Born April 28, 1949 in Trail, BC our dear Barbie passed over the rainbow on Saturday, November 20, 2016.
Barbie was raised in Trail, growing up in Tadanac with her parents, John and Mary Biker. She graduated from J.L. Crowe Secondary in 1967 and attended the University of Idaho studying English. She worked in the banking industry for a number of years.
Barb married Art Watson and relocated to Fernie, BC. Following his passing she returned to Trail where she met her forever friend Elsid (Diz) Desireaux. Barb’s kindness shone in many relationships including her loving care over several years for Donny Turner.
Her “Sweetie” though was Richard A. Swanson (Swanny). Along with their dog Missy, they shared many wonderful years together enjoying the outdoors, fishing and adventures on their quads all of which Barbie loved.
Barbie was a free spirit, a gentle gracious person loved by all who knew her. Bright and articulate she loved to engage with people on many levels. She was an avid collector of a variety of things including beautiful clothing and knick-knacks.
Later in her life Barbie’s health declined and she took great pleasure re-engaging with her family.
She will be dearly missed by her sweetie Richard Swanson and his family, her special friends and her immediate family Lynn and Brian Miller, Betty Anne and Frank Marino, Billy and Allison Merry, David and Melanie Merry, the Lodge family (Boise, Idaho), Lito and Angie Cillo and children.
She was predeceased by her parents John and Mary Biker, sister Janet and husband George Merry, and sister Betty Anne Lodge.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 25, 2016 at 10:00 am, at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 1347 Pine Ave, Trail. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements. Barbie felt she owed something back to all those who provided such wonderful care during her illness and requested donations to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation, www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca.