Field Hockey BC was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Barb Hart Harris. Barb was an incredible supporter of the development of Field Hockey across BC and Canada, but beyond that was an incredible person to have had the privilege to know.

Barb’s legacy is one of advocacy, athletic excellence, philanthropy, and true unwavering kindness. Barb will be remembered and missed by the many individuals who’s lives she impacted and the many she inspired.

Obituary

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Barbara Elizabeth (Hart) Harris at her home on July 21, 2026. Barb is predeceased by her husband, B. Gregg Harris; her daughter, Gayle E. J. Harris; and her parents, Cecil and Grace Hart (née Storey). She is survived by her siblings R. Gordon Hart and Jeannine Robinson (née Hart), nieces and nephews, and her beloved grandson, Matthew E. Harris.

Except for a brief period in the US, Barb was a lifelong resident of Burnaby. She taught PE, math, and ESL at Cariboo Hill Secondary School.

Barb devoted much of her life to philanthropy, supporting the Terry Fox Route in Burnaby’s Central Park, endowments at SFU and UBC, research into Long QT Syndrome at BC Children’s Hospital, BC Cancer initiatives, and bursaries at the Surrey Public Library and indeed within the FHBC Foundation.

Barb was a pioneer in women’s field hockey. Some of her fondest memories were representing Canada on the field and serving as Vice-President of the 1979 Women’s International Field Hockey Tournament Society. Later in life she nominated many peers to sports halls of fame. She herself was inducted into the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame (2020), the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame (2025), and the BC Sports Hall of Fame (2026).

A memorial will be held at SFU’s Halpern Centre, 8888 University Dr E, Burnaby, on August 8, 2026, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. All are welcome; RSVP appreciated at RSVP@waskasoo.ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation, Terry Fox Foundation, or BC Children’s Hospital.