Barbara Joan King

Born on March 20, 1945, in Mission BC, Barb was the third of four children born to Myrtle and George Reid. She spent a happy childhood and youth in Mission. After graduating from high school, Barb moved to Vancouver to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from St. Paul’s Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1966, a milestone she was very proud of.

Soon after graduating, Barb moved to Prince George to begin her nursing career and not long after arriving, she met Ray, who was also starting his career far from home. They married and built a life together, welcoming two daughters, Sherry and Diane. Barb was an exceptional nurse and a devoted mother, always finding ways to care for others both at work and at home.

Of all the roles she held, the one she cherished most was being a grandmother. When Diane welcomed her son Tanner, Barb retired from nursing so she could help care for him. She provided daycare, babysitting, and endless love to her grandchildren Ariel and Jonah when they arrived to Sherry and Paul, and she was delighted to continue her role as Gramma when Lizzie was born to Diane and Paul. Over the years, Barb also cared for many of our friends’ children, and each of them became one of hers too.

Barb had many simple joys that made up a rich and beautiful life. She always had a cat in her home, and each of them were so special to her. Her last cat, Indie, was a great comfort and constant companion to her, and while she was heartbroken that she couldn’t take him to long term care, she enjoyed many visits with him at his new home with Ariel and James. She looked forward to spring every year, when she could plant her petunias and begonias and she took great pride in her garden rockery. She was a great baker, most famous for her sugar cookies, which appeared at every holiday and family gathering and were eagerly anticipated by everyone. She was a talented knitter, seamstress, and cross-stitcher and we are grateful to have many of her handmade creations, which will be treasured reminders of her love and skill. Barb walked nearly every day, often with her backpack on, covering many kilometers around town. People would always comment to us that they’d seen our mom out on one of her walks! Before arthritis limited her mobility, Barb enjoyed riding her road bike, was a great tennis player, and our dad remarked that she could throw a ball better and farther than any girl he had ever met. A dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of her grandchildren, Barb attended recitals, school plays, basketball and volleyball games, track meets and swim meets. Watching them do what they loved was one of her greatest joys.

Two and a half years ago, Barb was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The decline that followed was hard to watch in someone who loved making puzzles, doing crosswords and had always been so sharp and knowledgeable about a great variety of subjects. She loved her neighbors and her home that she lived in for 54 years and we worked hard to keep her there as long as we could. When she moved into long-term care, our visits changed, but she was always delighted when family and friends came through the doors. Her face would light up, and she welcomed each visit with warmth.

Barb was predeceased by her parents, Myrtle and George, and her younger brother, Ken. She is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Sherry (Paul) Gilbert and Diane (Paul) Van Bakel; her grandchildren Tanner, Ariel (James), Jonah (Amanda), and Lizzie (Mario); step-grandchildren Sydney (Peter) and Adam; and step-great-granddaughter Eleanor. She is also survived by her older siblings Margaret and Jim (Maureen); sister-in-law Eva; many nieces and nephews on both sides of our family who will remember her with fondness; the Fuller family who meant so much to her, and by her former husband, Ray, who remained a devoted friend throughout the years.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Jubilee Lodge for the compassionate care they provided during Barb’s eight-month stay. They took the time to truly get to know her and graciously accepted her constant offers to help, as she had once worked as an RN at the Lodge and sometimes seemed to feel she was still on duty. The family is also deeply thankful to the many residents at Jubilee Lodge who considered Barb a friend; your kindness and companionship meant so much.

Funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Pier Pandolfo presiding on Thursday, June 18 at 3:00 pm with desserts and tea/coffee to follow in the hall.