Our most precious Barbara Lynne French passed away peacefully on Monday, September 27th, 2021 in her home surrounded by her loved ones. A pure and beautiful soul has been released from her mortal bounds, but will live on forever in our hearts and memories. She had the rare ability to give joy and comfort even in the midst of her own pain, and her laughter and dazzling smile will always be fondly thought of and sorely missed.
The people who most hope to meet her down the road are: her much loved, steadfast and devoted husband Ken French, her cherished children Kristin, Dalaney and Chelsea (Mike), step-children Michelle (Chad) and Trevor, as well as her very adored grandchildren, Ashton, Sadie and Severin; Daxon, Rylar, Abigail and Taylor. She also leaves endless love in the hearts of her siblings, Gloria, Kerry, Ken (Angie), Dave and Sandy (who sadly pre-deceased her). They were lucky enough to have known her from the first moments of her life. She was a loving aunt to their children, her treasured nephews Virgil, Josh (Jaime, Ethan, Lilah), Justin, Nigel, Matthew, and Josh; and nieces Rana (Yvan, Ade), Hayley and Paige. A great lover of animals, she also leaves behind her sweet little Lily pup.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Nora (nee McCrimmon) and Kenneth Dixon, Barb was the 3rd child of a large and loving family, that included 3 sisters and two brothers. From her first marriage, she had 3 children as she slowly made her way out west to finally settle in Victoria, B.C. Always passionate and creative, Barbara worked as a photographer from a young age, and eventually went to college for Office Administration, which brought her to work at Graeme and Murray Consultants Ltd, now Stantec, where she worked for 29 years. It was here that she met and fell for the love of her life, Ken. They married in a beautiful and intimate ceremony in May 2011 in Victoria, where she was walked down the aisle by her dear mother Nora.
Barbara loved spending time in her glorious garden, a passion she shared with her husband. Together they created a little slice of heaven at their cozy home in Victoria, and hosted many warm and joyous occasions with family and friends, the closest of which was her lifelong best friend Sheila. All who entered their home were enveloped by Barbara’s brightness and delight, as she had a deep love of people and such a generous heart. She was a kid at heart to which her grandbabies can attest, and many a silly time and video game were shared. Her zest for life manifested in her love of food in her final years, coercing everyone she could to put on a feathery cap and join her for high tea. She never lost her spark and she lit a fire in all our hearts that will burn eternally.
A private celebration of life will be held with close family and friends. All others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking the link below. Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82689411122?pwd=WFgzY1FwOTNGTWlwano2VDduQzNUdz09
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada at https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/ . Stories, memories and condolences will be welcomed below if you care to share.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
Remembering Barb: I remember Barb from when I first worked at G&M for a short stint back in the early 1990s. I still have photos of Barb at the company picnic enjoying herself as she was wanting to do. Following my return to Victoria in the early 2000s, I found work at an engineering firm which was acquired by Stantec three months later. My first day in the Stantec office, I was warmly welcomed by Barb.
At the first Christmas party, my husband and I arrived a bit late, and most tables were full, so we sat an empty table. Well, you guessed it, that simply wouldn’t do for Barb. She came over and moved us to another table with people making sure we were settled in.
After Barb retired, my common refrain when asked a question by new admin staff: “Barb would know the answer to that”; “Barb could help you with that”; “Barb used to do that”. Barb held a wealth of information and that was missed when she left along with her laughter which we could be heard throughout the office. That laugher would always put a smile on my face. As is usual, the work gets picked up by someone else, but Barb could never be replaced and her presence remains with me still.
I last saw Barb when I delivered a floral arrangement to her home that had been delivered to the office after she had retired. One last time, she welcomed me, this time in her home. I will forever remember Barb in that moment.
Barb is one of those unforgettable people that will be greatly missed by those who knew her.
My deepest condolences to Ken, her family and friends.