BARBER, Phyllis Ethel
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Barber, beloved wife of the late John (Jock) Barber and mother of Sandra (Bruce) Parker, in Brooks, on April 22, 2018. Phyllis was born on the Bucknum family farm near Springside, Saskatchewan on August 4, 1926 and was educated at Clear Creek. She and Jock Barber became sweethearts and the couple was married on October 28, 1948. For the first four years following their marriage they lived on the Barber Homestead also near Springside, prior to purchasing their own farm near Bangor, Saskatchewan. Their only child, Sandra was born while there. Due to hard times on the farm, the family relocated to Gillam, Manitoba, in 1971, where both Jock and Phyllis were able to gain employment. For a few years Phyllis managed the Kettle Construction Guest House, and later worked part-time as a Matron at Gillam RCMP. In June 1978, Jock and Phyllis retired back to Springside and purcahsed a new home. Only three months later Jock died of a sudden heart attack. Phyllis remained in Springside and cared for her aging mother for the next seven years. With Sandra living and working in Brooks by that time, she convinced her Mom to join her, so in April 1988, Phyllis moved to Brooks. Within a short time, she began working as a part-time Matron at the Brooks RCMP Detachment. She established close friendships with a couple of RCMP members who have since retired, but the friendships endured throughout the rest of her lifetime. She also made many other friends, including a special friend, Cliff DesRosiers. In 1990 she and Cliff ventured overseas on a trip where they visited various European destinations. Her adventuresome nature led Phyllis to purchase a travel trailer and she loved the many camping trips with Sandra, Bruce as well as other family members and friends. In 1994, she bought a cabin with Sandra and Bruce at the Lake Newell Headgates, and many fond memories are recalled of all the laughs, campfires, as well as Phyllis imbibing in an occasional cocktail with extended family and friends. Phyllis had a good sense of humour, and when she received good-natured teasing, she would dish it right back. Her many hobbies included gardening, fishing, crocheting as well as many other crafts and she loved watching curling. She did have a heart of gold and often sat with family or friends at their dying bedsides. One friend in particular referred to Phyllis as their Guardian Angel and the friend’s family later presented her with a Blue Cameo Ring. She treasured that gift and wore the ring always. Phyllis will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Ike and Ethel Bucknum, her husband Jock, and brothers, Everett and Lloyd. She is survived by her loving daughter Sandra (Bruce) Parker, sisters Betty Jones and Bev (Doug) Badke as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held from St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Brooks at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 27th with Rev. Ken Wells officiating. Graveside Service and Interment followed on Monday, April 30th at 1:00 PM from Yorkton Memorial Gardens, Yorkton, Saskatchewan. If friends desire, donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 340A Maple Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7L5, ALS Society of Alberta, 7874-10th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1 or Breast Cancer Foundation Canada, 200-325 Manning Road NE Calgary, AB T2E 2P5.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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