Obituaries

August 10, 1934 — June 8, 2023

We sadly announce the passing of Gerald W. Barbour on June 8, 2023, at the age of 88. He managed to live independently until April 2023 when Parkinson’s made it unsafe to continue to do so. He was surrounded by family when he passed away at Hospice House in Kelowna.

Gerry’s parents were from Newfoundland and made the trek to BC in the late 1920s. Gerry was born and raised in Vancouver. He had two older siblings, Dougald and Gertrude. He attended high school at John Oliver Secondary. Married life led him to live in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and eventually Coquitlam where he, his wife Margaret, and their 4 children, spent many years. Gerry’s career revolved mostly around sales to do with industrial equipment and manufacturing. In their early 50’s, Gerry and Marg, felt called to missions. They quit their jobs, sold their house, and spent the next 9 years serving as missionaries in Austria with International Teams. Retirement landed them in the Qualicum Beach/Parksville area on Vancouver Island. Gerry spent a lot of time in his church communities – including Granville Chapel, Wakesiah Gospel Chapel, Austin Avenue Chapel, and Parksville Baptist. His spare time was spent with family, and friends, traveling, singing in choirs and around the house, going for walks, golfing, having fun, and lots of games. In the last two years, he liked to relax and take it easy while others did the cooking at Summerwood Retirement Resort in Kelowna.

Gerry was married to Margaret for 58 years until she passed away in 2013. He was then married to Annette for 6 years until she passed away in 2021. He is survived by his sister, Gertrude; his children Stephen, Kathleen (Tim), Glenn (Christine), and Karen (Stephen); and grandchildren Adam, Benjamin, Joshua, Jacob, Rachel, David, Mattias, Anika, Sarah, and Samantha.

A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, at 10:30 AM (PST), at Hillside Community Church, 1393 Austin Ave, Coquitlam, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, a recording may be made available to view shortly thereafter.

In 1991, the hometown of Gerry’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents became home to the Barbour Living Heritage Village https://barbour-site.com/. There is a cemetery there dedicated to the Barbour family. Gerry’s ashes will be committed at this special cemetery in Newtown, Newfoundland alongside his brother, Dougald, and 4 other siblings (Lester, Wilfred, Pearce, and Florence). Siblings Gerry didn’t even know he had until his first visit in 1984. Cape Freels Heritage Trust governs the Heritage Village. Tax-deductible donations are welcome in Gerry’s memory. Cheques only can be mailed to P.O Box 135, Newtown, NL A0G 3L0.

Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

• Sep 27, 2023
  I just found out about this I am so sorry. I had the pleasure ok meeting Gerry when I worked at Summerwood. I really did enjoy getting to know him. Even when things got a little tough he always had that mischievous glint in his eyes. RIP Gerry you were a good man - Marie Green
• Sep 18, 2023
  Gerry and Family! Got to know Gerry over the years via Glen R. and The Rockets Hockey and some socials! You were a Gentleman and a 1st Class Person imho! You will be missed!
  Respectfully,
  Dave & Lynne - D&L

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us