Born February 24, 1936, in Victoria, B.C., BARRIE GRANT WATSON GOODWIN was the only child of Charles Goodwin and Marjorie Watson Goodwin. He lived in the family’s heritage house built by his grandfather for his entire life. He attended Gordon Head Elementary School, graduated from Mount Douglas High School, and attended Victoria College where he received a small block letter for sports. He is survived by family members Ryan and Jennifer Patterson and their son Ryder.
A confirmed bachelor, Barrie was involved in many sports including: soccer, rugby, football, softball, bowling, fishing, target shooting, car racing, and golf where he was a member of The Professional Putters of America.
Ellison Queale Radio was Barrie’s first job where he learned a good deal about electronics. He worked for Island Tug and Barge at 19 yrs of age, and retired from B.C. Ministry of Forests after 35 years as a records specialist.
Barrie contributed his time to many organizations. He was the first treasurer of Century Toppers Car Club; a Director, General Meeting Secretary, Junior Program Director, and fill in caretaker of the range at Victoria Fish and Game Assn over 15 years; and he dedicated countless hours to the Colquitz Creek fish fence which included building and enumerating the spawning fish each year.
For over 62 years Barrie’s passion was taking photographs at auto races at tracks from Victoria to California. He was track photographer at Western Speedway in Langford, B.C, from 1955 until mid-2015 and was presented with the Vancouver Island Track Racing Association Member of the Year in 1987. He was a Hall of Fame Pioneer award recipient in 1997, and Hall of Fame Inductee in 2019.
A generous man, always willing to help friends, neighbors, or strangers, Barrie was full of stories and should have written a book about his interesting life and experiences. His love for children and animals was unsurpassed and his imagination was on par with his brilliant sense of humour.
If you had the pleasure of knowing him you received a wonderful gift. Sadly, Barrie reached his finish line on September 9, 2024.
A Celebration of Life to follow on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Victoria Fish and Game Club, 700 Holker Place.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Dean Lamont
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Wendy Gedney Along with being the photographer at Western Speedway for years… a true fixture there…. Barrie was a dedicated Mt Doug Alum, keeping track of classmates & other alum. I’m so pleased we took a videoed oral history with Barrie about his school days at MDHS. He was a proud Gordon Head resident too. Kind to all and interested in so many people around. Barrie had a great smile & chuckle. You kindly gave of yourself, Barrie. You are appreciated & remembered fondly.
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Dave and Fran Ireland Barrie was our neighbour since my wife’s family moved to Gordon Head in 1958 and became mine when she and I got together in 1986, I having known him through auto racing since 1966. His knowledge of our neighbourhood’s history was unsurpassed as were his memories of Island auto racing since 1955 which I shared with him on a regular basis through occasional visits, emails and phone calls. The years never dimmed his recollections on many subjects nor did it dull his razor-sharp wit. We will dearly miss his phone calls and postings on Facebook. Godspeed Barrie, your friendship was a gift that we will always treasure!
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Jimmie Isacson Knew Barry for many years as he was roaming around the pits taking pictures of every single car and crew and snapped some awesome pictures of my car and crew over the years from the 60s to the 80s. Rip Barry, you were a great person and friend . God bless.
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Don Laidlaw This man was the single greatest influence in my journey into Motorsport photography, and also wildlife to hone the skills he taught me. A massive loss that will remain inside me until I move on..,
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Sonya Podgorenko It’s not the years in your life that count,
It’s the life in your years.
RIP
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Mary Collier Barrie was a legend behind the lens at our beloved Western Speedway for many years. Captured many unforgettable moments that we all will cherish forever. A kind soul with a heart of gold who will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on throughout his photos and our hearts. Rip Barrie. You are dearly missed.
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Kimberly Hanson Barry was a wonderful man and friend.He tried to teach me to take pictures at the races but nothing I did was even close to the perfection he created.He will ve missed by many. RIP Barry .
I knew Barry thru the Victoria Fish and Game and earlier thru the Vancouver Island Track Racing Association. During My time as president of the VF&G, Barry was an invaluable source of Input and Knowledge. His opinion was always welcomed and always considered. Rest Well old friend, Rest Well.