KATHLEEN BARBARA HARRISON (BAIRD)

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KATHLEEN BARBARA HARRISON (nee BAIRD) January 23, 1921 - May 23, 2011 Barbara Harrison entered into the nearer presence of God on May 23, 2011, surrounded by the family she cherished. She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Kathleen Baird, her brother, Jack Baird and her husband, The Very Rev. William Edward Harrison, Dean Emeritus of Rupert's Land. Barbara is survived by her children Janet Burrell (Matthew), John Harrison (Margaret), Jane Albright (David), Sheila Ruban (Karl) and Peter Harrison, as well as her grandchildren, Whitney Burrell, Alexandra Burrell Stewart (Justin), Andrea Harrison, Meredith Harrison Mackay (J.P.), Nicola Harrison, Ashleigh Searle Picq (Florent), Cameron Searle (Kathryn), Amy Searle McCullough (John), Paul, Matthew, Mark, Timothy and Andrew Ruban, her great-granddaughters, Georgia and Isabella Stewart, Stella Picq, Alysse Mackay, sister-in-law Isabel Harrison, and numerous nieces and nephews. Born the child of a banker in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, Barbara could recite the many cities in Saskatchewan and western Ontario in which her family had lived. In her late teens, the Bairds arrived in Winnipeg where Barbara later met and became engaged to Bill Harrison. While the Second World War called Bill overseas for five years, Barbara went to Washington, DC, to work for the India Supply Mission. Both returned to Winnipeg at the end of the war and were married on February 2, 1946 at St. Luke's Anglican Church. And so began her career as wife to a very committed and busy priest in Edmonton and Calgary, and mother to five children. When Bill became Dean of Rupert's Land in 1958, they returned to Winnipeg. In each parish they held, Bill and Barbara worked as a team, with Barbara focusing her energies on the Women's Auxiliary and the Altar Guild. She was very much involved with the Winnipeg Symphony and served on the boards of Balmoral Hall School and the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. As an accomplished bridge player, she was devoted to her weekly foursome, but was delighted to substitute for anyone who needed her. Bill and Barbara built their cottage at Victoria Beach on Lake Winnipeg, which became the summer gathering place for family and friends. Barbara painted the front door of the cottage fire engine red, because it was never possible to do so on a church-owned home. In 1974, Barbara became Grannybarb, and proceeded to instruct all 13 of her grandchildren in matters of social refinement, because one day you might dine with the Queen . In fact, she was Grannybarb to everyone, and felt she could love you and correct your table manners as one of her own. Perhaps you, gentle reader, were one of those. Snow pudding with custard sauce was her gift for any occasion, so she would arrive on your doorstep, pudding in hand, either to celebrate with you in joy, or console you in sorrow. During her latter years, Barbara lived at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence, amidst her wonderful friends there, residents and staff alike. Barbara's family is profoundly grateful for the love, care and devotion of her guardian angel and superb caregiver, Sydney Berquist. They extend their warmest thanks to Dr. Rick Ross, Dr. John Rabson, Dr. Kenneth Thorlakson, Dr. Desmond McDowell, Dr. Murray White, Dr. Laurie Barron, the staff on 4N at the Grace Hospital, Nurse Jan, and all the home caregivers, present and former, who were the heart and hands of compassion to Barbara; thanks to Darlene, Merlyn, Mabrat, Minda, Grace, Dory, Candace, Adjadene, Dolor, Gloria, Kelly and Shirly. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3: 5 - 6) A service of remembrance will be held for Barbara in early July at St. George's Anglican Church, corner of Grosvenor and Wilton, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Notice of the service will be published at a later date. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, contributions in Barbara's memory may be sent to St. George's Anglican Church Memorial Fund, 168 Wilton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3M 3C3. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2011