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
-
Linda Bridges
-
Jen Parr My condolences to Garnet and all his great family .Hal was a fantastic loving person always ready to help if needed.
He was a mentor and I was a lucky person to have had the chance to work for and with him for many years.He will be greatly missed by all his loving family and by everyone who knew him.
Rest In Peace Hal you will never be forgotten .
-
Karen Ravenhill Dear Irwin family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Hal. He was such a caring man and always looked out for me and my family. I will miss him greatly. Thinking about you Garnet and sending big hugs to you all. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very sad time.
Karen Ravenhill
-
Kellie Paterson It is with heartfelt sadness that I read Hal’s obit in Saturday’s Times Colonist. My name is Kellie and I am the wife of the late Russ Paterson (Accutemp/Johnson Controls). Russ and I were both fortunate enough to have met Hal for the first time in 2007 when we purchased your “Caitlyn Jane” (CJ). Although we didn’t spend a lot of time with Hal (more so Russ than me), he was good enough to show us the “in’s and out’s” of the CJ and Russ would always deal with Drew and his staff on any work needing attention. I became known as the “Brightwork Queen” after Jimmy taught me how to maintain the lovely brightwork on the CJ. Hal was such a kind gentleman and we would often see him at the Vancouver and Victoria boat shows. Russ and Hal often talked of cruising together to Victoria, Hal in the Island Raven and us in the CJ. Regrettably, it never came to be.
My deepest condolences to you all for your loss. “Mourn not too long that he is gone, but rejoice forever that he was……”
-
Fowles Family Sending condolences from the Fowles Family.
-
Allan & Brenda Mactier & Georgy Girl Very sad to read of Hal’s sudden passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Hal in the early 2000s. An extremely fine man, very interesting in many ways, very kind. He became a friend and neighbor in North Saanich where we would meet walking our dogs and enjoying semi-retired life. We will miss seeing him greatly. Our very deepest sympathies to Garnet, to Drew and family and to the two family puppies.
-
Melbourne and Katherine Check To the family and all of us who knew him he will be missed. He was indeed a man of quality and kindness with an infectious smile.
-
Bob McNally and Beverley McNally We lose a friend who has had a profound impact on our lives. His focus on everything he did was a reminder of “how to” whether it was building or sailing boats or an managing accounting practice.
Hal is a person that we will never forget.
Our deepest condolences to Garnet and the Irwin family.
-
Leonard Evenson Jackie, Len, Linda and family, Trevor
We were so sorry to hear of Hal’s illness and death. We have many fond memories of times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
-
Bill Eadie, Alex, Richard & Family Our thoughts and sympathies are with you Garnet and family. It was good of you to call Garnet after Hal’s sudden and unexpected illness.
Take care.
-
Rudi and Patty Koniczek Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Garnet. With much love, admiration and respect.
-
Anna Rochfort 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.
-
Beacon Community Services 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.
-
Corinne Fowles 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.
-
Beth and Ray McKall 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)
-
Ruth Ann Whipp 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)
-
Dennis Djonlich 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 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.
-
David Clark 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
-
Angelika Jaehrlich & Gerrit Timmerman 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!
-
Ron and Norma 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.
-
Ken & Marion Butler Our condolences to Garnet and family.
We will miss him.
-
Lesley Douch 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.
-
Bill Mahon 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.
-
Mary Goodman 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!
-
Bryan Waller 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
-
Pat Leask Hal was just one of those rare people that was an honour and privilege to know.
-
Harry and Mandy Broersma Our deepest sympathies to Garnet and Family.
-
Lili Jaehrlich “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.
-
Sue Strain Our deepest sympathies to Hal’s family, Terry, Sue and Andy strain
It’s been many years since we’ve been to Victoria, Garnet, but we remember fondly our last visit with you and Hal in your beautiful yard. Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. May your many wonderful memories of Hal help to ease your sorrow.
Linda and Harry Bridges