William Barry Hodgkin

Barry passed away peacefully and comfortably on May 3, following a brief and steep decline in his cognitive and physical health. In the 18 months since the passing of his beloved wife of 60 years, Hazel, his daughter Krista lovingly cared for him, ensuring he remained surrounded by the familiar comforts of his garden and home.

A lifelong man of the sea and a retired Canadian Navy Commander, Barry spent most of his 84 years close to the water—through years in the Navy and his happiest times gunkholing with his “first mate” Hazel gunkholing on March Hare or Wynsome and their many sailing adventures with friends around the west coast and its islands.

Barry was an enthusiastic sportsman and athlete, expressed in this passion for sport (playing hockey, football, squash, golf and lawn bowls) and the camaraderie and friendship it brought his life. Travel and cars kept him busy when not out to sea and in his retirement. He and Hazel greatly enjoyed many travel across Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Australia/New Zealand in their non-working years.

Barry deeply loved his family, near and far, and Tracey and Krista will miss his warm smile and generous hugs more than words can say. They are so thankful for the opportunities and adventures Hazel and Barry created for the family together.

Our heartfelt thanks to family, friends and the VIHA health care teams who supported Barry and Krista over the past 18 months. Also many thanks to the exceptional palliative care staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their compassion and care.

A service to celebrate Barry’s life will be held at First Memorial Funeral Services at Royal Oak on June 11, 2025, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation https://sphf.ca/support-the-saanich-peninsula-hospital/

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile

Forget unkind words I have spoken

Remember some good I have done

Forget that I ever had heartache

And remember I've had loads of fun

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day

Then forget to grieve for my going

I would not have you sad for a day

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay

And come in the shade of evening

When the sun paints the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments beside me

And remember only my best