Obituary of Barbara Courtright Burns

Barbara Burns of Calgary passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the age 91 years. Mrs. Barbara Burns was born November 11, 1915 in Larkspur, CA. Graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, she went on to become the Social Director for several five star hotels including the Awhahnee in Yosemite Park, the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu, HI, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the Lake Arrowhead Lodge and Inn. Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Barbara enlisted at first call with the United States Navy. She received officers training at Smith College in Northampton, MA and was commissioned an Ensign. Barbara was stationed at the San Francisco and San Diego Naval District until her honourable discharge as Lt. J. G. (Junior Grade), in 1944. After her marriage to Earl Coffman, Barbara assisted her husband in the hosting duties at the Desert Inn. She served on numerous charitable and social organizations including the United Way and the Palm Valley School Board of Trustee. After winning several elections for the position of Director at the Desert Hospital in Palm Springs, Barbara became President of the Association of California Hospital Districts. She resigned this position in 1972 shortly after her second marriage to Richard Burns of Calgary, AB. In addition, Mrs. Barbara Burns will be fondly remembered for her active participation in social and sporting events throughout Calgary. Her volunteer efforts and coordination contributed to the numerous “Heritage Day” events and activities at Heritage Park. She was subsequently bestowed an “Honorary Membership”. She was an avid golfer at the Canyon Meadows Golf Club and an enthusiastic tennis and bridge player at the Glencoe Club. She also held membership at the Petroleum Club and Ranchmen’s Club. Barbara is survived by her daughter Barbara Lynn of Palm Springs, CA; and her three grandsons Lawrence Lingbloom, Jason Bourassa and Charles Russell Coffman. She is further survived by her stepsons John and Dennis Burns of Calgary, AB, Michael Burns of North Vancouver, BC, and their families. Barbara was predeceased by her first husband Owen Earl Coffman, a prominent Palm Springs businessman and owner of the eminent Desert Inn, by her second husband Richard John Burns, QC, an esteemed lawyer of the Calgary law firm Macleod Dixon; by her son Charles Coffman of Palm Springs, CA, by her daughter Martha Coffman-King of Kelowna, BC; and by her grandson Charles Derringer Moran. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held at Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Drive S.W.) at a later date for those individuals who were touched by her enthusiasm for life and would like to share in her memory. Private Family Graveside Service will be held in Palm Springs at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Palm Springs Historical Society, 221 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Telephone: (760) 325-0189 or to Heritage Park Historical Village, 1900 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 2X3 Telephone: (403) 268-8500. In living memory of Barbara Burns, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.