Barbara will be remembered for her gracious manner and her delightful smile....while I never had the pleasure of working with her, I was fortunate enough to have known her as a tennis player.  Just last night, a group of us were reminiscing about Barbara and chuckling about how she appreciated the athleticism of the tour players....and how good they look on court!!!  Barbara was a total character, and all of us tennis playing ladies are missing her. 
My sincere condolences....

You are going to be missed Barbara, glad that we had a last chat and that you were ready...

During her time with the Faculty of Education@SFU Barb created an innovative course for VSB secondary teachers using video to examine their teaching practices. She provided a wonderful learning experience; working with  them to de-construct & assess the complexities of their teaching.  It was a privilege to support her in this work.

I was one of Barb Staffords students at U Hill, I will always remember her fondly for her sense of humour and wonderful teaching style.I have a very small handful of great teachers I recall and she is definitely one of them. My condolences to the family.
Cathy Albrecht

Dr, Stafford was the principal at Osler where my two children attended elementary school.  I was privileged to work with her when I was part of the PAC, and as a result of her leadership and sound educational background, I was inspired to make a career move and become an elementary teacher.  Her influence not only lead to my career, but I also know how much she inspired my children in their education.

As a teacher I loved Barb. She was strong and fair and always had your back when you did things right and never afraid to let you know when things needed to improve....The best principal I ever worked for.

Dr. Satfford was the Osler elementary Principal where my two sons attended in the 80s. She was gracious ,elegant and strait. Osler excelled in sports, music and science under her leadership. You hear the happy sound of the playground and the band playing in the hall. Parent teacher night was packed with parents anxious to learn to improve their kids grades.Now my two doctor sons often talk about the happy time they have at Osler. Thank you so much Dr. Stafford.

"Miss Stafford" was my English 10 and 11 teacher at Vancouver Tech during the 1960's and I adored and admired her.

As our teacher, she encouraged, inspired, and supported us; to so many girls in her classes at Tech, she was a role model for what we could become: educated, independent, strong, and successful. She was demanding and strict, but she had a sparkle in her eye that told us she cared about us and wanted us to excel.

She is the reason I decided to become an English teacher. She was, in my view, the epitome of the professional educator, and I wanted to be just like her. She was the unseen hand that guided me throughout my 35-year career, as I attempted to convey to my students the love of literature and language which she had inspired in me.  

I hope she knew what an influence she had on so many of us; it is sad that she is gone, but she leaves behind an enormous legacy. On so many levels, I shall be eternally grateful to her!

OBITUARY

Barbara Iola Stafford

12 March, 1935 – 9 January, 2015

Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium

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