June 27, 1941 – August 14, 2024
Barrie Wilbee passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024, at Silverstone Care Centre, in Sechelt, B.C. at the age of 83.
Barrie was born in Vancouver to Clifford and Maude Wilbee (Wills). Barrie and his younger sister Valerie enjoyed a marvelous childhood with many summers spent at the family cottage in White Rock. Clifford’s family was in the grocery business and in the 1940’s founded Wilbee’s Stores in Vancouver. Barrie always had a love for the family grocery business, though he followed a different life path.
Barrie attended Vancouver Technical School graduating in 1959 and went to UBC obtaining his B.Sc., M.Sc. and moving on to a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering. In 1970 his life took a dramatic turn. With the loss of his parents, Barrie together with his wife at the time, Judy, and friends Larry and Linda Curtiss, purchased Lowe’s Resort in Madeira Park in 1971. He would spend the next 33 years there.
In 1985 Barrie married Beverly who became the ‘other mother’ to Rose and Jeff. Barrie loved sports of all kinds, both as a participant and a spectator. Barrie loved to fish, cook and solve NYT crosswords. He was a lifelong Canuck’s fan and an avid stamp collector. April trips to Kihei, Maui were a highlight of the year for Barrie and Bev.
Barrie was a dedicated and passionate volunteer. Highlights: In 1972 he joined the Pender Harbour Fire Protection District (firefighter, Trustee and Chair of the Board) for over 40 years. He was a founding director of the Sunshine Coast Community Futures, where he held various positions for over 30 years. He was a sport fishing advisor to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for over 35 years. He served on the Board of the Sunshine Coast Foundation, and the Deiner Cultural Foundation. He was the Alternate Director for Area A for 6 years and was a member of various committees relating to Area A.
In 2011, Barrie received the Community Futures Don McMillan award. In 2016 he was honoured by Community Futures Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Foundation with the creation of The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs. In 2017 he received the Pender Harbour Lifetime Achievement Award. He was truly passionate about volunteering.
In June 2021 Barrie’s failing health resulted in him spending his last three years in Long Term Care first in Shorncliffe and then at Silverstone. Prior to going into care Barrie received amazing care and support from Home Care Services. We are grateful for the kindness and compassion shown by all Care Workers involved in Barrie’s care.
Barrie will be remembered for his caring and gentle spirit, his storytelling, his compassion, his infectious laugh, his collaborative nature, and his love of helping others. He always had time to listen and to offer honest advice. He was a mentor to many and excelled at empowering people to reach their potential.
Barrie will be lovingly remembered and missed by Beverly, his wife of 39 years, his daughter Rose Wilbee (Sean Courtenay), his son Jeff (Anna), his granddaughters Josephine & Charlotte, his sister Valerie, a niece, 3 nephews, 2 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law and so many friends who became family.
In lieu of flowers you may consider donating to The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs ([email protected]); the Pender Harbour Food Bank ([email protected]) or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Hall in Madeira Park on October 19, 2024, from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Please join us in celebrating Barrie’s life.
Thank you for being you.
