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Barbara Eileen MCGEOUGH
Barbara Eileen MCGEOUGH
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Barbara MCGEOUGH Obituary
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our loving mother, darling wife, beloved daughter and sister, and the dear friend of so many. Barbara Eileen McGeough died suddenly from a brain aneurysm while in Muskoka on August 6, 2016. Barbara was born in Calgary, November 2, 1958. Her childhood was full of joy and surrounded by love from her parents, six siblings, caring relatives and a multitude of friends. She attended Bishop Carroll High School and then embarked on adventures of travel, work and education. Barbara's journeys took her to Australia, New Zealand, India, Burma, Europe and throughout North America. Barbara graduated from Ryerson University with a degree in Interior Design. Her career flourished in Toronto and then Vancouver where, throughout the years, her projects won numerous awards. She taught at design schools and created Blue Design Interiors. In 1989, Barbara settled in Vancouver, where she met her loving husband Colin Boyd. They shared 27 years of love, happiness and adventure. At the root of their relationship was their greatest love - Jacob and Kieran Boyd – their two beautiful sons. The family joyously travelled, camped, hiked, kayaked, cycled and skied together. Barbara's love of family and life enshrined values of respect, work, fun and tradition. All of our lives have been enriched by those values and her immense capacity for kindness. Barbara is survived by her loving husband Colin Boyd, her children: Jacob Boyd and Kieran Boyd; her parents: Gerald and Marion McGeough; her siblings: Maureen Spitz (Warren Spitz), Michael McGeough (Leslie McGeough), Christopher McGeough, Gerry McGeough (Luce Lafontaine), Kevin McGeough (Amanda O'Connor), Rosemary Feighan (Pat Feighan); her In-laws: Neil Boyd (Isabel Otter), Margaret Boyd, Kirstin Brown; her nephews and nieces: Chris, Marianne, Jeremy, Madeline, Sarah, Gregory, Kelsey, Mathew, Robin, Cameron, Frédérique, Pierre- Olivier, Noella, Serena, Kira and Hailey. Barbara was predeceased by her in-laws Bill (and Rose) and Betty Boyd. Barbara's unconditional love generated many circles of close and dear friends with whom she shared a lifetime of adventure and created a network of support. Barbara's life ended far too soon; a loss to the many who loved her and were enriched by her presence. A Celebration of Barbara's Life will take place in Vancouver in September, details will be announced. Please reach out to Colin at [email protected]
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36 Entries
Shona Park
May 3, 2017
Barb was such a kind, thoughtful, beautiful person who will be sorely missed by many. So grateful to have met her. Deepest sympathies to Colin, Jacob, Kieran and family. Shona Park (nee Crawford)
Anne Harris
November 19, 2016
Dearest Colin,
Have thought of you and Barb many times over the years. Was searching for her on FB when I came across the devastating news. So incredibly sorry for your loss. Barb was such an amazing woman.
Ken Beckie
November 6, 2016
We send our condolenses to the McGeough family. Love from Ken & Helen Beckie, Calgary
Diana Armitage
October 27, 2016
Colin. Barb was one of my dearest friends in junior high and high school. We spent countless hours together at her family home in Calgary. We learned to drive together. To ski. To cook. To laugh. I was the nerdy science girl. She was the adventurous artist. I reconnected with Barb when she was living in Toronto after Ryerson. She introduced me to the Danforth and an amazing group of friends. She took me windsurfing and was the inventor of "glamping" .... making sure our menu when camping was exotic and included bender drinks! I will never forget when she attempted to make escargot for me ... from live snails! They were climbing all over the inside of her fridge. She persisted...and they were delicious! But that is my friend Barb ... funny, creative adventurous, always living life to the fullest. I am so sorry for our loss. She will be missed by so many.
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Mountain Goddess
September 4, 2016
Margie Anderson
August 26, 2016
Barbara, our cycling buddy, leader, ski hound, designer, steward of the environment, mentor, our radiant friend... you will be deeply missed.
August 22, 2016
Dear Colin, Kieren and Jacob,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and the rest of your family. Barbara will surely be missed by all who knew her.
We will remember her with love in our hearts.
Gabi, Graham, Luc and Sydney Kwan
Jo Antunez
August 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara's family.
Tessa Nicholl
August 17, 2016
I feel so lucky to have had a some cherished runs in the forest with Barb. My immediate thoughts on meeting her were, "What a cool person." She was such an involved Mom, so energetic, so fit... and will be so missed. My heart goes out to you all. Tessa
Connie Smith
August 17, 2016
Barb's artistic talent was evident even when we were in elementary school. When we were older, she always made me feel welcome and comfortable, even if we had not seen each other for many years. I am grateful to have known Barb. My sincerest sympathy to Barb's family.
August 16, 2016
Though I haven't seen Barbara since my teens, I distinctly remember being utterly astounded in her presence. She was vibrant and exotic and fascinating. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. All our love to the McGeough family. -Riley Brennan and family, Dawson City, Yukon
Grace Rodrigues Sikich
August 16, 2016
Words fall short; the loss of such an creative, intelligent, inspirational women is beyond expression.
I wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
cecile barbier
August 15, 2016
Dear neighbor, So sorry to hear about Barbara sudden passing. Barbara generosity, her contagious smile, her dedication to our community will be missed. Our prayers to your family. Cecile, Jim, Amalia, Juliana
Andrea Scott
August 15, 2016
Colin,our thoughts are with you, Kieran and Jacob.
Andrea, Owen and Cody Scott
Bryce Holtz
August 13, 2016
Colin...we great sadness I have just learned about Barbara..through my friend Ray...we are friends of Gerry and Marion ...my sadness for your close knit family...Bryce
Rodney Cirrol Clark
August 13, 2016
It was love at first sight. She came to the gallery many times over the years. I have never encountered anyone like her. Barbara's beautiful enormous eyes could see into a persons soul. Intelligent and inquiring; loving and forgiving. We shared brilliant conversations and much unbridled laughter. A few weeks ago, Barbara decided to frame precious family photographs for a picture wall in her home. She said she had been meaning to do this for quite some time ... and now it is done. Rest in peace dear Lady. You will be missed beyond measure.
Barb on August 3rd in Toronto with Marie Stauch and Anne Bancroft.
marie stauch
August 13, 2016
August 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We pray for God to comfort the family and friends of Barbara.
Lester Fearman
August 12, 2016
I knew Barb but for a few short years and had only a glimps of who she really was. I feel enriched by the experience.
Sooz KLinkhamer
August 12, 2016
Very sad to hear of Barbara's passing....too soon...so young. She was a wonderful addition to our faculty at Kwantlen as a design studio critic. Always positive, encouraging, candid, and sincere with students. My sincere condolences to Colin and family.
Aiden Sweeny
August 12, 2016
My heart goes out to her family, such a beautiful and kind person taken too early from this world.
Michele Postalis
August 11, 2016
❤
Tracey Vince
August 11, 2016
So so sorry to hear this. Barb and I have hung out and written to each other from all over the world since we first met backpacking around New Zealand back in the 1980's. What a wonderful strong, loving, funny, warm friend to all She will be sadly missed. Much love to all the family at this tragic time.
Brenda Martin (Barry)
August 11, 2016
I am grateful for the time we shared together. Over the past couple of days, I have been amazed at the number of long term friends, with deep connections and love for Barb. Always remembered, with love and gratitude. My deepest condolences to Barb's family.
Brenda
What 39 yrs of friendship looks like, hiking last summer in Boulder, CO
Marney Malabar
August 11, 2016
From the moment I met Barb at Ryerson I knew I had met someone special... She was my oldest friend who I miss already...my thoughts are with all of her family, especially Colin, Jacob and Kieran during this difficult time.
Art Gould
August 11, 2016
one of the saddest moments in my life. snatched away from all of us to soon. my thoughts go out to all the family who now must find the strength to pick up the pieces and move on. Barbara will be missed by all who knew her.
Stephanie Johnston
August 11, 2016
I had the lovely fortune to get to know Barbara and many of her family members. My heart goes out to all of the family, especially Marion and Gerry, and her partner Colin and sons.
The McGeough family have an extraordinary family bond and her presence will be missed.
I remember her most for her heart and commitment to her family.
David Hanna
August 11, 2016
Colin, Jacob, Kieran - I'm devastated; Barbara was a wonderful wife and mother and made your family a model for all of us. I will miss the good times we all had in the kitchen on East 23rd; she was a kind and generous hostess and made my trips to and through Vancouver a treat.
Barbara and Colin in 2006
David Hanna
August 11, 2016
John Frostad
August 11, 2016
While I didn't know Barbara well she made me feel like I did. Her view of the world was extraordinary and her happiness contagious. She will be missed.
Trish Huston
August 11, 2016
I got to know Barbara through her loving sister Maureen. I will always remember her awesome smile, her joy of life and her ability to make everyone around her feel welcome and appreciated. Thinking of you all and wishing you blessings and love.
marie stauch-sweeny
August 11, 2016
I met Barb at Ryerson, thanks to my friend Kathleen Murphy who told me to say hello to Barb. Ever a cheerful force in my life (and other Toronto girlfriends' lives) even with the distance. Very thankful for knowing and loving Barb. She will be so very missed.
Carol McGeough
August 11, 2016
Gerry and Marion, Am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing.Our hearts go out to you and her family. Love Carol and Girv
Mischa Gringras
August 11, 2016
Barb;
Bright
Funny
Talented
Tough
Nice
Honest
The list is long and all on the good side of the ledger. It was my absolute pleasure to know you Barb.
Tracy Brennan
August 11, 2016
So very saddened at the loss of such a vibrant and beautiful woman. My condolences go out to all members of the McGeough family at this difficult time.
Laura Robertson
August 11, 2016
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for being a soul-mate not only to your beloved husband, Colin, but also to my dear friend, your sister Maureen. I know how much you mean to her and the friendship, support and love you share will be with her always. Thank you for being a blessing to her.
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