Allan Charles Irwin

IRWIN, Allan Charles It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Allan (Al) Irwin on January 18, 2018 in Victoria, BC. Al was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on December 9, 1939. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Kathleen Irwin. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Roberta, "Bert", his three children, Cathy (Sandy), Sandra (Mike), and Brian (Emily); his cherished grandchildren, Jamie, Kelli and Emily; and his siblings Bob (Brenda) and Pat. He will also be missed by his extended family and close friends. In a bid to see the world, Al joined the Navy at the young age of 17 and retired seven years later due to seasickness. At the age of 18, by way of a phone call and a chance encounter he met and married his "wifey" Bert in 1961. Al adopted Victoria as his new home, working a few jobs in construction and the shipyard before landing his long-term career at BC Hydro in February 1966. He started as a meter reader and retired 33 years later, in April 1999, as a service planner. His favourite time of day was 4:00 p.m. (quitting time). Even in his retirement, he would smile when his watch beeped at 4:00 p.m. In his younger years Al found a passion for camping with family, friends and colleagues, graduating to the "glamping" life with his 27 foot home away from home. After retiring he and Bert spent months at a time at their favourite spot C-11, in Parksville. You would often see him rolling along the seaside boardwalk in his scooter with his cat, Chloe, on his lap and Bert walking by his side. He will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his love of family gatherings and his enthusiasm for sing along's with the guitar (as long as there was a John Denver tune). The family would like to extend their thanks to the ICU nursing staff at VGH, Dr. Porayko and a special thanks to nurse Jane for her kindness. A private celebration of Al's life with family and close friends will be held at a later date.