Dear Mrs. Ross, Donna and B'Anne. I just found out about Barbara and I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear this! I have so many memories of us growing up in Bowness and feeling so close to your family. Barbara was wonderful to my mum and visited her quite often. I hope they are together in heaven having a good laugh. Love you all very much and wish there was some way I could comfort you.

Love, Penny

Rob, Colleen, Trent and families, The hole that Barb has left in all of our lives can be filled with the never ending memories she created with all those she cared about. No or can’t just wasn’t in her vocabulary. She wouldn’t force you to do anything you didn’t want to but she had a magical way of making you want to at least try. I will miss the wonderful conversations around the fire, between surfs, during a game or sitting enjoying the lake view.

So sorry for your loss. May your memories give you comfort in these difficult times. Our hearts are with you all. Don & Wendy

Memories of Barb

When I saw the request for memories over forty years of friendship with Barb came flooding back and I was overwhelmed with ways she touched my life. I will try to put them in writing but know I’ll not be able to include them all.

I’m certain we hadn’t even finished moving into our new house when we were invited to our new neighbour’s place for tea. With that I was invited into Barb’s home & her life. Our girls were the same age so we had that in common immediately. But over the course of time we found there was much more to our friendship.

Most of our conversations were over a cup of tea. My phone would ring about 11 in the morning. Barb had finished all her housework by then and was ready for tea and she’d invite me to share it with her. We spent a lot of time at her kitchen table, on the back deck or the front patio depending on the weather just chatting and sharing life.

She supported me through two pregnancies and the birth of my two sons. Barb loved babies. For a new mom it was wonderful to have someone take them for a while and just give me a break. One of my favorite memories is of her holding one of the boys, Aaron I think, with his head in her hands and his body stretched out on her arms (more about Barb’s arms later) and bringing his face to hers and talking to him face to face. I’d never seen anyone hold a baby that way before.

Barb threw the best parties. I’m sure Colleen’s birthday at the end of June was the most coveted party invitation in the neighbourhood.

We planned and sewed Halloween costumes for our kids together and went trick or treating as a group. There were lots of fun activities to share and Barb loved them all.

I remember her walking Duffy in her full-length fur coat. Most of us would save a coat like that for special occasions but if it was the warmest coat and it was cold out Barb figured she should wear it.

When we moved to BC we didn’t see each other often but we stayed in touch. But when we moved back it was books and Book Club that brought us back together. Once a month we’d meet for dinner before club and catch up with news about family and what ever else was happening in our lives.

Barb struggled with so many challenges to her health but she never seemed to complain. She just carried on. I’ve never known anyone so fearless in the face of adversity. Even when she had the cancer and lost her fingertip she didn’t grumble.

Her house was always immaculate. Even through renos, and there were many, there was no mess, no dust, and no evidence there had ever been any. I don’t know how she did it. Well yes I do, she worked hard. Barb seemed to have endless energy and worked like crazy. If she wasn’t cleaning or cooking she was weeding or sewing. Even when sitting watching TV she was doing something. She stitched several embroidery projects for me.

Oh and about the arms. One day she asked me to get something out of her pantry but I couldn’t reach it. She said she’d get and I asked how she could reach when she’s as short as me. She said it was no problem for her because she had “monkey arms”.

I’m sure I’ve missed things and more will come to mind. I just know I’ll miss her. She was a great friend for many years.

I'm sure her family will miss her even more. Sending love and prayers to them. She leaves a great legacy.

April & Ivan

Rob, Trent and Susan, Colleen and Gene, and families,

Peace be with all of you...we will have fond memories of our neighborhood interactions with Barb, and our games and movies together. She fought the good fight right to the end. She was a strong woman.

Rob and Family,

We would like to offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences at this difficult time. We fondly remember all the special times together with Barbara over many years. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. We share your sadness.

-Don and Janet

Bob, Trent , Colleen and families,

We were very sad to hear of Barb’s passing. We have wonderful memories of Barb during our many summers at Christina Lake. May the beautiful memories of Barb bring you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Wayne and Daniela McKinnon

Rob,

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Remembering Barb as a caring and loving individual; she is also loved by our extended four-legs family. She will be missed by all.

May your memory of happy moments together, bring you some comfort.

Will remember Barb in my prayers.

Take care of yourself.

Connie.

Rob and family,

So vey sorry for your loss. Barb fought this battle with great courage. She will be missed by so many two legged and four legged friends.

Matt and Cynthia

Rob

Sorry for your loss our deepest condolences to you and your family

Carol&Barry Poffenrotj

I am a fairly new friend of Barb’s from our book group. She welcomed me and I was drawn to her “can do” manner. I heard snippets of previous and current health challenges but I felt that they did not define her. We shared a common love of dogs also. She had many more stories and experiences to impart to me and I am sad to miss them. My condolences to her family. A bright light has left us!

Rob

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Sincere condolences from Donn and Nathalie Garrison at #21

Rob

So sorry for your loss.

Sending sincere condolences to you and your family at this time.

Mike and Sue van Geel

Oh Rob, we’re so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. What a battle she bravely fought. Condolences from Tom and Elaine at #9

Rob we are sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.

You are in our prayers.

Ed and Sharon Kam

Rob, it is with great sadness Lyle and I send our condolences to you and your family. We have many happy memories of our times spent with both of you. Barbara fought valiantly over these past years and accomplished many many things despite this battle. We will keep you in our thoughts as you face the days ahead.

Rob and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Barb had a wonderful life with loving family and friends, camping, skiing and enjoying all the water sports involving the family boat over the years. We have such fond memories of the times spent at Christina Lake with Barb and family.

Our sincere condolences,

Bruce and Cindy Gelhorn

Louise and I want to pass on our deepest condolences to you Rob. And to your wonderful family. We have many great memories of Barb during our time as neighbors. Walking the dogs on the canal, making willow chairs, gardening, porcupine encounters, Emerald Lake, hay rides and many others. All will be cherished

Rob,Trent and Sue, Colleen and Gene and families

So many good memories of Barb. Our first meeting when they bought the acreage sitting at our table discussing how to get rid of farm poop. We laughed for days over that and eventually they learned farm language. Haying together, Barb wasn't afraid of running any equipment. She was always sharing her gardening expertise. Watching Barb, Rob, Babe the dog ,the miniature goats, and cats going for walks. Enjoyable times in the Keoma Ladies Club with her. Her expertise and patience as they moved from house to house renovating as they went. Enjoying her as a neighbour when they built their new house across the road. Her competitive spirit when playing King's Cross. Our many good meals at More Than Ice Cream in Strathmore and the Keg in Calgary. Her great excitement about her grandchildren and on our last visit her news about a great grandchild. She had many health issues in her life and faced them head on carrying on with her life. She was one tough lady. She was a good friend and will be sadly missed. Love Regg and Barb