In deep love and sorrow, we mark the passing of Chris Boatman on 11 February 2026 in Victoria, BC: cherished partner, grandfather, father, brother, cousin and friend.
Chris is survived by his partner Kathleen, his children Sarah (Frédéric) and James, and his grand-daughters Charlotte, Isabelle, Francesca and Alexandra; his sister Sheila (Malcolm) as well as cousins Jennifer and Jenny, nieces Kathy, Karen and Joanna and nephew Dominic and their families in England, Northern Ireland and Australia. He was predeceased by his first wife Jackie.
Chris’ life of opportunities and achievement began on 16 August 1942 in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. A Second World War baby born to an Irish mother, Teresa, and English father, Bill, he was raised after the war in Hove, then Twickenham in London. Early schooling at St Benedict’s led to the development of his talent in drawing and design at Twickenham Technical College, followed in 1963 by a civil engineering degree at the University of London.
Thus equipped, he decided to try working overseas for a year or two, setting sail for a job in Toronto in 1964. From there he found engineering work in BC and – never having heard of snow tires – drove his Plymouth Valiant with its summer tires across the continent in winter to take up a new job in Castlegar. Engineering work was plentiful and he soon embarked on what became a 21-year career with BC Hydro.
In 1969 Chris and Jackie Hayes were married in England and she joined him in BC, raising their daughter Sarah and son James in Hudson’s Hope and Vancouver. Chris was a loving and supportive father who dedicated himself to providing opportunities for his children. He coached little league soccer teams, taught them to play chess, instructed them in golf and introduced them to new technologies including the Atari 2600 and Vic 20. Above all, he instilled a deep respect for education and sports, teaching them the importance of both working hard and playing hard.
Participation and excellence in sports were life-long passions for Chris, chief among them soccer, rugby and golf. He was good enough at soccer to try out in his 20s for Brentford, one of the English Premier League teams. At golf he earned a single-digit handicap and enjoyed visits to famous courses around the world, especially St Andrews in Scotland and Augusta National in Georgia, USA. Soccer, rugby and golf brought him circles of friends through his memberships in the Vancouver Rowing Club, Quilchena Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club.
Over time, Chris rose in the BC Hydro organization through roles that included Construction Manager for the Peace Canyon Project; Project Manager for the Site C Project (the first iteration that was shelved in 1983); Chief Engineer; executive roles with BC Hydro International and Powerex; and, as Vice-President of Corporate and Environmental Affairs, a major role in the development of Power Smart. These endeavours put him on the leading edge of innovation in North American hydroelectric systems and earned him a place in the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University in 1991.
New chapters began for Chris when he met Kathleen in 1990, left BC Hydro in 1992 and moved to Victoria in 1997. He served as President of the Amalgamated Construction Association of BC and, through a consulting company shared with Kathleen, managed an investment company listed on the TSX. Kathleen introduced him to sailing and for a decade they cruised on their Hunter 30 around the Salish Sea.
He and Kathleen rebuilt her family home in Oak Bay in 1998 and from there his retirement years were focused on sailing, golf at home and overseas, and the new generation, first in Kathleen’s family, and then, to his lasting delight, his own.
As Uncle Chris and Grandad, he offered affection, deep interest and sage advice. He delighted in hearing about each one’s activities and achievements. He often spoke of the importance of good decision making to set up for success, as well as an emphasis on education and teamwork.
His life was a testament to those values.
To those who knew and loved him, Chris was an inspiration and a fine example, for his truth telling, the courage of his convictions, his open-mindedness, sturdy self-reliance and personal integrity. He leaves a remarkable, extensive legacy. He did us all proud.
The family would like to thank Chris’ GP Dr David Harrison and his team for years of creative and conscientious care.
A celebration of life will be held for Chris at the Victoria Golf Club at 2 pm on Saturday 11 April. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made in Chris’ name to KidSport BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Boatman” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Debbie Murray
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The Marshall Family He was so much more but we knew him as a good neighbour. Someone whose presence when we waved at each other in the lane made us so glad we chose to live here. That seems a precious thing these days, and we will remember him fondly.
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Lidtz-Andy Pierre I was his caregiver briefly, I enjoyed his company. My condolences to the family.
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Dick Cavaye Kathleen – I share your sorrow with the loss of Chris. I only knew him from the time he was at Victoria Golf Club, but his contribution was superb. He was totally responsible for the Irrigation and Drainage project and devoted his heart and soul to that in 2002-2003. As a member of our Wednesday Group, he was a friendly and honourable (and good) golfer. RIP Chris.
Dick Cavaye
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Nick Wemyss I never heard Chris speak unkindly or complained (challenging for him when he was my golf partner!). Despite physical hardships he would soldier on, finding joy in being out with friends and setting an example of what living in the moment looks like. Upon hearing my bagpipes out on the rocks by the sea in front of their house Kathleen and Chris would invite me in for a scotch. I can’t say anyone else ever did that! (for good reason?) Sad to lose you but a life lived completely, something we all wish for.
My name is Debbie Murray, and over the course of my 43-year career at BC Hydro, I had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles. One of the most rewarding experiences was working as Chris’ assistant in the Executive Offices in the late 1980s—a truly exciting and formative time.
Chris served as Vice-President of Corporate and Environmental Affairs, where he led major initiatives including the Site C study, BCUC regulatory filings, government relations, the establishment of a new Environmental department, and the launch of the Power Smart program. In addition, he held the roles of Executive Assistant to the Chairman and Corporate Secretary to the Board.
Chris was one of the best leaders I had the privilege to work with. He demonstrated unwavering integrity, inspired those around him, and genuinely supported the professional growth of his team. He fostered a positive and inclusive workplace where people felt valued and motivated.
I truly looked forward to coming to work each day. Thank you, Chris, for your friendship, leadership, mentorship, and for creating such a meaningful and rewarding work environment! You will be missed!
As an aside, we used initials for internal memos and phone messages—Chris was simply “CWJB.” It wasn’t until I read his obituary that I finally learned what the “W” and “J” stood for.