BCIT is remembering Dr. Charles “Chuck” Chestnut, a longtime instructor who helped establish the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program and inspired generations of environmental professionals.
Chuck taught at BCIT from 1969 to 1987. He believed education should extend beyond the classroom, combining practical experience with care for the places and species his students would later protect.
A living classroom on the Seymour River
One of Chuck’s lasting contributions was helping develop a salmonid enhancement training facility on the Seymour River. Approved in February 1977 and opened in September 1978, the facility was built with significant support from students.
“Students have done all the work to get the project started,” Chuck said in a 1978 BCIT publication. “Everything except the channel digging.”
Students surveyed the site, poured concrete, constructed fish fences and gained hands-on experience in broodstock collection, incubation, feeding, rearing and record-keeping.
Remembered by colleagues and family
Dr. Mark Angelo, BCIT Chair Emeritus and Honourary Doctorate of Technology, is Chuck’s longtime colleague. He described Chuck as “a tremendous teacher, colleague, friend” and a “larger-than-life” person.
Mark remembers snorkeling with students in the Harrison River during the early 1970s to assess returning Chinook salmon, some weighing more than 70 pounds. “It was a tremendous experience that we were then able to share with students,” he recalled.
For Chuck’s sons, Michael and James, BCIT was part of their childhood. Michael remembers joining his dad for lunch in the cafeteria and being introduced to staff and students.
“Everyone always made me feel welcome and it was obvious how respected Dad was,” Michael said.
James remembers correcting a student who called his father “Dr. Chestnut.”
“I remember immediately saying, ‘My dad’s not a doctor!’” James recalled. “The student looked a bit uncomfortable, but my dad burst out laughing.”
James also remembers fishing for broodstock, counting fish and joining field trips to Tofino.
“The experiences I had as a child via Chuck were extraordinarily unique and ones for which I will always be grateful,” he said.
Chuck’s connection to BCIT came full circle when his granddaughter, BCIT alumna Jessie Chestnut, graduated from the program he helped establish.
“I feel lucky to have known both sides of him: the grandfather who taught me how to navigate and care for the outdoors, and the professor who inspired generations of others to do the same,” Jessie said.
His family has created an online memorial where former students, colleagues and friends can share photographs and memories. Chuck’s influence continues through the students he taught, the program he helped build, and the family who shared his love of the natural world.
(This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT on September 4, 2026. Edited and fact-checked by Giselle LaCounte.)