Barbara Knapp

Knapp, Barbara - Born Barbara Carmichael in Castle Point, Manitoba, to Dorothy and George Carmichael, passed away peacefully at age 93 on November 15, 2022. After growing up in Carberry and Winnipeg, Barb moved to Whitehorse to work, where she met and married Charlie Knapp, who coached her softball team. Army postings took them to Germany, London, Ont., Hamilton, Ottawa and Victoria.

Barb enjoyed travelling, concerts, and her season tickets at the Belfry. When she retired from the Federal Institute of Ocean Sciences at Sidney, B.C., she took up photography, genealogy, tennis and Tai Chi.

In 2004, she embarked on an unexpected retail career. For ten months she managed her sister Alma’s antique store, Blue Heron Antiques in Vancouver, along with her many family helpers. A true Virgo, her organizational and accounting skills carried the day.

Barb was a strong believer in women’s rights, like her late mother was, and grew ever more open minded as she aged. She firmly believed that “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” She was fiercely independent and loved spending time alone with a good book. However, she also loved family visits, and we always left with much more than we brought her, thanks to her generosity.

Barb was predeceased by her husband, and siblings June, Alma and Bill. We’d like to think that she and her siblings are together again, telling stories and giggling with Nan and Mae. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters Wendy and Sharon (Meredith), and her nieces Penny Robertson (Ken), Libby McKeever and Deborah Carmichael and their families, and especially by grand nieces Shannon (Jay), and Heather (Ian), and family.

We remember her with admiration and gratitude. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

In memory of Barb, put on some Big Band music and dance.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com for the Knapp family.