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
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Garnet. With much love, admiration and respect.
Garnet–I was so very sorry to read of Hal’s passing. He was a bright light to us all–so cheerful and interested in everyone. We will miss him.
We will always appreciate Hal’s contributions to Beacon Community Services during his time on our Board of Directors, and join the community in fondly remembering his positive energy, kindness, and caring. Garnet, our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Irwin. I recall doing a “repositioning cruise” with him and my Dad from Victoria Harbour to Sidney on one of his boats on Labour Day (can’t recall the year). He will be missed. Sending condolences.
Our condolences to Garnet and family. We were neighbours and friends when both our families lived on Wellington Crescent in Edmonton. Hal was such a warm, wonderful, and interesting person. He was instrumental in getting Ray involved in politics. We know there will be many wonderful memories to help provide comfort at this difficult time.
Ray and Beth McKall (Victoria)
Dear Garnet,
How sad it was to read of Harold’s recent passing. As part of the Edwards clan it was so nice to receive an email from him a few months back outlining his side of the Edwards genealogy tree along with the fond memories he had of his childhood and growing up. His Mother, Viola Edwards Irwin, was a favourite great aunt of mine.
May all the warm and special memories you shared with Harold stay with you and bring you comfort through all the days ahead.
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Warm regards,
Ruth Ann Whipp (Thelma and Harold Whipp’s daughter)
I will always fondly remember Hal. A good man in its truest form. Patient, deeply interesting, intelligent and kind. My sincerest condolences to the Irwin Clan.
Bob and Dana Bach
Garnet: While it has been a number of years since we’ve seen one another, Mary Ann has kept us informed. We are most sorry to hear of Hal’s passing, and wish you and all the family our sincere condolcences.
First a neighbour then a friend, Hal was an eclectic individual and delightful company, solving the world’s problems over a glass of wine and a good meal. We will miss him. Deepest condolences to Garnet and the family.
Eileen and David
Dear Garnet – our deepest condolences to you and your family. We had the pleasure of Hal’s grand tour of ‘Woody’s Gal’ when it was moored in the harbour in Victoria (with Lil & Andy). Such passion. Our thoughts are with you Garnet.
Sail on, Hal!