Thelma
Evelyn Barlow (nee King) aka: Mom, Nan, Nan-Nan, Big-Nan, Snacks
February 14, 1926 to May 26, 2016.
Our dear Nan spent her whole life living in her precious
hometown of Golden, BC. She was the youngest of seven children – the proud
daughter of Thomas and Minnie (nee Woodley) King, who settled in Golden at the
turn of the 20th century. The
family store, ‘Thomas King General Merchant’ became ‘Barlow’s Department Store’
when she and her dear husband, Fred purchased it in 1954. Our Nan simply adored Golden and was witness
to much change over the past 90 years. In her eyes, it was a “bustling, busy little town”. She loved meeting
and sharing stories with visitors and welcoming new residents. She embraced
these changes with her good-natured, forward thinking and adaptive ways. She
recognized that growth and change was good for Golden – and what was good for
Golden, was good for her. Whatever the weather, it was always “a beautiful day in Golden” to our Nan. She loved the mountains, the colours of the
seasons and the “fresh” air.
Nan leaves behind closets full of beautiful shoes,
meticulously organized drawers, spotless floors and flawless skin (with thanks
to her Pond’s cold cream). Her spirit will be carried on by her two sons Gord
and Jay; two daughters-in-law, Connie and Diane; four grandchildren, Gord
(Jennine), Julie (Andrew), Lee (Tricia) and Tess (Tim); and, the sparkles of
her eye, her eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Maxine, Gaia, Issyk, Ruby,
Dexter, Sophie and Winston. She also held very dear to her heart, an extended
family of friends and relations living near and far. We are all very grateful
to have had the influence and inspiration of Nan’s strength, joy and unwavering
optimism guide us through our own lives. Her greatest gift to each and every
one of us was pure, unconditional love – and this will echo on for generations.
We are not sure if it is even possible to celebrate
her as much as she celebrated us, but we will certainly give it a go. As is the circle of life, her ninth great-grandchild
(Lee and Tricia’s latest addition to the family) is on the cusp of being born
in Victoria, BC, so her memorial service will take place a bit later in the
summer to allow some time for the new babe to settle and make the trip to
Golden. We welcome all whose hearts she touched to join us and share your
stories. Further details will follow over the coming weeks. Our Nan has now been
peacefully reunited with her husband, Fred and son, Don. Full of grace and
beauty to the end, we bid a sweet and fond farewell to an amazing gem of lady. “Bye for now, Nan”.
In lieu of
flowers, the family suggests making a donation to Durand Manor or The Golden
Hospital in recognition of the compassionate care and love
that she received from the caregivers, doctors and nurses over the past few
months. We are very appreciative of the meaningful
work that you all do.
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