Byron passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Byron was born near Bredenbury, SK, the youngest of nine children. He is predeceased by his mother Elizabeth, father Homer, son Robert and granddaughter Abbigail. He is survived by his loving wife who was by his side for 72 years, Beth (nee Elizabeth Tonks). Byron is also survived by children Theresa, Leanne (Tony), Margaret, Rick (Lynette), Anthony and Catherine,12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Byron and his parents arrived on the coast in 1945 and settled on Discovery Island off Oak Bay. After two years on Discovery Island, Byron attended Victoria College in the pre-med program. There he met and fell in love with fellow student Beth. They were married in Port Alberni in 1950.
After a stint in Cumberland and Tofino as teacher and principal respectively, Byron started at Central Junior High School in 1956 as the typing teacher. Shortly thereafter, he became a math teacher and was head of the math department for many years. While at Central, Byron started the Chess Club, produced and directed many award winning student plays and brought in the first Apple computers to the district in the early 70’s. Near the end of his career, he also learned and taught French. Other school activities included badminton and the school newspaper.
Throughout his working career Byron loved to play golf, go boating with his wife and family and attend the Dixieland Jazz Festivals in Victoria, the San Juan Islands and Penticton. In addition, Byron and Beth began square dancing in 1965 and it became a big part of their life for the next 20 years. In the 70’s, Byron was a volunteer with Victoria Gymnastics. While president of the BCGA, Byron was instrumental in bringing the 1976 Canadian National Gymnastics Championship to UVIC.
Many thanks to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for all their kindness and care.
A private service was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Saturday, May 30, 2020. To watch a recording of the service click on the image below.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Alan Clark
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Claudia Avoledo WOW! Mr Barker – I am so sad to see you passed away! You were my favorite Math teacher EVER!! I had you from 1980 – 1983 at Central. My condolences to your family and friends.
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Keith and Pat Fraser Remembering wonderful times with my crazy friend and mentor. So glad to have him in my life. A dear friend- condolences to Beth and the family. May he rest in the comfort of God’s arms
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Gary Heynsbroek RIP Mr. Barker, you deserve it. What a fabulous life story of a fabulous man. Although I never had Mr. Barker during my time at Central 1975-78 i do remember him well. He always had such a big smile. He made a difference in so many lives. Good job! You may rest now, your work is done. A+
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Elaine Anne Smith To my Uncle Byron you are forever in my Heart ❤️ and always in my thoughts! Till we meet on the other side , I love ❤️ you forever! Your Niece Elaine
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Adele Caird nee Wheeler I remember your husband from junior high he I was in his home room class ( the typing room) Mr. Barker was my favorite teacher he was so kind and always upbeat to the class. I am now 73 yrs old and I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful husband you had. My thought are with you today. I saw a while back your anniversary picture in the paper and to my husband that he was my teacher.
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Margaret Long Miss you every day Daddy!
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Lisa Leeson My deepest condolences to the Barker family..MrBarker was my gr 8 math teacher and my most favorite of all .he had the best smile and was always cheerful..RIP Mr Barker..
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Andrea & Cliff Power It was an honour to meet Byron. He was very kind, and seemed like a wonderful man!
Cliff & I send our love, prayers & condolences to each member of the family. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Blessings,
Andrea & Cliff
Very lucky to have Mr. Barker as my teacher at Central Junior Secondary. Loved his enthusiasm, sense of humour, and commitment for his students.