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
My deepest thoughts to the family.May love and peace
be with you.
Lutz and family, I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s illness and its unavoidable outcome. I first met her at Bearspaw golf course with Brenda Wood and Diane Shachnowich when Barb had just begun to golf. She was not yet the superb player she would soon become, but admirable nonetheless. I watched her hit the ball several times, then I finally blurted out “Please tell me you work out, because your physique is absolutely perfect!”. I’m sure she was quite taken aback by this remark from a near-stranger. We came to know one another better when I joined her book club shortly thereafter, and I discovered she also had wit and brains and a great sense of humour. I know you’ll miss her desperately. My sincere condolences to you all.
Dear Karen,
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” (Irish tombstone)
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss! Special thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Sending you my love,
Netti
Brenda, I am very sorry for your loss and that of your family. She sounds like she was an awesome sister. I hope your memories of her provide you with some small comfort at this time of loss.
Dear Lutz,
Although we hadn’t seen you or Barb for some years you were both often in our thoughts. We are sincerely sorry to hear of Barb’s passing and send you and you family our deepest sympathies. Barb was a fighter and her stubborn refusal to give in has been an inspiration to all of us.
Please accept our sincere condolences and perhaps we will see you soon to do so in person.
Bruce & Deirdre
Lutz, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Barb was a very special friend to lots of us girls at Country Hills. She certainly added lots of fun to our Thursday morning golf group. She also won her share of the quarters. But win or lose she always had that wonderful smile that made everyone feel special. We missed her when she left Calgary for Victoria but we talked off her fondly so often. Marg
Dearest Lutz and Family,
Even though we knew that Barb’s valiant struggle was destined to come to this end, the news of her passing is still a shock, and brings us much sadness.
She always brought with her a joyful spark to any gathering. Lutz, I often recall how you always referred to Barb as your “bride.” Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Love and hugs, Patricia and Gary
Bryan and Bonni, I remember meeting Barbara when we were in Victoria – Bonni, you and I stayed at your Mom’s place. Very sad to hear of her untimely passing. May all your wonderful memories comfort you at this difficult time as well as the strength of your family.
Sincerely, Darlene Blackett
Dear Lutz and family,
So saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a very cool lady…classy, kind, bright, fun, and I could go on and on! Keep your happy memories close to your hearts. I know you will miss her terribly.
Sincerely,
Adeline & Dave
On behalf of the office staff at Cedar Crest we offer our condolences to Lutz, Kurt and the families. I sometimes have a hard time believing it has been 19 years working for Cedar Crest as the first time I met Barb she said, finally I can leave this office and go golfing. Barb will be remembered as a gracious host whether at a company function or at her home. She was well known for her being in top physical condition as on many occasions Lutz was teased for robbing the cradle. We at the company will always hold Barb in the highest regard.