherd Church, Surrey, at 11:00 a.m. Wed., June 10, 2026. Interment of his ashes at Gardens of Gethsemani will occur at a later date.