Hal’s sudden passing on July 23, 2021 at the age of 88 from a rare brain infection has shocked his friends and family. Hal will be greatly missed by his wife, Garnet and his 5 children Drew (Laurie), of Sidney, Heather-Anne (Scott) in Toronto, Caitlyn (Caius) in Victoria, Jonathan in Victoria and Christine in Edmonton, his 7 grandchildren, and his two Chiweenies, Monty and Lola, who don’t understand why Hal hasn’t come home.
With an affinity for numbers Hal began his accounting career in Toronto becoming Partner at Deliotte in 1968. He moved to Kitchener, Ontario where he was tasked with opening the local office specializing in small business. After 8 years there he made his way west to Edmonton as Managing Partner till his retirement in 1992. Knowing his retirement was coming Hal looked into his next career and found the boating oasis around Vancouver Island.
The day before he showed no symptoms, it was like any other day for him; he went to work at the Boatyard, driving his 1968 Morgan. Philbrook’s Boatyard in Sidney, BC is a ‘going concern’ he and son Drew acquired in 1987 and have run ever since. Hal was the youngest of 2 boys born to Dunning and Viola Irwin in Toronto. Hal was a natural athlete, starting horseback riding at 6, learning to ski with his young family, playing tennis into his 70’s and golf into his 80’s, playing better than an occasional player deserved.
He had a love for craftsmanship, especially in cars and boats. His first wooden boat was an outboard runabout on Kahshe Lake in 1962, eventually followed by a beloved Gravette on Lake Joseph. It was craftsmanship that drew him to musical instruments, art, Morgans and to Philbrook’s. He loved everything about boats and owned many over the last 30 years. Hal was happiest with family around him exploring the waters around the Gulf Islands on a summer’s day.
Hal was a renaissance man with a sharp mind, he was involved in politics, the arts, sports and was concerned about the legacy his generation was leaving behind. He had a way with words and no one was better with a spreadsheet. Hal will be truly missed, but his legacy lives on.
In lieu of flowers donations to Beacon Community Services can be made online at www.beaconcs.ca
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday August 12, 2021, 2:00 pm at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, please RSVP for the celebration at 1-250-656-1157 (Philbrook’s Boatyard).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
30 Responses
Very sad to hear this. Hal was the first Morgan owner I met when we moved to Victoria 24 years ago. A fine gentleman, always interesting to talk to and interested in hearing what others had to say. Our condolences to Garnet and family.
Our condolences to Garnet and family.
We will miss him.
Sincere sympathies to Hal’s family and his many friends. He was a joy to know and we will all greatly miss his happy presence.
Hal was a wonderful man.
I was able to work with him for a short time in Edmonton before my career changed paths.
Hal was a people person in a profession traditionally dominated by people with only number skills.
He led by example.
Professionals who worked with him and learned from him became better at their profession.
Condolences to his family.
He touched many and that in itself is a legacy.
Condolences to the Irwin family. Hal was definitely a presence in Sidney and the Peninsula and was admired by many. I have fond memories of driving with Hal in his Morgan – his pride and joy!
Hope you are driving on smooth roads now Hal!
Garnet, we will always remember Hal lovingly for the great times we shared together. It was so fortunate that he was able to live life to the fullest up to the last minute. Bryan and Margaret Waller
Hal was just one of those rare people that was an honour and privilege to know.
Our deepest sympathies to Garnet and Family.
“Hal, you didn’t get the memo [about aging]!”
Your joie de vivre filled the room.
Your body let you down, but your spirit will forever be with us.
Our deepest sympathies to Hal’s family, Terry, Sue and Andy strain