It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Jordan-Knox on June 6, 2025 at the age of 79. Barbara was a loving mother, nana, friend and mentor.
After graduating from the School of Social Work in Calgary in 1972, Barbara began her career in social work in Calgary and continued her lifelong commitment to helping others through her work at Victoria General Hospital and as Director of the Salt Spring Community Centre, among other roles on Salt Spring Island and in Victoria. Barbara ended her career as a therapist with a focus on human sexuality after obtaining her PhD.
Barbara loved her friends and family deeply and would engage in long, thoughtful conversations with them. She was always keen to learn new things and took great joy in gardening, long walks, riding her e-bike, listening to music and spending time with those close to her. Barbara will be remembered for the way she saw beauty in the world and for her fierce loyalty and generosity, her strength, her humour and her unwavering sense of self.
Barbara was pre-deceased by her long-time partner, Gina Quijano, and is survived by her daughter, Erin Baker and her husband, Kieran Ryan; her stepsons, Kevin and Paul Baker and Paul’s wife Kelly Brown; her grandsons Sam and Grayson and grandpup Lenny; and her brothers Jim, Andy, Rick, Chris and sister Terri.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in Victoria on July 27, 2025 for close friends and family.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Jordan-Knox” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Caffyn Jesse
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Annette Hart I have had many interesting conversations with Barb over the years. I am one of her neighbors and always enjoyed talking to her when meeting on our walks. Miss her insights. She was a such a nice person and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I respect that.
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Stu Harper What a sad loss … We met in high school in Vancouver. Whenever we met in later life it was always great chats in catching up. Her meeting Gina was a wonderful turning point for her, only to lose her too soon – a terrible loss for her. Hopefully together now.
From first meeting it was clear how well rounded she was … significantly brighter than most, very caring, and throw in being a natural athlete, which I am sure was noted later in life to some chagrin I’m sure by those of you who were her golf partners.
Although her being a great athlete was reasonably apparent early on when one watched her ski, play baseball and basketball, the ‘natural side’ really became abundantly clear once when on an outdoor gun range a 9mm semi automatic pistol was thrust into her hand. With only a minute of explanation, she was hitting small can sized targets one handed from 40 to 50 feet!
A thoughtful very caring and fun friend. The many hours of chatting, walking, discussions, and friendship is greatly missed. RIP.
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Darlene Peterson (Fillmore) It saddens me to know that Barbara has left this world. When I entered Lord Byng High School mid-term in Grade VIII at the age of 12, I didn’t know anyone, coming from a class of 12 in private school to a room of 38 or 40 kids. It was intimidating. A nice looking, blond girl named Barb extended the hand of friendship to me. She asked if I would like to go to her house for lunch one day, which I did, creating a memory I’ve carried with me always.
Coincidentally, years later I met Gina Quijano, when working as a court reporter in her courtroom. She was also very friendly and kind to me. Her passing also saddened me.
I’ll always remember Barb Knox, as I knew her then, as one of the kindest and most thoughtful people in my life.
Dear Erin,
I was so very sorry to hear of your mom’s death. What a dear friend she was to me over so many years—almost thirty years now since she reached out to me and my partner Mearnie, shortly after we moved to Salt Spring Island. Mearnie had been a teacher of Barb’s, when she was in high school. We met with Barb and Gina that night for dinner at Moby’s, and soon we all became dear friends.
We shared many happy times—meals, dancing, nature adventures, caring conversations. We enjoyed much sharing of affinities. And there was always space for each of us to develop our unique viewpoints—inside a crucible of caring connection that could delight in difference. Barb was always so open-minded and welcoming. This is rare and precious.
When Barb and Gina both got cancer, Mearnie—who was herself a breast cancer survivor, as well as a dance teacher—decided they would benefit from regular dancing during chemotherapy! She would take her record player into Victoria, and get them up from their sickbeds dancing. There was much hilarity.
Both Barb and I experienced years of widowhood. She was a great and caring companion to me through Mearnie’s death, and in my life as a single person. We shared the experience of trying to date and explore new partnerships—enjoying the pleasures, and dealing with the heartbreaks. I could always count of Barb to be a sage voice of love—a trustworthy friend who cared about me.
Through the decades, Barb spoke often of her love of you, and how fortunate she felt to have a daughter who was so intelligent, generous-spirited and kind. She so loved her grandchildren and your family.
Thank you for the beautiful obituary in the Driftwood. We had a gathering last Sunday of about 15 women—a group called “Salty Old Lesbians”—and we honoured Barb and shared our stories. She was so well-regarded, deeply respected and well-loved.
I hope that your Celebration of Life tomorrow is healing and meaningful for you. I send you my very best wishes and deep care.
Warmly,
Caffyn
Caffyn Jesse
Caffyn.j@gmail.com