Barb Dean

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barb Dean, beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt and soul sister. Barb died suddenly at home on April 28th, 2023 Prince George, BC with her husband Gary at her side. She was born Barbara Ann Maxwell on March 29th, 1947 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Bill and Margaret Maxwell. After completing her B.A. at Carleton University in 1968, she moved to Vancouver to complete her Bachelor of Library Science. It was there she met Gary Dean.

Barb and Gary married in 1971 and were blessed with two sons Rob and Bill. They moved to Prince George in 1973 and while they thought they would stay for a couple of years, those couple turned into 50 years where they lived in the same house they purchased in 1974.

St. Andrew’s United Church quickly became a permanent part of Barb and Gary’s life. This was the place that not only introduced them to friends who became family but also where they became involved in square dancing, marriage enrichment and the Naramata Centre.

Barb was a well-known fixture at the Prince George Public Library which is where she worked for 30 plus years as a Children’s Librarian. This passion was represented in all that she did, be it school book talks, attending conferences around North America, or simply sharing her love of children’s and young adult literature with her grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was truly a children’s book advocate.

It can always be said, that whatever Barb was involved in, she brought her whole self. She will be greatly missed by her husband Gary; sons Rob (Carrie) and Bill (Carol); grandchildren Claire, Ren, Lily, Michaela and Ryker; brother Robert; nieces; nephews and innumerable friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Barb’s Life will be held at Trinity United Church, 1448 5th Avenue, Prince George, BC at 2:00pm Saturday, May 27th 2023.