Phillip Reginald Barnard?
Oct.10, 1938 to June 30, 2016 ???
Phil passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2016 while in palliative care at Lady Minto Hospital, on Salt Spring Island with his daughters by his side. All three of his surviving children were by his side during most of his stay at Lady Minto.??
Phil’s career life started as an aircraft technician at the Canadian Forces Base Comox, from 1958 until 1965 when he left the service. In 1966 Phil, his wife Elizabeth and four children moved to Campbell River where he worked as a maintenance man at the Delta Inn. In addition to his regular job, he started his own sweeper business “Litter Trap Sweeper Service” cleaning plazas and parking lots. In 1970 he and Liz opened the restaurant/cafe “Phil’s Place”, which quickly became a magnet for the younger counter culture from the hippie movement, including many draft dodgers. The restaurant was closed in 1972 when the landlord refused to renew the lease, which Phil attributed to the restaurant clientele being considered to be less desirable.?Phil & Liz divorced in 1972, and he moved to Victoria for a few months with his stepson Rob. Upon following some friends to Salt Spring Island in 1973, Phil had found his new home, and moved to Salt Spring Island. He became a house painter, and did so until he retired in 2003.
Other than living in Peace River for a couple of years, Salt Spring was his home.??Phil passionately pursued many hobbies over the years. He was a talented photographer, and had a great eye for portraiture, and would spend hours in the dark room. Phil carried on his love for mechanics where he put together a Ford Model A and T, both largely built from parts that he collected from all over the countryside. He played trumpet and harmonica. He could be found at the Saturday market with his model airplanes, boats and sculptures, all created from recycled materials. In 1999, he won first and second prize at the Fall Fair for some of his creations. He had a love for motorcycles and would be seen motoring around on his army green BMW, with a sheepskin seat and ski goggles. In more recent years, less mobile, Phil would ride the bus to Fulford Harbour to have morning coffee with friends. ??
Phil is survived by his children from his marriage to Elizabeth Campbell, step son Robert Barnard (Davis), Jennifer Brown, Susan Barnard and his grand children, Megan Lake,?Josh Brewer, Brennan Barnard, Kyle McNinch, Ruby Barnard and Jade Barnard.??Phil was predeceased by his son David Barnard, brother David Barnard, half-brother Barry Barnard, his father Reginald Barnard, and his mother Margaret Paxton (Daniels).??
The Family would like to thank the local bus drivers for keeping Phil mobile, Dr. Gummeson, Dr. Joe and clinic staff, the nurses & staff at Lady Minto Hospital, the hospice volunteers & Fred, Kathlene Horsdal and Launi for taking the time to be with, and care for our father in his last days.??A celebration of Phil’s life will be announced.