I don't know what sort of workflow he uses now, but a long time ago I used to do proof prints for him, and his negatives at that time were great to work from.
If it's really Nanaimo you're interested in, Sly is there and may know someone or possibly does portraits herself. Also, Victoria is only an hour away from Nanaimo, Vancouver much further.
Charley, thanks for the post here! What is your e-mail address? I'll send you a note, while I check me e-mail and find out what's going on. Can you tell me which address you sent to? I have a few that all forward into one, so it would help to know which one you're trying.