Dave Barrett

Thank you all for sharing such wonderful stories about your family, at the memorial service in Victoria last weekend. Afterwards I met Lorne Nicolson who told me about how much he enjoyed his time working with Dave in government. He's only one of many people I've spoken with who loved and admired Dave -- so even though I never met him, it almost feels as if I did. Certainly reminders of what he accomplished and the kind of person he was, are all around us still. Lorne also talked about his childhood friends in Vancouver who were swept up in the Japanese-Canadian internment, like my parents were. They had to move to Ontario after the war, so that's where I was born and grew up. Mom and Dad were scared to come back to the coast in case it happened again. As I left the service, it occurred to me that Dave worked all his life to make BC the type of society where things like that would never happen again. He wanted a place that was motivated by love, not fear. I can barely express how much that means to me.

.. Mrs Barrett and family..your Dave was the best premier this province will ever have, he was my hero and I was so fortunate to meet him once..my deepest sincerest condolences.. History will be kind to him and his name will be revered by all generations for his amazing efforts to drag our province into being a better place for all of us. Bless him, and you all too ... Colin and family.

We have lived in Victoria for 52 years. Dave Barrett was the best premier we have had during that time. Our condolences to his wife Shirley and family.
Carla Levinson, Victoria

My heart goes out to the family for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Dave Barrett was and always will be my hero. He sparked my lifelong interest in politics and more importantly a long career in front line social services. Helping others is our highest calling and he led the way with vision, energy and humour. His legacy is all around us and we were blessed to have him.

Dave was a great man and a good friend who brilliantly changed our beloved province for the better in perpetuity. I have so many good memories of our times spent together. Each and every British Columbian should give thanks for his life as I certainly do. Thank you to every member of his family for sharing him and his incredible talents with us. May he rest in peace and be long remembered.

Dave was a much needed breath of fresh air for BC and did great things in his term of office. We need more Dave's. Remembered always.

Dave inspired me to get involved in B.C. politics. He was an excellent role model and really believed in fairness for all. My sympathy to his family.
Sue Moore

In memory and celebration of someone who made this world a brighter and better place.

Dear Shirley, Sending our heartfelt & loving thoughts to you and the family.
Mari and I remember well that fun, 2 family trip to Mexico. I remember sitting on the plane watching your "Rocking Chairs" coming across the tarmac to be loaded ! Only Dave could have swung that with his whit and charm. He always gave us something to smile and feel good about. All our love...Roma,Mari,Gareth,Diane (Wood-John)

An absolutely great man and so honest .i still remember the excitement as he was swept into office.

Thanks Shirley & family for your magnificent obituary for Dave.

Simply by being a British Columbian I owe Dave a great deal.

I first met Dave when he was Premier, and I eventually got to work with him on the Barrett Commission. I remember his interest in history, and him urging me to record my impressions of working in government in the 1990s. I will never forget his sincere interest in what I was up to. We will miss Dave, but fortunately his many good works endure.

Dave Barrett a successful man who lived well, laughed often and who always looked for the best in others. He will be cherished in our memories forever.

What can you say about a giant of a man who made BC what it is today...it's all been said! It has been an honor knowing you!
SHALOM!
John De Silveira

To the family. I could write a book about the many
Stories I have about Dave.i think the greatest memory I will always have is his saying" sharing and caring". Yes Dave,it is the secret to life.
Jewel Townsend

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam dayan ha'emet.

Dave Barrett-- truly a great British Columbian ...

The first time I was eligible to vote I was so proud to mark my ballot for this fierce, passionate, dedicated man and he paid us all back with meaningful legislation that has remained a foundation for our province and an example for others. Rest in peace and thank you Dave. You will never be forgotten.

So many positive things could be said about you Mr. Barrett. Hard to know where to start. So all I will say is "Thank-you" for all that you have done and the memories I keep. Condolences to your family

The best Politian ever. May he rest in peace.

The distillation of the best qualities of great EAST ENDERS, thank you Dave you did us proud!

Perhaps the best Premier this province has ever had......truly a great man.

Thank you Mr. Barrett for your warmth to people from all walks of life. I had the privilege of witnessing your fierce dedication to politics, your humour in the midst of difficult times, and the honour to meet you briefly as a client. You made time to get to know people.
My thoughts are with your family. What a joy to have shared your journey. They will have so many wonderful memories.

My deepest condolences,although I am too young to have known him personally my late father had ,huge respect for him and even volunteer his support during the 72 campaign. This is significant as my father was a dyed in the wool Liberal from the east coast! Our family relocated to Atlantic Canada ,however upon a visit to Victoria in the late 90's while visiting the Bewedly Ave gang ; Chappels,Langlois we ran into Dave on a walk to Saxe point ,Bob asked Dave to guess who I was to my astonshiment Dave recalled my father by name 25 years later. I realize this is quite a long story but I believe it is a testament to the human being Dave was, in that he thought of all people and didn't forget them ,truly a very special person. RIP The Comeau Family,Perry,Rhoda,Stephen,Kevin

GREAT MAN YOU DID GOOD FOR B.C THANK YOU

Thank you for everything Mr. Barrett, you were truly a class act...my sincere condolences to your family.

I cannot imagine anyone who made a greater contribution to life in BC.

Your contributions will live on forever.

We have so much to thank you for.

Rest in peace

End of an era, what a guy, rest in peace, Mr Barrett.

Mr. Barrett is a HERO to me in the 70's and 80's....What good things he did for this province is history, and my condolences to his family. One heckuva MAN!

Dave's voice is stilled. His call to action lives on.

Max and I have good memories of a man arriving to watch his son compete in the sport of cycling. This was during the time he was Premier of the province. He fitted in easily, showing a keen interest in all that was happening. A good Dad and a very nice down to earth fellow. We send our condolences to all his family, especially Joe....Jan and Max Grace.

Thank you for being an agent of change when the province needed to enter the 20th century.

NDP Voter wish there were more like him so kind, down to earth person he did a lot for B.C. sorry he has passed away. RIP . MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. Nancy

THANK YOU, DAVE, FOR ALL YOUR WORK.
Thank you and condolences to the entire family.

I had great admiration for Mr. Barrett. RIP.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my long time friend Dave Barrett. He gave so much of himself to this Province and world and will be greatly missed. Dave was a one of a kind great person and I will miss him
Love and condolences to Shirley and family from Rudy.

I enjoyed playing rugby against him. He made a difference in B.C. We need more men like this one. RIP friend.

I met Dave Barrett many years ago. He was a very friendly, warm and caring person.