Barbara June McInnes

Barbara June McInnes died Friday, March 22, 2019 in hospice at the Ty Watson house in Port Alberni, BC at the age of 83. At the time of her death she was at peace and surrounded by her children, although she had been battling Heart and Lung disease in her final years.

Barb was born December 13th, 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta to parents John and June (nee McLean) Gowan. Her mother remarried a few years later to William (Bill) Kensit and she was blessed with a sister Judy Kensit, her father also remarried and her step mother Betty added to the blessings with brothers Tom and Ross, Michael and sisters Kathy and Nancy.

A Debutante in Edmonton at sweet 16 she soon caught the eye of Jim Findlay whom she married and had 4 children with. The next chapter in her life saw her move to North Vancouver, BC where she married Bob McInnes with whom she continued to raise Neil, Wendy, Ian and Heather.

Barbie is predeceased by her parents and husbands and is survived by her sisters and brothers. She is survived by children Neil (Roxzy) Findlay of Edmonton, AB., Wendy Hanson of Saskatoon, SK., Ian (Debbie)McInnes of Edmonton, AB., and Heather (Jim) Ratte of Port Alberni, BC. She is also survived by grand children Bradley and Krystal, Phillip, Michael and Melissa, Amanda, Kimberley, and Hope, Andrew and Jennifer several great grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.

Her life was full with the early days of broadcasting as part of the Sunwapta (CFRN) family in Edmonton, her role as mother and step mother in early days on the lower mainland of BC, a traveler with husband Bob in retirement and later still with friend Reg as they enjoyed the golden years!

As life progressed she continued to make friends and volunteered with Langley Hospice for 28 years. She embraced technology with her IPAD and became a great friend and "pen" pal or email confidant in recent years, reaching out to stay in touch with friends and family reaching back to her earliest days in Edmonton. She had her ups and down, her opinions and other challenges through out life but she wore her heart on her sleeve and was able to admit when she was wrong or her opinion did not always follow conventional thinking. She was a student of life and even predicted the first black President of the USA, (much to her son Neil's chagrin as he had to pay the $ 5.00 he bet against her) and she was a true conspiracy fan and believer that the government was not always honest or looking out for the best interests of the common folk!

She made us smile, she made us cry but most importantly she made us think, and gave us reason to thank the Lord (or your lucky stars) that she visited this earth, and touched so many lives while she was with us. If you knew her please celebrate her memory in whatever way is most appropriate to your friendship with her, there will be no formal services held. Chapel of Memories in Port Alberni is taking care of cremation and all final worldly requirements. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Langley Hospice, 20660 48 Ave, Langley, BC V3A 3L6, Or Ty Watson House, Office 3088 3rd Avenue, Port Alberni, BC.