In loving memory ~
Barbara (Bobbie) was born in Nelson hospital to Lorelei and Charles E.G. Fisher. She loved her childhood in Nelson and kept in contact with friends from kindergarten, Hume school and High School.
At a young age Barbara lost her older brother Eric and a year later her infant sister Victoria. At 14 she lost her mom. Gene, her older sister, returned from university and helped her father raise Barbara.
Barbara and her pals used to take the streetcar, spend days at Lakeside Beach, ride their bikes to camp at Kokanee and all around the area. Barbara and three of her best friends, Katherine, Joan, and Dorothy canoed to Balfour from Nelson at the age of 16. She met her future husband Buddy on this trip.
After graduating at Nelson High Barbara went to work at BC-Tel. Later the family moved to Vancouver as her father had a job promotion there. Buddy made many trips to Vancouver where they became engaged and got Married. After Marriage they returned to Nelson and the Longbeach area where most of Buddy's family resided. Buddy had purchased property and a house, this is where they lived for the rest of their lives.
She was loved by her in-laws and accepted with open arms into Buddy's big extended family. One year after marriage they welcomed their first Child Carol followed by Charles who passed at birth, then welcoming Laurel, Christopher, and later Jason. Barbara was not an experienced homemaker, babysitter, or cook, she learned everything from her in-laws.
A fun story around the table was Barbara entered a pie making contest at the Chahko Mika Fall Fair, winning best pie, beating her mentor and mother-in-law who had also entered the Fair. Barbara worked on the Anscomb Ferry Concession and the Kaslo Cafe in the 50's. Later working at Ward's Drive-In at Longbeach as well as bookkeeping for Buddy's logging Company.
Mum joined the local Women Institute, the Order Of Royal Purple (charity fundraiser for the Elks) where she was treasurer for 25+yrs, T.O.P.S., and Balfour and Proctor seniors clubs. She was a loyal and dedicated member to each.
Barbara was a kind and patient friend and wife, her listening ear and empathetic heart brought many loving friends over the years. She loved her children and always supported them including many trips to watch Jason's hockey.
They bought Paraphernalia Boutique in Nelson BC with sister-in-law Marge. Barbara became sole owner, employing daughter Laurie for over 6 years, daughter-in-law Mary and many others over the years, with never an argument or harsh word. Everyone loved Mum!
She was a great boss, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Barbara was always up for a road trip, sightseeing, creek fishing (with a good book) or watching one of the grandkids soccer, hockey, or baseball games. She rarely missed a school sports day, or any event that she could show her love by being there cheering them on. She was one of those who would listen to ideas and help or encourage but never quash. Many of our friends thought of her as a second mom even to this day.
In their 60s Barbara and Buddy purchased the Kootenay Ice Service. They enjoyed meeting all their customers and the hard work of making, bagging, and transporting ice to Nelson, Gray Creek, Kaslo and points between. The family helped out and loved seeing their parents/grandparents working hard together. We appreciated that quiet strength of our Mum. While she worked at Kootenay Ice Service she also went into business with her daughter Laurel where they ran the Anscomb Ferry Snack Bar. Barbara spent much of her later life babysitting her muched loved grandchildren
Barbara's free time consisted of reading love stories. She also enjoyed card games (crib), crosswords, word games, and puzzles. We think this enjoyment and mental exercise contributed to her long life and sharp mind.
Barbara was predeceased by her Husband Buddy, infant son Charles, daughter in-law Mary Ward, all of her and Buddy's siblings and their spouses. For us she is the end of an era. She is survived by her children, Carol & Doug Davis, Mitchell Davis & Kathy Shaw (Ethan, Blake, Lacey, Taylan) Wade & Terra Davis (Tanum, Kinley) and Paige Davis. Laurel Ward, Dustin & Lauren Jones (Liam, Lilly) Lee Jones & Britany, Michelle Jones & Buddy Noles. Chris Ward, Stacey & Mat MacDonald (Masen, Jaxsen), Steven & Emma Ward (Sophie, Theodore). Jason & Stephenie Ward (Justice, Hope, Grace, Mercy, Valor, and Faith). Together 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 10 nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held on November 9th, 2024, at the Balfour Covenant Church 7741 Upper Balfour Road, 2 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship to follow.
For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at
https://www.thompsonfs.ca
Service Details
2:00 PM