Rev. Irvine Hare passed away on October 4, 2025, at the age of 100. He was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the son of Cecil Hare and Sadie nee Murphy. He grew up in Regina and a succession of small Saskatchewan towns following his father’s path of service in the RCMP.
Initially wanting to study medicine, Irvine entered the University of Saskatchewan in 1943. Especially interested in mental health, he worked at the Saskatoon and Weyburn mental hospitals for three summers before deciding to enter the ministry. He earned a B.A. from UBC in 1949 and a Bachelor of Divinity from Union College in 1951. After ordination as a United Church minister, he served the B.C. communities of Hazelton and Murrayville before joining the navy as a chaplain in 1955. He was stationed on both coasts, often going to sea in the earlier years, also spending three years in Ottawa. Returning to civilian life in 1979, he spent six years as a minister at St. James United Church in Vancouver. In 1981, he earned a D.Min from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He concluded his working life with 20 years as retired assistant minister at Cadboro Bay United Church in Victoria where he was honored as minister emeritus.
Easy-going and sociable, Irvine played golf with his buddies, savored a daily glass of wine or sherry, always had a book on the go, and travelled widely with his wife Isabelle. He enjoyed a good bit of teasing, whether it be as the dispenser or recipient. Isabelle predeceased him in 2014 after 63 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his brother, Allan. He is survived by son Michael and daughters Kathleen Erb, Alison Hare, and Diane Lee. His life was enriched by four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His last years were eased by the loving care he received at Good Samaritan Delta View in Surrey.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at Broad View United Church, 3703 St. Aidans Street, Victoria, BC V8P 2V7. The service will be live streamed at broadviewunited.org.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the mission and service fund of the United Church of Canada or Broad View United Church would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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15 Responses
Diane, I am very sorry for your loss. Your dad had a long and fulfilling life and I know you will miss him dearly. May you cherish all the fond memories of the time you spent with him. My condolences to the extended Hare family.
Norma
So sorry to read this Diane. Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Due to a previous commitment I can not drive to Victoria today to see you. But will be thinking of your Dad and your family. I’m living in Maple Bay here on the island. Hugs, Joy Bannerman
I am very sorry to hear about the lost of your dad. Sorry i cant be there due to location, but i will try.
Thanks for letting me know.
Kathy and family, with our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. I remember you talking about him when he was here in Ottawa. A fine career and sounds like a very full life! Treasure your memories of him and ensure his grandchildren know of his life and career!
Rev. Hare is warmly remembered for his ministry at Cadboro Bay United Church. We send our condolences to his extended family.