
Pictured is Board Chair Barry Pankhurst officially signing his Oath of Office at the December 1, 2011 Swearing-In Ceremony for the 2011-2014 Coast Mountains' Board of Education School Trustees. We will miss Barry dearly.
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Barry Pankhurst, Board of Education Chair for Coast Mountains School District 82. Barry passed away suddenly on December 4, 2011, in Vancouver, B.C.
A devoted School Trustee, Barry served in this position for 17 years reflecting outstanding dedication and service to students, especially to those with special needs. He made a difference in our school district communities and played an essential role in the lives of thousands of students.
During his last term as a School Trustee, Barry served as Board of Education Chair, a role he took on with passion and devotion.
A Memorial Service for Barry will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Kitimat (1760 Nalabila Boulevard). An informal gathering will follow the Memorial Service in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barry’s memory to the Covenant House in Vancouver. Covenant House works with runaway kids to support them and get them back on track, and as Barry’s favourite charity he had supported them for many, many years. Donations can be made online at www.covenanthousebc.org or by calling the Covenant House at (604) 638-4438. Tax receipts will be provided for donations made.
Our deepest condolences and prayers are extended to Barry’s wife, Mary Anne, and to his family. Barry’s many friends and acquaintances within the school district share the loss and sadness of his family.
Barry will be greatly missed by everyone in the diverse communities served by the Coast Mountains School District, but especially by those people who had the privilege to know him on a personal level.
In honour of the contribution that Barry made to public education in all the communities served by the Coast Mountains School District 82, schools in his home community of Kitimat will close at lunch hour on Tuesday, December 13 to enable students and staff to attend his Memorial Service if they wish.