Gladys Florence Joy BARBER

Five months after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary, Dennis and Joy passed away within two days of each other in Nanaimo. Born in Hull, England, Dennis was the youngest and only surviving member of 5 siblings. Joy Abbott, born in London one day after Queen Elizabeth, was an only child.  On their second date, Dennis proposed to Joy but had to wait 3 years until she turned 21. They emigrated to Canada in 1957 where Dennis found employment at Alcan in Kitimat as a machinist. He subsequently rose through the ranks working at various jobs including job evaluation officer, apprentice program director and as a general foreman. Joy worked initially at a bank in Smeltersite, then found employment with the Kitimat Municipality where she was in charge of the Purchasing Dept. for over 20 years. They retired in 1982 to Qualicum Beach and subsequently Morningstar Golf Course in Parksville where they spent many a day enjoying rounds of golf. They enjoyed family and gardening and travelled extensively in Europe, even when they were in their late eighties.

They are survived by sons Michael (Hilary) and granddaughters Nikki and Claire in Ottawa, Clive (Susan) in Nanaimo and grandchildren Gillian and Lance, and finally daughter Anne (Dave) in Ladysmith and granddaughters Tracy, Jennifer and Stephanie. In addition, they had 3 great grandchildren; Alec in Kitimat and Liam and Zoe in Ladysmith. 

Much loved, they will be fondly remembered as a kind and inseparable couple. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Nanaimo General Hospital and those at Nanaimo Seniors Home Complex Care for their professional and compassionate care.

A service of celebration will be held in May at St. Marks Anglican Church in Qualicum Beach.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated