BARLOW, Joan
Very early on the morning of July 31, our extraordinary mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and enveloped in the warmth and spirit of those that could not be present. She departed knowing that she had lived a full and meaningful life, and accomplished all that she could have hoped for. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Ken, sister Betty, three step-sisters and one step-brother. She is survived by her sister Anne.
Joan started her journey on August 28, 1924 in a tiny Capeau Saskatchewan farmhouse where she lived until she moved with her mother and six siblings to Vancouver. Meeting Ken and marrying in 1947, they started a family of four children - Larry (Jan), Wayne (Cindie), Gail (Don) Buchanan and Craig. Together we all crossed the country as an air force family with postings to Winnipeg, Tacoma and Trenton. We Barlow’s proudly traveled across Canada, shoehorned into a fully loaded 56 Chevy, dragging a 14-foot trailer to our final destination, Comox. Many will remember Mom as the original cook in the Canex building cafeteria at CFB Comox. Both ultimately retired here.
Mom led with her wisdom and even, sometimes, with her stubborn independence. She will be mostly remembered for her wonderful sense of humour, crib playing and an amazingly creative mind. She would put so much effort into thoughtfully wrapping a simple Christmas gift, that opening the gift became more the highlight and adventure than the gift itself.
She will leave a huge void in all of us, in particular her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she adored and who adored her in return.
When looking back at her wildly quirky personality, we all exhibit a little bit of Mom in us. That says it all. See you later, Mom.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity or cause of your choice. There will be no formal service at Mom’s request. The family graciously acknowledges the exquisite care given to her in the Ocean View. In addition, we all offer our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alison Stocks for her compassionate and professional care.