Mr James Barrie Barrington Hardie

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be our Dad Barrie He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Barrie was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Barrie was born on Jubilee Hospital in Victoria BC. He was the son of Bess (Annie Elizabeth) and Tugg (Dudley Barrington) Hardie. Barrie was raised in Princeton and Vancouver, BC. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Barrie was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Barrie's personality throughout his life.

      Though Barrie was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Barrie was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Barrie worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Barrie was raised with three siblings. He had two younger sisters, Marion and Dorothy, and one younger brother, David. Barrie and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Barrie was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Barrie was always tactful. One thing Barrie will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Barrie had a number of interests and was an active child. Barrie played outside.

      For Barrie, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Barrie was also adept at details. Barrie was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1949? He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. During his high school years he won an award for building a play jungle gym in his backyard where all the neighbourhood children came to play. He also had a motorcyle his siblings enjoyed riding with him.

      College can be a challenge, but Barrie appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around his. Barrie had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Barrie enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. He enrolled at UBC for one (or two?) years but found it was not for him. Instead he was indentured as a student at an accounting firm, Rudd and Goold in 1952 for 5 years. Eventually he became a chartered accountant. While studying he also tried to keep his car (a Nash) running. He also found time to date Jean.

      There was one thing that all of Barrie's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Barrie was such a popular person throughout his life. But Barrie was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Barrie was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Barrie was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Barrie was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Barrie was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Barrie made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were his cousins, Gyles, Aubry and Gordon and Don Stevens. Later in life, he became friends with many different people, including Carol and Grover Sinclar, Pat and Bob Wadsworth, Shirley and Bob Gray, Joy and Ed Neilly, Fred and Nacncy Leake. In lateryears he also became close to Cathy Bujold, Don ?, Barry and Marlene, and his special friend Kathleen.

      Barrie was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Barrie cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On September 16, 1954 Barrie married Margaret Jean Begg at Saint John the Apostle Roman Catholic church of Vancouver, BC. Compassionate and devoted, Barrie worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Barrie and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Barrie was blessed with Two children, two daughters, Teresa and Janet. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Kimberly, Patrick , Myles and Devon. Barrie was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Barrie was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Barrie would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Barrie, and he expected the same from those around him. Barrie was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Barrie was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Barrie handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was accounting. He was employed by Rudd and Goold accountng firm which eventually was amalgemated into Price Waterhouse for 36years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Barrie enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. He enjoyed going for long drives and exploring backroads. He also liked to play the stock market but his passion was boating. He finished a Power Squadron course and owed many boats which grew in size from a small cartopper to a 22 foot ocean cabin cruiser that he and Jean travelled up and down the BC coast with the Gibson's yachet club.

      Barrie was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Barrie was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included downhill skiing, scuba diving, and golfing. Barrie also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football although watching sports was never high on his list.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Barrie to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Barrie did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Barrie was a member of the ? Throughout his later years, Barrie was an active member of the Gibson's Yachet and Probus Clubs.

      Barrie was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on his condo strata association as the treasurer. Politically, Barrie was a strong Liberal supporter. He was actively involved in the many campaigns for Len Marchand.

      Not only did Barrie enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations when his children were young was camping. These changed as the children became older to many overseas locations including Christmas in Bali with his 2 daughters that were backpacking through SE Asia. Barrie and Jean took many criuses and later he travelled to Costa Rica for the winter with his friend Kathleen.

      Barrie was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Jenny, a small white shih tzu - bichon frise cross, who was a best friend for 16 years.

      Since it was easy for Barrie to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Barrie was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1988 or 1989. His new life involved relocating to Gibson's BC. In retirement, he found new pleasure in boating, golfing and playing bridge. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Even in retirement, Barrie stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Barrie passed away on June 8, 2015 at 5:30 am at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock BC. Barrie peacefully passed away from surgical complications following treatment for bladder cancer. He is survived by his children Janet and Teresa, his grandchildren Devon, Myles, Patrick and Kimberly, his brother David and sister Dorothy. Services were held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Center.

      Barrie was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Barrie was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Mr James Barrington Hardie.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hardie, James Barrington “Barrie”

Born August 4, 1930 in Victoria, BC passed away peacefully on June 8, 2015 in White Rock, BC. Barrie is predeceased by his wife Jean and sister Marion, lovingly remembered by his daughters, Teresa (Guy) and Jan, 4 grandchildren, Kim, Patrick, Myles and Devon, his brother David and sister Dorothy, his special friend Kathleen, relatives and friends.

A celebration of Barrie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 1:00pm at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre 14831 28 Avenue Surrey, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.