William Robert Barrow

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing our dear Dad, William Robert “Bill” Barrow on Thursday, October 30th, 2014 at St. James Cottage Hospice in Vancouver, BC. His optimistic attitude forged his courageous and unyielding desire to live during his lengthy struggle with cancer.

Dad was born on April 22, 1930 in Nakusp, BC, the only son of Merril and Edith Barrow who predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his darling wife, Vicky (Obayashi) and sister Gay (McCusker). He is survived by sister Charlotte Humphries (Windsor, ON) and sons, Robin and Grant (Robin Taddy), daughter Hollis (Howard Ho) grandchildren, Kyla (Clayton Sartorius), Brenin, great-grandsons Cashen and Keean. Surviving in-laws include Robbie Obayashi, Sue Yoshida, Wendy Obayashi and Victor Schiavon. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad married Vicky (Obayashi) in 1953 and raised his family in Nakusp B.C. He was a devoted family man who maintained strong ties with his extended family and friends. The passing of Mom in 2005 prompted Dad to establish “Vicky’s View” as a lasting tribute to his beloved wife. This sprouted the roots of the Nakusp & Area Community Trails Society of which he is a founding member.

Bill was a tugboat “skipper” in the towboat industry until his retirement in 1992. He was a skilled “fast water man” who navigated the “river drive” in the powerful currents of the Columbia River. His unceasing passion for the “spectacular” Columbia River and the Arrow Lakes kept him active and agile after retirement as he continued to beachcomb the lake with his own tugboat, the “Arrow Brave”. Dad spent much of his time developing the family vacation property known as “Barrow’s Narrows”.

Bill had enormous respect and an ardent interest in the history of the Arrow Lakes. He was a colorful storyteller who loved to relate the rich history of the early pioneers that built the community of Nakusp. In his earlier years, Bill was a key member of the Kinsmen Club and the K-40’s and was committed to servicing the community. Bill was an active member of the Nakusp Senior Citizens Association, the Arrow Lakes Historical Society, AA, and the Nakusp Trail Society. He was a Past Master and a long-standing member of Star of the West Lodge No.61.

Dad was a good man who worked hard, loved his family, friends and the community of Nakusp and will be missed dearly. We can all take comfort knowing his legacy will live on in every life he touched.

A service to honour Dad’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15th, 2014 at the United Church, Nakusp, BC at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow at the Legion Hall. In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Arrow Lakes Historical Society or the Nakusp & Area Community Trails Society in Nakusp, BC.