Barbara Jean Searle (née Hunter)

Barb will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years Aubrey; children Mike (Heather), Kerri (Cam), and Kent (Amy); granddaughters Andrea and Kiara; and many relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Peter and Bessie Hunter, her sister Shirley Taylor, and by her infant daughter Judi.

Barb was born and raised in Vancouver near the present-day PNE grounds. She would often recall times when she and her cousin Fran, as young girls, would “direct traffic” along Cassiar Street, before the Second Narrows bridge was built. One of her memories growing up was taking the streetcar with her Mom and sister to Woodward’s to shop.

After graduation from Britannia High School, she worked for BC Tel where she met several lifelong friends – including Aubrey! They married in 1960 and lived in Toronto, Vancouver and Chilliwack before making Langley their home in 1966. Mom thrived at running the household – supporting Dad and each of her children as we were making our way through life. We grew up on home-cooked meals, garden-grown veggies and homemade preserves. Whenever we had a need or concern, Mom was there to listen and provide support and guidance.

Barb was a talented pianist and achieved Honours in her examinations at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. In one of her exams she received the highest mark in Canada. In 1979, Barb decided to resume her music education and completed Grade 10 with Honours. We fondly remember the evenings we spent playing piano duets and trying to sing along in our music room. Barb also liked to bake (everyone loved her shortbread!), garden, knit and volunteer, especially with the Canadian Cancer Society. Her favourite pets were her budgies. She had them all her life and patiently taught each one to talk.