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
This obituary is the property of the “Hare” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
15 Responses
Dear Michael, I noticed this obituary announcement in this morning’s Vancouver Sun. Memories of Belmont Park came flooding back as I thought of you. My heart goes out to you and the family.
Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. We shared many stories of our dads’ Navy careers and love of golf.
Your commitment to your Dad was beyond admirable. I hope your memories will carry you through this challenging time. To the rest of the Hare family, I am very sorry for your loss. Lori
Padre Hare was a huge part of my entire family’s life. He did my mom’s funeral back in 1970, did the marriage ceremony of all 3 of us children, did the second marriages…did service for my Dad and step mom. The kindest, most endearing person. Our entire family loved him and considered him to be the finest man. He had a wonderful life with your mom and his long journey of service is over. May you always have memories that make you smile ..he was a fine fine man and I was honoured to be part of his life.
Michael
Blessings be upon you and the family, community, and friends of your father as you journey into the familiar but uknown world of grief. Yet a grief in hope.
So from Anne & I, love and lets go fishing one more time.
The Murphy family offer our condolences to the family.
Irvine visited several times to Dacre where his mother was born. He was so easy to talk to.
Thank you for sharing his obituary
Irvine was a very important person in my journey to become a United Church minister. I will always treasure the times we spent together having lunches at the base in Esquimalt. He was a wonderful friend. Blessings on your journey my friend.
Dear Michael, My thoughts are with you as you. Wishing you energy for this time.
I loved reading about your Dad’s life, Diane. He sounds like an admirable human who enriched all those he came across. What a lot he accomplished in those 100 years. Thank you so much for sharing his life story.
Love you
Condolences to you and your family, Michael.
Thinking of you and your family Michael. May love and hope be your companions
in and through this time.