March 3, 1942 - October 18, 2024
In loving memory ~
Barb passed away at home in Qualicum Beach, with family at her side. She was 82 years old.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Albert, her sons Jason (Cynthia) and Kenny (Margaret), grandchildren Rico Brett, Lori Snow, Jacob Underwood, David Underwood, Aidan Brett, Julia Brett and great-grandchildren Dakota Wolverine and Karmen Wolverine. She was predeceased by her daughters Lorelle and Christine and her parents George Robert Bengough and Anne Morton Bengough (MacDonald).
Barb was born at Vancouver General Hospital and spent her early childhood at 2012 Nanaimo Street in Vancouver. She attended Laura Secord Elementary. She enjoyed the company of her family -- particularly cousins Lance, Bruce, Glenn and Brent Galick - and many friends in the neighbourhood. The family would move to a new house, on East 8th Avenue, in 1954. Barb attended Vancouver Technical Secondary School, receiving the Lister Scholarship as the top academic student of 1958. Barb had an active childhood, enrolling in acrobatics, ballet and tap dancing classes, and hiking to the family cabins on Grouse Mountain. (Near McKay Creek Trail, GPS 49.362926N,123.087955W) Barb was a natural athlete, and at just over six feet tall excelled at high jump and basketball. Barb took up running as an adult, eventually winning many age group medals in 5K and 10K races and running her first half marathon at the age of 75.
Barb enrolled at UBC in 1958, graduating in 1963 with a B.Ed in Business Education. Barb played varsity basketball for the UBC "Thunderettes", and served as treasurer and then president of the Women's Athletic Association. Barb and several friends completed their teaching practicum in Dawson Creek, which led to her joining the staff of Central Junior Secondary. In the spring of 1965, Barb and two friends were driving to Whitehorse for a holiday and stopped at the Highland Glen Lodge at Mile 462, where she met Albert. By August they were married, and had new jobs in Dawson Creek: Barb at South Peace Secondary, and Al at Tremblay Elementary.
Barb and Al led a happy life in Dawson Creek and purchased their house on 111th Avenue. Barb always enjoyed the wonderful sense of community, the sunny winters and the flat bottomed clouds. When son Jason arrived in 1969 Barb began a new career as "Mum". When daughter Lorelle's vision deteriorated due to a brain tumour, Barb taught herself to use a brailler, so that Lorelle could read her school assignments. Daughter Christine was a natural swimmer, so the entire family got involved with the Seals Swim Club. Barb would become treasurer, and then President of the Club in the 1980's. Son Kenny was enrolled in French Immersion, which led to Barb helping to organize the BC Family French camp at Gwillim Lake for many years.
Barb retired from teaching in 1998 and the family moved to Qualicum Beach where she and Albert led an active and happy retirement while raising grandson, Rico. Barb was very involved with the QB Retired Teachers' Association, and the Qualicum Beach Family History Society, serving as secretary for 11 years and receiving an Honorary Life Membership. Barb's family history research took her on many travels across Canada, the United States and Scotland.
The family would like to thank the many physicians, nurses and lab technicians. Their kindness and professionalism was always fantastic. A special thank you to the home care aides who made the final weeks as comfortable as possible for Barb and her family.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for the spring, when the tulips are blooming.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, Cancer research, or the Oceanside Hospice Society.