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William Vince-Barnard Goff

September 10, 2006

Goff, William Vince-Barnard

Passed away at 2:00 am September 10, 2006 at St. Joseph’s General Hospital where he had resided at Ocean View Manor (extended care) since June 2005. His health rapidly declined in July 2006.

Born to Will and Mary Goff on October 5th, 1912, in Selkirk, Manitoba, Barney was one of 6 children. Barney resided with his family in Selkirk until after World War l. When his father returned from overseas, the family moved to St. Andrews where they had a large market garden and raised chickens. Barney attended Lockport School and Selkirk School. In 1929 he began an apprenticeship with the Canadian Pacific Railway - as a coach car man and cabinetmaker.

In 1939, Barney joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was soon transferred to Vancouver, where he met Marguerite Wilson. On December 15, 1939, they were married on the Capilano Suspension Bridge - where they had first met. Barney was a devoted husband and father. After 29 years in the Air Force, Barney retired at age 55 years. At this time, he was Base Warrant Officer at Comox. During his last year in the Air Force, Barney built their retirement home on Radford Beach.

For the past 40 years, Barney & Marguerite enjoyed sharing many special times with family and friends; visiting - enjoying fires on the beach - boating and fishing.

After his career in the Forces, Barney worked 15 years for North American Van Lines as a Moving Consultant and Claims Adjustor. He also repaired furniture for the company.

Woodworking and music were two of Barney’s favorite hobbies. In his early 80’s, he enjoyed the challenge not only of making a violin - but also of making the tools to fashion the violin. Later he started to construct a mandolin - but his fingers were too crippled with arthritis, and he was unable to finish it. In his latter years, even though he could no longer play the autoharp, violin, or mandolin - he continued to play the harmonica.

Barney’s faith has been a strong anchor to him throughout his lifetime - and especially during his “sunset” years. For this, he has often expressed a deep gratitude.

Barney was predeceased by his loving wife, Marguerite (2003); his parents: Will & Mary Goff; his sisters: Dorothy Way of High River, Alberta and Edith Sinclair of Selkirk, Manitoba.

He is survived by: his brother, Haig (Olga) Goff of Lockport, Manitoba; his sisters: Anna Warrington of Salt Spring Island and Vivian (Bob) Campbell of Ottawa, Ontario; his children: Karen (Ken) Cochrane of Comox. BC, Dennis (Nicki) Goff of Gabriola Island, Brenda (Don) West of Merritt, BC, Vince (Henny) Goff of Comox, BC; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins & many special friends. He will be fondly remembered.

Viewing and visitation will take place from COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 1101 RYAN ROAD on Wednesday, September 13th from 3:30 until 5 pm and on Thursday, September 14th from 12 noon until 1:00 pm, where his funeral service will take place at 1:30pm, followed by Interment at Courtenay Civic Cemetery. Should friends wish donations in Barney’s memory to Oceanview, Extended Care Unit, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1P2 would be appreciated.



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