Barbara Dale Shackell

July 10, 1935 - July 1, 2021 -

Our beloved wife, mom, sister, sister-in-law, gran, aunt, mother-in-law Barbara was born in Winnipeg on July 10, 1935. She and her twin sister Shirley shared a special bond growing up, and were simply ‘the twins’ to friends and family. Shirley remembers that they always wore matching outfits – explaining Barbara’s penchant for dressing her own daughters alike, often to their chagrin!

After graduation from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg, Mom’s natural instinct to care for people led her to the nursing profession, including training at Winnipeg General Hospital and eventually the Victorian Order of Nurses. During those years, she made lifelong friends who, despite geographic distance, made reunions in Winnipeg a priority every 5 years (in summer, of course!).

In 1957, the Badminton Club and the Canoe Club were the places to be for Winnipeg’s young urban professionals. As they were members of both clubs, Barbara met Stan in the fall that year. Coincidentally, Stan was building a cottage at West Hawk Lake, the same lake where Barb’s parents had a cottage. Naturally, she jumped right in and began helping him. The spark that lit the flame of a 64 year love affair was ignited.

In 1958 the gift of a dog (nice move by dad!) was followed by marriage and four children, and soon after, the nursing profession’s loss was our gain. In 1973, Barb and Stan boldly left their roots in Winnipeg to move to the Whytecliff area of West Vancouver. Mom immediately embraced her new community, becoming involved with the Copper Cove Neighbourhood Association, and volunteering at Gleneagles Elementary School. She particularly loved working with and helping children.

In 1983, Barb and Stan bought an industrial embroidery machine, and Barb took on responsibility for embroidering corporate apparel for their new business, ‘Logotex’. The business eventually outgrew their home, but in the early years she kept busy running the machine while continuing to cook meals and care for their home.

Barbara had an uncanny ability with a sewing machine, and spent many happy hours tailoring outfits for her children, grandchildren and others. She enjoyed trying new recipes in the kitchen, and loved to sit at the piano singing songs with her children - and later, her six grandchildren. She could spend hours working at a puzzle, and was always ready for a good board game. Her pies and desserts are legendary in the family! Everyone who met her was struck by her kindness, and her ability to put anyone at ease.

Mom and dad enjoyed travel adventures during retirement, around the continent in their RV and to Europe, Asia, India and elsewhere. Mom was always happiest to get home to her garden and family; perhaps only chocolate made her happier than a good family party. In 2014, Barb and Stan traded the responsibilities of home ownership for a more relaxed lifestyle in the retirement community at The Westerleigh in Dundarave.

Early on July 1, mom slipped away to join her mom Margaret, dad Allan and older brother George. We are sure her beloved dogs Fifty and Tijon were waiting for her as well. All who knew her will remember her warm smile, easy laugh and her caring for those around her. We have big holes in our hearts right now, buffered by the love of a tightly-knit family that is Barbara’s legacy.

Our thanks to the kind staff at Lions Gate Hospital and the North Shore Hospice. Donations to the North Shore Hospice would be preferred over flowers.

Stan, Anne, Jane, Boyd, Alison and their families