Barry Furneaux grew up and went to school in Duncan, where he played semi-pro ball. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1960. He and his wife moved to Qualicum Beach in 1968 after 11 moves all along coastal B.C., where he worked as a geologist, a forest ranger and a forest engineer.
The couple built their house in Qualicum Beach in 1970 and have maintained it ever since. They run a licensed farm and grow fruit, vegetables and chickens.
In 1977 Barry started overseas contracting in 11 countries. Bhutan was his favourite place where he worked for King Jignee.
In 1992 Barry became a P.Eng and an Arborist.
Barry has been with PGOSA since the early 1990s.
“Back then there was a really strong rep league,” he said. “To get to the Senior Games for zone 2 there was a playoff, usually between Comox Rebels and Parksville. For the longest time ‘rep’ players could not play ‘fun’ ball. Frank Frawley, the founder of the Breakers, was finally able to convince (directors) that rep players really were human and should be welcomed by the fun league.”
This move strengthened both leagues as players could freely trade back and forth and find their level. The representative team for the Senior Games for zone 2 became a collection of players from both the rec league and the rep league and became really strong.
In 2001, Furneaux and Bob Hollis, another PGOSA member, helped the Parksville Team win the Molson Cup Provincial Championship. Furneaux has been playing ball for 70 years and has played for PGOSA since its inception.
“This year several PGOSA players will be entered in the World Senior Games in Utah in October,” Furneaux said. “It’s a strong group, well-run and really enjoyed.”
The PGOSA Profile is part of a series highlighting members of the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association, a local association for athletes aged 55 and over. For details on the numerous sport activities sponsored by PGOSA, visit www.pgosa.org.
— Submitted by Rob Jonas