I was one of the children she gave swimming lessons to. It was an organized, scheduled lesson, drills, whistle and all. She swam with strength yet looked so gracefully cutting through the water. Lake life was heavenly. A picture perfect experience with the Whites next door. My parents couldn’t have had better neighbours, who became beloved friends. Scrabble, cocktail parties, corn roasts and then there was the delphino! As we grew up, Auntie Barbara continued to be a champion for my siblings and I. She watched us mature, take on our challenges and whenever we returned to the lake, she was always interested in hearing about our life conquests. During all those years, she swam every morning, a ritual and communion of sorts. When she and Uncle Lloyd moved to Calgary, the void was felt for all of us, but it was a chasm for my parents. Still ,although geographically scattered, the bond and the love remained and grew. Auntie Babs had the best smile, the kindest presence about her when she listened to you, the most charming chuckle if she heard something saucy and the most beautiful soul. She will be missed but always cherished. Auntie Babs, you were loved.
