BARBARA BLANCHE CAMPBELL (HAMLIN)

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BARBARA BLANCHE CAMPBELL (nee HAMLIN) On Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Barby passed away at West Park Manor surrounded by the love of her family and her extended West Park family. She will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Barbara (Bob) Wooldrage, Margaret, and Kathy (Jeff) Couch; grandchildren, Mike and Kate Wooldrage, Steven and Bryan Couch. She is survived by siblings Bud (Lou) Hamlin of Langley, BC, Dorothy McPherson of Weyburn, SK, Tom (Barb) Hamlin of Olds, AB and Bob (Ellen) Hamlin of Kenora, ON. She was predeceased by her husband J.D. (John) in July 2004. Born on a farm in Southeast Sask on Dec. 19, 1921 she and her family eventually settled in Benson, SK, where in 1941 she married her former teacher and became a young war bride and mother. J.D. returned from Holland in 1946, and two years later they moved to Winnipeg where he taught for 28 years in the Winnipeg School Division. Barby always kept busy and found several unique jobs. Family and friends were of utmost importance to Barby and J.D. They enthusiastically supported their community in numerous ways, particularly their contributions to the Rosedale/Riverview community and their many fun-filled social activities with their McNaughton Ave. neighbours. They always opened their hearts and home to all, be they family or friends, and we will forever remember our home as a constant hub of people, filled with food, warmth and laughter. J.D.'s career allowed them long summer months to travel, most often the camping experience they so enjoyed. Trips always included visiting family in Saskatchewan and BC. After retirement they became snowbirds spending wonderful winter months at Pine to Palm in Weslaco, Texas and summers at Victoria Beach. Growing up in the Depression, Barby learned to make the most of the hand life dealt her, and to enjoy and share what she had. Faced with the sometimes difficult twists and turns of life, and her life had many, she turned within, gathered strength, and met each challenge head on. All of us learned from her example. Her genuine concern for those around her (sought or not) and instinctive desire to nurture, her love of nature and history, her sense of adventure, fun and love of a good joke, made us chuckle, cry, and often watch our Ps Qs! Barby was very creative; a talented seamstress and a gifted painter, first in oils and then watercolours. Her creations were treasured and her self-designed originals were cherished. She loved music, dancing (particularly square dancing) and card games. Alzheimer's brings with it a lengthy mourning, as we lost our mother bit by bit. At the end there were still glimpses of her mischievous sense of humour and her love of people. Her constant smile spread sunshine on the darkest day to any lucky enough to be nearby. We remember with admiration her spirit, generosity, courage and joy and especially the love with which she surrounded us. She will be forever in our hearts. The family would like to thank the staff of West Park Manor (particularly 2 South) for helping Barby and her family at several stages of this journey, especially the last. A private family service will be held. If friends wish, donations in Barby's memory may be made to the Arthritis Society, 105-386 Broadway, Winnipeg R3C 3R6 or to a charity of your choice. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2008