Bill and Barb's family and friends,

So sad to hear that Barb has left us behind...she had such a remarkable spirit which we will all miss very much. But weren't we all so lucky to have had her in our lives while she was here!

With love, Christine Stiles

Barb was special, like no one else I have ever known. She always made our days brighter, whether we just talked on the phone or we all got together for lunch, dinner or a walk, everything just seemed better. No matter how long the visits, they were always too short and too far apart.

Bill, we send our heartfelt sympathies to you, the family and all those who loved Barb so dearly.

We will forever miss her.

Ken & Barb Joyce

Bill, we were so saddened to hear of Barb's passing. We enjoyed getting to know her over the past few years. She was an amazing lady and a great neighbour. Please accept our sincere condolences. She will be missed.

Bill and Janice Ball

Our condolences to the entire family. We’ve known Barb for more than 30 years & cherish every moment. Dinners together & new year’s celebrations were always such fun. Barb was a great cook & wonderful host. We will always be here for you Bill. Much love Brian & Lynne

I have tried, several times now, to write something that would do justice to the extraordinary person Barb was. Elegant, classy, a consummate professional in all that she undertook: exquisite meals; tasteful and warm expressions in her personal style and home decor. Always there to lend a hand - housecleaning for an ill friend - or assisting with residential moves.

Barb was not hesitant to share her slightly quirky side: she once rescued a dazed bird that had made a hard landing on their Charleswood outdoor patio. Barb welcomed Bill home that day while 'wearing the bird' on her shoulder. In a moment of distraction, she once put either her keys or purse in the fridge...then hunted frantically for them.

I, my daughter and son (Kari and Ryan) shared many memorable meals with Barb and Bill - either in their home or mine. Always animated conversation, laughter, and a good dose of political In-correctness. Barb's contribution to one of our last meals here - a mouthwatering peach pie - will remain legendary.

Barb endured a whole lot more pain and suffering than anyone should...with grace and fortitude. She will be deeply missed by all of us fortunate enough to share in her life.

Barbara Jessiman, Kari Phillips, Ryan Phillips

We were very sorry to read the Calgary Herald and learn that Barb had passed away. She was always such a happy person and a pleasure to talk to.

Our condolences to you and your family. May all your good memories help you through this sad time.

Rosalie Torvi and Betty Burns

Barb's passing leaves a hole in so many lives. She was always ready to pull out her calendar and find a time and a way to help, no matter whether it meant a few hours of fundraising, months of cleaning out an elderly lady's house and helping her move, to holding a friend while she cried.

The light of the memory of her kindness, humour, empathy and never-ending sense of fun will shine through always for her friends and family and all who had the honour to know her.

Nancy Snowball

I worked at the U of C Law School during Barb's time as the Administrator. She was a wonderfully warm and genuine person who cared deeply about everyone in her ambit. She was also a supremely effective Administrator with a remarkably capacity for getting things done quickly, with minimum fuss and with a lightness of touch that left no hard feelings.

A true gem has gone to her just reward: my condolences to the family left to remember.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Bill and his family, to Barb's siblings and their families, and to the many friends who mourn her loss. She was a special person who played a large part in creating memories with us as well, the wonderful meals she prepared and shared, the hikes, both close to home and further afield (especially the Chilkoot and the West Coast Trail) and the travels both near and far (Alaska, Italy, South Africa). Barb was a neighbour, a wonderful friend, a confidant. Although we are very sad, there are many smiles when thoughts of Barb come to mind and we'll keep her memory close in our hearts.

Bill I'm so sorry to read of Barb's passing I loved getting to know you both. My fondest memory is when you & Barb went to TD Bank for a loan and the loan officer Janet (who was pregnant ) asked if you knew me and when you said yes she proceeded in telling you that the baby was mine (Janet was a jocker). You then sent me a note stating what she said to which I couldn't stop laughing and replied it's wasn't hers. I think you got the loan but I had a good laugh.

Barb retired 2 years before I did.

Allan Chambers

Retired Budget Director, in the Office of VP (Finance & Services

My condolences Bill. Barb was one of the best persons I've worked with anywhere. She was unfailingly positive, thoughtful, and cared about those around her. If Barb was in charge of something, you knew it was going to be done right. I'm sorry for your loss.

Mike Wylie

Barb, I will warm the blankets in the dryer to wrap around my loved ones, enjoy a little ‘snick’ of butter, build all the forts, remember to ‘put on my lips’ every once in awhile, and pour the perfect ‘Dobie drink’ every time.

I feel privileged that Barb was in my life, as a confidant and the most amazing Gran to Owen and Margot.

Bill, I have no words for your loss. I can only attempt to live with such presence, such love for life, and ensure these kids keep her special spark in their eyes.

Love Carolyn

Bill, Connie and I are so sorry to read of Barb's passing ... our thoughts and prayers are with you. Howard and Constance Crofts

Bill, I'm very sorry for your loss.

Best wishes,

Roger Ives.

Bill, we are at a complete loss. We were fortunate to get to know you and Barb over the last 5 years and in that short time, we became such great friends with you both. When we look at Barbs photo, we can hear her laugh and once again feel the warmth of being in her presence. She was such a gracious and hospitable woman, with an incredibly kind and positive outlook on life! She took a sincere interest in the lives of those she met so one could not help but love her and feel fabulous after having spent time with her!

Barb's passing leaves a void in all of us that will never be filled but our hearts are broken for you Bill, for the immeasurable loss you are suffering as she was clearly the love of your life! We pray for comfort and peace and though we can't change anything, we so wish we could be there with you, to hold your hand and help you through this pain.

Our sincere condolences to the rest of Barb's family, grandkids and sisters too.

So much love and the warmest of hugs.

-Antoinette & Dan MacKenzie

Bill, My prayers are with you, Barb and I had a love for cats in common. I enjoyed hearing of your travels with Wayne and Terrie.

Audrey Leech

Dear Bill,

We are so sorry for your loss.

Barb has made this world a brighter and a better place. Her kindness and warmth drew people to her and she surrounded everyone with love. She created many special memories with wonderul dinners and remarkable celebrations. We always enjoyed our meals out at interesting and unique restaurants, especially a very long lunch in Cochrane---when we were asked to leave as the staff had to go home. We won't forget birthday math, hiking at Sunshine and Grotto Canyon, fishing at Gap Lake and the arrival of Santa. Smiles, hugs, laughter, glasses of wine and now broken hearts. What a beautiful difference her life has made!

Love,

Joan and Wayne

Bill I was so very sorry to hear about Barb. I have so many wonderful memories from Regina, growing up with Barb in Regina, High school at Marion, Fun times at Katepwa. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill and the family.

Barb Searle ( Regina, Calgary, and now Victoria)

So saddened to hear the news of Barb's passing, Bill. I thought of both of you while at the U of R's Coop Education anniversary celebration a few years ago and I think of the influence both of you had on so many student's lives during your careers, and on the developmental stage of my own career. Barb was very special and I miss her.

Bill, we wish to send you our sincere condolences on Barb's passing. We have fond memories from when you and Barb made the University of Regina a fun place to work.

Ivan and Judy Jorgensen

Barb was a wonderful force at the Faculty of Law -engaging, competent and unfailingly cheerful. We were very lucky to have her. I am very sorry for your loss.

Professor Catherine Brown

Bill please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Barb. She was a kind, lovely person and will be missed. Take care of yourself.

Faylene Valdes

Very sorry to hear of your loss Bill, and family.

Barb will be remembered; I wish you peace and safety,

Stephen Jeans

Dearest Bill,

Barb was a very special woman and we are feeling the profound loss of our extraordinary friend. As two couples, we shared holidays, family events, vacations, scrabble, dinners, wine, single malt scotch, great stories, and true, hearty belly laughs. And hugs. Great hugs.

Barb was a superb organizer of many of these events. As a result, we have a strong sense that heaven is running a little more smoothly this week than last (wink!).

Our hearts are full with those wonderful, warm memories and we look forward to that stroll down memory lane - and a toast to Barb - as soon as we can safely gather again.

Sending all our love to you and all the family.

“We will always have Hawaii.”

Jen & Bruce Burrell