Thomas Lokier was born in Shropshire, England in 1868, and moved to Canada at age 12. He moved to Victoria in 1943 after a 60-year career as a cattle rancher. In 1945 Mr. Lokier built his home at 2455 Hamiota Street, and was a much-admired resident of Oak Bay from 1945 until his death in 1970 at the age of 101.

This garden, which bears the name of Thomas Lokier, was the original site for the War Memorial, but had become a weed-filled lot, when Cattle Point was chosen instead. The .4-acre triangular park sits at the junction of Hamiota, Estevan, Musgrave and Thompson in the heart of the Estevan community.

With the cooperation of the Municipal Engineer, Mr. Lokier, whose home overlooked the lot, began to develop a rose garden. He provided money for plantings and a fence and helped in neighbourhood fundraising for further plantings He constructed the concrete posts and at 83 he designed and constructed the iron gates. Councillor Murdoch recommended the Park be named for Lokier and in 1963 Lokier Gardens was officially dedicated, on Mr. Lokier's 95th birthday.

Under the care of the Oak Bay Parks Department, Lokier Gardens continues to thrive as a destination of peace and tranquility within the busy Estevan neighbourhood.