Obituary of Velma Jean Barkley (nee Purchase)

August 12, 1929 – Alliston, Ontario
August 26, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Velma Jean Barkley, beloved wife of the late Robert Barkley, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the age of 92 years.

Velma was born in Alliston, Ontario, on August 12, 1929. Velma graduated from high school at the young age of 16 and started work with Bell Telephone in Toronto. She went on to have a career with the Alberta Government Telephone company. 

Velma married Robert Barkley in September, 1952. Robert was a pilot in the Canadian Armed forces and they lived in many different locations in Canada and the US. They had a family of four children, born in four different provinces: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. After Robert’s death in 1963, Velma moved the family to Calgary where she raised her four children as a single parent.   

Velma loved to travel and her favourite destination was Mexico, where she became friends with local people and practiced her Spanish language skills. She also visited Thailand, Europe, Cuba, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Velma’s most enjoyable vacations were her yearly sojourns to Vancouver Island with her grandchildren, and to her hometown of Alliston to visit her family there.

She was a passionate sports fan, holding season tickets to the Calgary Stampeders and cheering on the Flames at every opportunity. 

Velma is survived by her three daughters, Kathy Barkley of Brooks, Alberta, Karen Barkley of Invermere, BC, Sandra Fraser (Brad) of Calgary, Alberta; son  Robert Barkley (Sandy Watson) of Royston, BC; four grandchildren, Kim (Nik), Lindsay (Tyler), Mike (Rachel), and Ethan; and one great-grandchild, Riley. Velma is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Melnyk, and brother-in-law, Doug Barkley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Velma was predeceased by her husband Robert, her two brothers, Angus and Lloyd, and one sister Ilene. 

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and there will be a private family internment. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  

In living memory of Velma Barkley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.