Born in Simla, India.
His father, Whitley Stokes, had emigrated from Belfast to India, and rose to prominence as a government financier. His mother was Mary Bazley.
W.H. Stokes was educated in both India and England, attending
Eton, and then Cambridge. He emigrated to Canada in the early 1900s and took a civil service position in the Forestry Division of the B.C. Government as an artist and calligrapher. Designing the exterior lettering for Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria ('24) was one of his many achievements. Long happy summers with family and friends were spent at a summer home on Shawnigan Lake, and remembered in this poem.Â
The original enjoys a special place in the Stokes' family home in West Vancouver. Of artistic interest is the use of gold ink in the borders which adds a warmth and richness to the original. Written in 1917, it has recently been reproduced so that others can share his appreciation of the magic of Shawnigan.
This poster ($22.00) can be purchased at the Museum Gift Shop or ordered online: