- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BARBARA LYNN READ (BARB)
Born: Jun 30, 1952
Date of Passing: Aug 03, 2022
Offer Condolences or Memory BARBARA LYNN READ
June 30, 1952 - August 3, 2022
Barb loved and was loved by: husband Brent Shabbits; brother Paul Read (Darcy); sister Tricia Sol; children, Grant Hirose (Priyanka) and Jocelyn Hirose (Benjamin); grandchildren, Théodore Paradis, Kyron Hirose, Henri Paradis, and Meera Hirose; nieces and nephews, Adam, Alison (Kevin), Christopher, Corey; great-nieces and nephews, Samantha, Caiden, Isabella; great-great-nieces and nephews, Landyn, Delilah. Barb was predeceased by her brother Edmund and her parents, Barbara (nee Hogan) and George Read.
Barb's nature was to be loving and tenderhearted. As wife, sister, mother, baba, and friend, many were particularly fortunate to have Barb in their lives. She had an endearing sense of active fun and could playfully engage with anyone from a jaded Cairo market vendor to lauded university faculty. It was inspiring to witness her charm.
Many may not know that Barb was a hard-core scuba diver. She had logged more than two hundred dives and not just the tropical travel kind. Barb dived under the ice in winter locally, as well as in other challenging, equipment-intensive circumstances and remote locations. She was experienced and comfortable enough in her scuba dry suit to be at ease snorkelling in 4°C water with wild beluga whales in Churchill.
Barb enjoyed travel, particularly to more exotic places, from Tegucigalpa to Kota Kinabalu. She soon incorporated photography as a way to record her adventures, including her underwater experiences. She participated with others interested in photography and developed a refined eye for a good image and perfected the skill to make an excellent photograph.
Over her life and within several communities Barb participated with others and shared her knowledge of the practice of meditation. Barb was serenely motivated to do this and she came to follow the practice of Thich Nhat Hanh. Having fellow participants come to understand their individual natural gift to meditate gratified Barb and brought her joy. At the University of Winnipeg, she facilitated a mindfulness meditation group starting in 2014, that continued after her retirement. Sometimes owing to space commitments and the requirement for quiet, meditation sessions occurred on a more pop-up basis. Barb would find ways to minimize the disturbance or help dissolve the distractions for participants. There were some comic episodes, but Barb could guide participants to ease despite some chaos, embodying the very premise of meditation. In 2017 Barb was awarded the Clarence Atchison Award for Excellence in Community Service for her commitment to meditation at the University of Winnipeg.
Barb also believed in the restorative capacity of hugging, and the natural exchange of that gesture as a gift shared. An embrace from Barb would impart contentment, and buoy you a long while. Simply put, Barb gave awesome hugs!
Barb was an advocate for adult learners and for the recognition of prior learning at the University of Winnipeg. She would champion for students, so they could be credited for the accrued learning and experience that occurred outside the conventional credential-granting route. In doing so, Barb facilitated the attainment of a university degree for many. Further, Barb did yeowoman work, collegially opening academic minds within the University of Winnipeg, about a person's qualifying path toward being credited for achievement. Challenging a university about the way it grants degrees takes steadfast dedication to a more inclusive vision. Barb had prowess in those qualities. She was invigorated by her many successes, and rightly proud of them and her 39 years at the University of Winnipeg. Exposure to academia inspired Barb to pursue higher learning herself. She earned two degrees, modelling what she advocated for.
Barb had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Great strides have been made in the treatment of this disease. Barb had a particularly stubborn instance though. Our best option became trading away Barb's own cancerous blood-producing tissue and accepting the risks of having a bone marrow transplant. Tragically this effort ultimately failed. Throughout Barb was treated with magnificent compassion and professionalism by all at CancerCare and unit GD-6 Health Sciences. These are people that shoulder challenging emotional loads every day, while maintaining poise and kindness. Barb was blessed to be under their care. Thank you to all who cared for and about Barb. We were blessed to be within Barb's resonant circle. Be at peace.
An honouring of Barb's life will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Convocation Hall, University of Winnipeg. If you would like to dissertate, extemporize, testify, sing, or offer an anecdote, there will be an open opportunity to do so. Indeed, we encourage sincere sharing, sorrowful through joyous, to honour our Barb at this occasion.
In lieu of flowers, a donation that would commemorate Barb's legacy indelibly can be designated to the "Barbara Lynn Read Entrance Bursary for Adult Learners" at The University of Winnipeg Foundation.
https://netcommunity.uwinnipeg.ca/pages/foundation/barbara-lynn-read-entrance-bursary-for-adult-learners
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2022
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
-
I was so shocked and sorry to hear the sad news of Barbs passing so many months after the fact. I was lucky enough to work with her years ago at the UW where we supported ECEs to gain credit towards their degrees through PLAR. She was such an advocate for her students. When my own mom passed away Barb gifted me with a red stained glass heart to hang in my window to comfort me. I still have it and thought of her often over the years when my eyes rested on it. I hope her memory is a blessing on all her family and friends. - Posted by: Debra Mayer (Work colleague ) on: Jan 20, 2023
-
I always remember Barb as she was part of our crowd growing up in our pre-teens and teenager years. I've thought of her often and though I didn't really know her in our adult years I've always wondered how she was doing. Very sad to hear that she has passed. - Posted by: Glen Stacey (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2022
-
Thank you for this exquisite tribute, providing us a glimpse into the depths and reaches of Barb's life, ended far too soon. I will remember Barb as many of her other colleagues describe here: vivacious, deeply generous, utterly committed to students' welfare, a gift to us all. My profound condolences to Barb's family and all her many friends. - Posted by: Kathleen Venema (Colleague and friend) on: Sep 19, 2022
-
I saw Barb's obituary today in Saturday's paper and was shocked and saddened by the news of her passing. Barb had a very significant role in my success at UW as my academic advisor. Her positive outlook and determination in fulfilling my goals made it possible for me to pursue RPL as I began my Developmental Studies Degree Program in early 2000. Barb made sure I had all the necessary information I needed to “challenge” (this was how she referred to RPL) and complete four courses in my DS program. I became an “expert” in creating my portfolios for the courses that she helped me navigate and complete. Presenting “evidence” for each learning outcome in each course provided me with self-confidence and humility at the same time. Barb’s smiling face and her availability to respond to my inquiries made my RPL experience very meaningful and valuable. After I graduated, Barb invited me to a National RPL Conference in Toronto, and I was part of a panel to share my involvement as an adult learner who happened to be an immigrant to Canada. I will never forget her kindness and generosity in sharing her passion for learning and acknowledging prior education, skills and experiences that is not necessarily the “usual” path for learning. Barb made it possible for me to believe in my previous formal and informal education and “challenge” myself. In honour of Barb. - Posted by: Anahita Aminian (A former student at UW and a friend) on: Sep 13, 2022
-
I am saddened by Barb's passing. Barb worked tirelessly on improving student access to university and ensuring student success in their chosen programmes. Barb made the University of Winnipeg a better place for all of us to learn and work. - Posted by: Nolan Reilly (Friend and colleague ) on: Sep 12, 2022
-
Barb and my sister, Nancy, were friends over many years. She was a support, confidant and colleague (at the University of Winnipeg). I had the privilege of meeting her a few times when I visited Winnipeg and found her to be warm, caring, interesting and welcoming. I did not know her well, but I am grateful that she had such a prominent place in Nancy's life. She will be missed. I give my sincere condolences to her family, friends and those who will miss her. - Posted by: Dianne Leggatt (I met Barb through my sister, Nancy Clark.) on: Sep 12, 2022
-
Condolences to the family She was a very sweet and kind lovely person and was taken far too soon Rest in Peace lovely lady❤️ - Posted by: Arlene May (School mate) on: Sep 10, 2022
-
My condolences to the families. - Posted by: Valerie Alderson (Friend ) on: Sep 10, 2022
-
I first met Barb over 10 years ago, at a photography workshop. We ended up in the same women's photography club and became friends. Barb was a kind and calm spirit, with a great talent for seeing the beauty in the world. Her photographs were inspired, and she was a positive force in our group. She was quick with a goofy joke, I loved her silly sense of humour. It’s sad to know she’s no longer in this world. My deepest condolences to Brent, and all her family. She would always tell little stories about you all, and it was clear she was very proud of you, and loved you mightily. I will miss you Barb. Shine on you crazy diamond. - Posted by: Alex Morrison (Friend) on: Sep 07, 2022
-
Barb is a bright light and I know she's still shining out there somewhere! I got to know Barb by meditating with her at UW: she put so much love and energy and time into those sessions. I will never forget the wonderful gift that Barb gave to all of us. I miss her and think of her beautiful presence every day when I meditate. - Posted by: Michelle Owen (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2022
-
Barb's strong, positive, caring energy is what I will remember — that was why I enjoyed being around her. I did not work directly with her but she always gave the wisest advice on student issues. I attended her mindful meditation sessions. She was a gift to the whole community, and I was aware of her greater understanding. When I learned she was a scuba diver, I was not surprised, to me she was a bright light that neither the Pacific ocean nor the muddy Red River could dim. To all of her family and her many, many friends - I'm so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Judith Harris (Colleague) on: Aug 19, 2022
-
I am so very sad to hear of Barb's passing at such a young age. In various capacities over the years I had many opportunities to see just how good Barb was at her job, which was, quite simply, to help students who needed help. And I saw just what kind of person she was: she cared about the students, and she cared about her colleagues. Being kind, compassionate, respectful and professional was who she was. She was always so kind and cheerful and one of those people who always left you feeling better about yourself and your situation. To Jocelyn and the rest of her family I offer my most heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Danny Blair (Work colleague) on: Aug 18, 2022
-
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of Barbara Read. I am still stunned by the news! It was a great pleasure working with Barbara who served as Coordinator of Adult Learner Services and Recognition of Prior Learning at the University of Winnipeg - advising countless students, including those in the Developmental Studies program. Barbara was an exceptional colleague — dynamic, compassionate, and caring. She promoted academic excellence and encouraged a self-reflective environment for student success. She will be greatly missed! Louesa Polyzoi Senior Scholar Former Director of Developmental Studies University of Winnipeg - Posted by: Louesa Polyzoi (Colleague) on: Aug 18, 2022
-
So very sorry and sad to hear of this news. Barb was a great University of Winnipeg employee and dedicated many years to the institute. I've known her for many years including beyond her retirement and will miss her positivity, humor, and smile. My condolences to Brent and family. Eric - Posted by: Eric (Friend & Colleague) on: Aug 17, 2022
-
I’m so sorry to hear of Barb's passing she truly was one of a kind with a heart as big as can be…she will be missed - Posted by: Sandy Tolman (Co worker) on: Aug 17, 2022
-
I worked with Barb at The University of Winnipeg for 20 years, where we became friends. She was an amazing woman, so full of life, love, and creativity. She also worked especially hard for students, with great compassion, tirelessly and relentlessly championing their needs at the University. My condolences go out to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. - Posted by: Cathleen Hjalmarson (Friend and Co-worker) on: Aug 17, 2022
-
I am so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. I was extremely privileged to have worked with Barb at the University of Winnipeg. Barb was very student focused and worked tirelessly to work on behalf of what was best for each individual student. She was so genuine in all of her interactions with staff, faculty, students and administration. It was always such a pleasure to work with her. I am sure that she will be sorely missed by family and friends to whom I would like to extend my prayers. - Posted by: Glen Bergeron (work colleague) on: Aug 17, 2022
-
I am positively shocked to read that our Dear neighbour Of 39 years has passed away. Our most sincere condolences to Grant, Jocelyn and their families to Brent and to Barb’s family. Barb will forever hold a special place in our hearts. - Posted by: Charlotte Livingston (Neighbour ) on: Aug 14, 2022