March 19, 1947 – May 25, 2014
With heavy hearts, the Keller family has lost their beautiful Barbara. Wife for 47 years and soul mate of Lutz, mother of Kurt (Arlana), Karen (Shawn Canning) and beloved Nana of Kailey and Koen Keller and Frederic Canning. She was sister to Bob (Myra, Kara, and Denise), Bryan (Jinirose, Christine, Robert), Betty Williams (Ken, Mark, Andrew, Jordan), Brent (Jennifer, Davis), Bonni Sprague (Chris, William, David) and Brenda Reder (Mark, Erin, Kirsten) and sister-in-law to Dagmar, Eva, Arno and Christel. She also leaves to grieve beloved friends, many of whom are in Calgary, AB, Glen Lakes, FL, and Victoria, BC.
Barb’s life was a joyful and adventurous one, always with her sweetie Lutz by her side. She was a certified fitness instructor who dedicated herself to athletic pursuits that included tennis, cycling trips, marathons, triathlons, and later on – golf. She was Ladies’ Club Champion in Glen Lakes ’05 and ’08 to ‘10. She was admired for her intelligence, sharp wit, and way with words. She continued to do the cryptic crossword very late into her illness – which won’t surprise anyone who knew her. Barbara was also known for baking outstanding pies.
While she will be remembered first and foremost for the vibrant and dynamic way she lived, Barbara also endured an unpredictable 2-year battle with cancer. As with the incredible athletic prowess that marked her life, Barbara amazed everyone with the toughness, grace and humility with which she coped during her illness.
By choice, Barb passed at home in Victoria with loved ones at her bedside. She is predeceased by her parents Nell and Robert (Bob), with whom she is now reunited.
Special thanks to Victoria Home Hospice home care and palliative teams, whose support was beyond measure. Kindness came from many, near and far, and it will never be forgotten.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish (2060 Haultain St., Victoria) at 12:10 pm on Saturday, May 31, followed directly after by a reception at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, (1175 Beach Drive, Victoria) in the David Foster Theatre, commencing at 1:15.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice at http://www.victoriahospice.org/. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
39 Responses
Lutz and family,
It saddens me to hear the news of Barb. She was a cherished friend to all of the ladies at Country Hills Golf Club. I so enjoyed playing golf with her and appreciated her competitive spirit. I would always tease her on our Thursday morning game for quarters when she would come with her full bag ( a johnie walker velvet ) of quarters. Needless to say she won her fair share of quarters. She was a very good friend and we will miss her dearly. Claire
Lutz, we are very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing, we know what a “team’ you guys were. We have many fond memories of trips, dogs swimming pool bbq’s and other fun in the early days at university and when you guys had just started your family. Our best wishes to Kurt and Karen and families as well.
Sincerely,
Brian and Carol Cote
We are both so saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. In the 30 plus years that I have known Barb, I have always held her in such high esteem and am blessed to have had our paths cross in our life’s journey. We have shared many wonderful memories—our cycle trip through Louisiana, hiking outings, ski days, and, most of all, her presence in our book club. She was such a wonderful addition to our group with her sharp insight, intelligence, and zest for life. I have always admired her and will always remember her. Lutz, Bob and I send you our deepest condolences.
Even though Barb has lost the battle, my fond memories of her will always live on. With sincerest condolences and heartfelt love to Lutz, Kurt, Karen and the whole family.
Jason and Petra Keller
Lutz
Heather and I offer our sincerest condolences. It has been a long time old friend and I wanted you to know we are thinking of you and your family.
Don Ingram
We met Barb and Lutz at our neighbourhood block party on Broadview Road many years ago. We became great friends and enjoyed many wonderful times together. Most memorable were our golf getaways to Golden BC, Florida visits, barbecues and countless games of gin rummy with Blaise and Barbie always trying their hardest. Barbie will be forever in our hearts. We will remember her for her sharp wit, her fabulous smile, her zest for life, her love of family and friends and her sweet nature. Until we meet again, our dear friend.
Much love,
Blaise and Joanne
Our sincerest condolences to your entire family Brenda.
We are thinking of you as you come to terms with the loss of your very tenatious sister Barb.
Sincerely,
Christine and John
Emily,Natalie and Justin Miller
Sending love to the whole family during this sad time. A beautiful tribute. xo
Ken and I offer our sincerest condolences. We met Barbara at Shawn and Karen’s wedding. Barbara was a gracious and lovely lady.
We admired her tenacity, strength and love for her family.
Our sympathies to her husband, children, grandchildren and siblings.
Sincerely,
Judy & Ken Griffiths
When Dave and I think of Barb, we think of her energy, tenacity, friendship, humour, brains and talent. We remember way back to our tennis days at the Winter Club, Calgary. Barb and I joined a bookclub at the same time. Her insight and contribution to reading and sharing of her thoughts and opinions were always admired. A few years ago, we went on a very memorable cycle trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. We had so many laughs ie: Lutz’s encounter with a huge snapping turtle, getting lost only to find a welcome bar, and much more. We enjoyd a visit to Weeki Wachee, FL with the usual Keller 5 star hosting including LOTS of golf,Barb’s famous cooking, Lutz’s barbecuing extrodinaire, and joining in with their many fun loving friends. Barb was one class act and a beautiful woman. Her smile lit up a room! She will be missed more than words can say.
With deep sadness and love, Dave and Bette Campbell