January 9, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Josephine Vanderheide on January 9, 2019 at the age of 66.
She will be dearly missed by her husband of 45 years Al; her children Chanace (Scott) and Micah (Sarah); her grandchildren, Jack and Oliver, and her dog Twig. She is survived by her siblings Frances, Paul, Ron, Heather. Predeceased by her parents Josephine and Jack Maddocks.
Barb grew up on a farm in Richmond. Newly wed, at the age of 20, her and Al moved to Tahsis, B.C. in 1972 where they operated the Nootka Sound Marina and began building their life together. They eventually moved to Hornby Island where they owned and operated the Thatch Restaurant and then finally settled in Courtenay in 1986 on their beautiful property.
A woman of many talents and skills, Barb was a hard working, active and strong woman. She was always two steps ahead of everyone around her. Her hobbies and passions included swimming, horse back riding, dog agility training, road tripping, gardening and knitting. Since moving to Courtenay in 1986, Barb spent many years working at St. Joseph's Hospital and volunteering with various organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Therapeutic Riding Association,
Sincere gratitude to the compassionate unit 3D nurses, Dr. Usmani, Dr. Matous and Dr. Schovanek at Comox Valley Regional Hospital.
A celebration of life service will be held in the spring here in Courtenay.
Memorial donations in memory of Barb can be made to the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society.