After a long battle with dementia, it is with great sadness that the family and friends of William “Bill” Donald Barkley announce his passing on July 11, 2016. Bill was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was the only son of Donald McMillan Barkley and Ethel Margaret Barkley (Mines) born in New Westminster, BC on April 4, 1941.  Bill was predeceased by his father, mother, and his devoted wife, Helen “Gayle” Barkley (Alanson).  Bill is survived by his son, Warren Barkley; daughter-in-law, Carrie Barkley; daughter, Colleen Cahoon; son-in-law, William “Doug” Cahoon; grandsons, William Cahoon, Erik Barkley, Peter Cahoon, and Wesley Barkley and cousin, Joy Adams.

After careers in teaching high school and wildlife management, Bill had an illustrious career in the museum industry, starting with his appointment to Assistant Director at the Royal BC Museum in 1977. One of his major accomplishments was championing the establishment of Crown Corporation status for the Museum. He enjoyed travelling with the staff on fieldtrip projects as well as hob-knobbing at openings and fundraising events.

Following his retirement as Executive Director of the RBCM in 2001, Bill took his experience and expertise to a wider audience across Canada through Bill Barkley Consulting. Bill and Bob Janes were the first principal consultants and advisors to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg where Bill later became a member of the founding Board of Directors. Bill’s consulting was instrumental at the famous “Rooms” Museum in Newfoundland. He also brought advanced museological and organizational advice to museums in Quesnel, Prince George, Nanaimo and the lower mainland, and a mature approach to cultural planning to several municipal governments. Some of the travel for these consultation project trips included the packing of fishing and camping gear, so Bill and his wife could enjoy the northern wilderness together.

Other assignments provided great opportunities for enjoyable and enriching road trips with fellow museum junkies – like Dave Jensen, Brent Cooke, Ian McLennan, Phil Aldrich, David Hall, and many others.

Bill was also a devoted and loving father, grandfather and friend who enjoyed spending his time with his grandchildren and hiking and sailing with his friend, Lew Townsend. Bill will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

Please join us in celebrating his life on July 25, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Cadboro Bay United Church.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

  • Nadine Gates

    Deepest sympathies from the Yarmouth County Museum and Archives, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

  • Marilyn Dawe

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I really enjoyed his Interpretation Course offered by the Cultural Resource Management Program at UVIc. He was so knowledgeable but also kind and encouraging. He will be greatly missed in the museum community.

  • Jean Trudel

    Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis.
    J’ai toujours eu grand plaisir à travailler avec Bill au sein de l’Association des musées canadiens.
    C’est un collègue que j’estimais beaucoup.

    jean Trudel

  • Tracy Calogheros

    So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing, the good ones are always gone far too soon. He was an important part of our industry and a friend to me. We will all miss him.
    Tracy Calogheros

  • Susan McLeod

    Bill was a superior museologist and a good friend to the Canadian museum community. My deepest condolences to the family.

  • Michel V. Cheff

    To Bill’s family and museum colleagues,
    Friendship, professionalism and proficiency characterize Bill as a true ‘museum man’.
    Our collaboration was always about sharing and learning. Bill is a pioneer in our field.
    Thank you Bill!
    Michel V. Cheff

  • Pat Bovey

    Bill was an amazing friend and colleague over many years in Victoria and the positive impact of his work was felt across Canada. It was a treat to work along side him. My thoughts and concerns are with all the family.

    Best wishes, Pat Bovey

  • Penny Blanchard

    Colleen, Doug and Family,

    Thinking of you during this emotional and sad time of loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Penny & Rick (and kids) Blanchard

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