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
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Vivian LeClair
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Terry Stamper Barb was a very special person and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her.
She was a great team member, very loyal and hard working and gave her all to the tasks of keeping us and the office in order.
Barb was a very caring warm person and I treasure the memories I have of her.
Our condolences go to Ken and the family.
Terry and christine Stamper
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Duncan Stamper I am very saddened to hear of Barb’s passing, and my deepest condolences go out to Ken and their families. I worked for many years with Barb and Ken, starting fresh out of high school in 1987 for Graeme & Murray. This of course was back in the days when smoking was the norm in the office, ashtrays strewn about amongst the drafting tables. As the millenium wound down and computers replaced drafting tables, smoking was pushed outdoors. Barb and Ken would regularly rendezvous outside on the ‘smoking deck’, an impromptu space on the roof at the back of the Yates Street office complete with black vinyl and chrome stacking chairs. I believe this was where more than just cigarettes were kindled. My thoughts are with Barb and all whose lives she touched.
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Kyla Morrison Morgan Dear Ken, Chelsea, and family,
We’re thinking of you all and sending love. Barb was such a beautiful and joyful person, who really made the world a better place to be! She will always live on in spirit and in the amazing children she raised and the beautiful memories she shared with her loved ones.
Love and Hug,
Tony, Kyla, Pascal & Elliot
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Richard J Rebneris Barb & I met back in 1996 when I started with Graeme & Murray. We became friends immediately. Barb was helpful and generous with her time and helped me personally and professionally. I have fond memories of working together at G&M then later Stantec. I will hold these memories close to heart as I reflect on her life. Sharing my condolences with Barb’s children, Ken and all those who had the pleasure to know Barb.
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Keith Provan I worked with Barb and Ken for many years at Graeme and Murray and at Stantec prior to their well deserved retirements. Barb was always friendly and helpful and always had time to listen when you needed to talk. I feel very fortunate to have had Barb as a co-worker. My deepest condolences to Ken and to Barb’s family and friends. She will be sadly missed. Kp
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Wendy Olk My deepest condolences to Ken and the family. Barb was one of the first people to greet me when I started at Stantec Victoria, her knowledge of all things Stantec was so helpful as I navigated those first few months. Barb was so proud of her children and grandbabies and often shared photos. A very special lady.
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Andrew Rushforth So barb was with G & M and Stantec for 29 years and I am in my 47th year, yet I cannot remember a time when there was no Barb. She filled such a big hole in the office, always there for you, organizing those that needing it and finally filling the role of office head of administration.
A real friend to us all.
You are missed.
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Owen John Luckhurst I had the excellent opportunity to have worked with Barb for around 13 years. Barb was an amazing person to know and work with. The sort of person who took the bull by the horns and got the job done even if we didn’t know how to do it at first. You could rely on her unconditionally to figure it out and make sure that what needed to happen did happen. All of this with an infectious smile and laugh making the very stressful feel all very well in hand. All the best to Ken and Barb’s family.
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Jacky Stevens I knew Barb through Stantec, I was very sadden to hear of her passing, my thoughts are with those that she loved her family and friends may she rest in peace
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Kerry Dixon I loved her unconditionally as my sister and a special friend. It was a shock when her cancer diagnosis came. But we spent the last year and a half testing the food at so many restaurants and high tea venues in Victoria. We had a special birthday high tea at the Empress Hotel on the first day it opened after Covid. And a
Fun visit from Chelsea and Sadie and Rana. We had a lovely summer of eating shopping (hats) and swimming. Spending time with Kris and the boys, and his in-laws Pat and Daryl. I will miss her eternally but will talk to her every day. Thank you Ken for putting up with us all the time and taking such wonderful loving care of her and giving her such a happy life.
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.