Debra Barr

Eight years later, Debra, and we are still relying on the excellent advice you gave us here at RRU. We think of you often and we remember you fondly. Sending best thoughts to Debra's lovely family also.

Will be thinking of you on Tuesday, Debra, the seventh anniversary of your passing, safe in heaven, with all the angels.

still thinking of you

Dear Debra, so often I wish you were here, to talk to and mostly to listen to. I miss your physical presence but often feel your spiritual presence on campus. I knew you would visit if you could.

I was deeply shocked when I read of Debra's passing in the latest EcoNews. I first met her and Ian through orienteering. She was always cheerful, helpful, smiling and encouraging. Recently she had gone out of her way to help me get started with archiving for the Keating Farm Co-op. She was also a big supporter of TLC. She will be sorely missed, but leaves an amazing legacy. My deepest condolences to Ian and his sons.

I am still realizing all the influences Debra had in my life. We connected at work in a course when we realized we were both stepmoms. She made me feel all my feelings were okay and that I was doing good work. We shared an office and referred to each other as house sisters. She always had something interesting to share and we missed the days she was not in. I believe she will be terribly missed for a long time. We can take comfort in the blessing that was knowing her at all. Thank you to everyone who continues to keep her memory close.

My condolences to Debra's family. I'm very sad to hear she's passed on. I worked with her at Royal Roads and valued her character and her knowledge a great deal. She was wonderful to work with and a friend whose memory I will treasure.

I am so very sad to hear that Debra is suddenly gone from us..to be our Angel that now watches over.

She always had a smile for me...
very amazing lady.

Paulina

I was very sorry to hear about Debra's sudden and untimely passing. We worked together at the BC Government Records Management Branch in the 1980's. I was back in touch with Debra in recent years when she took on the access and privacy job at Royal Roads University and I served in a similar position at Simon Fraser University. We consulted with each other often about how best to protect personal privacy and provide access to information at our respective institutions. I always appreciated her wise and thoughtful opinions. She has been in my thoughts and I extend my sympathies and condolences to her family and friends.

I will miss Debra's love of history and sharing nature. It was a real pleasure to know her and my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

It is with sadness and fond memories that I learned today of Debra's passing.

Since early days as part of the start-up team at the former Records Management Branch, we have kept in touch and shared intellectual curiosity and a laugh or two regarding the vicissitudes of life.

Earnest and loving is how she lives on in my thoughts.

In the press of the moment, it is the loss we feel. Yet, I am conscious that Debra has united so many, across the globe, in friendship. I am proud to have been in that number, and will miss her.

My deepest condolences to Ian, sons, family and friends.

Debra was a chum starting in my high school years in band. We continued to hang together into our early twenties debating in breakfast chats anything that her questions would lead to. The meaning of life, what is right and what is wrong, the place of religion, and what is happiness, were among the subjects she would fearlessly discuss, as well as conversations I wasn’t enthusiastic about, like “How are you?” Breakfast was an unusual time to chat but we typically were not crowded in restaurants. Probably Debra’s way of networking and letting friends know they were special.

Debra had an indirect way of leading in those days. She would suggest or hint at something and wait for somebody else to think of it and claim it as their own. It did not matter who was right or credited as long as the problem was solved. We were all so clever around her. I use her tactic on the teenagers I teach soccer.

Debra went on with her life but would check in occasionally to make sure we were well. Where most of us were satisfied with the peaceful life, Debra was a questing soul. Her dreams and organizational talent drove her to peak after peak.

The Celebration of Debra’s life was a help. Thank you for including the clarinet, the instrument she played. It was heartening to see some of the people whose lives Debra has touched.

Because I have been there, I know the desolation that Debra’s friends, like me, feel, is supportable compared to the shredding of the feelings of the immediate family has suffered being bereft of such a noble spirit. Please accept my condolences.

For the last few years Debra was a great contributor of service and inspiration to the Victoria Orienteering Club. As a club member, I feel very ashamed not to have kept in better touch when she dropped from the scene recently. We only found out about the sad loss this afternoon, the 20th. Deepest condolences to Ian, his boys and Debra's family.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of our dear friend Debra. She was truly an inspiration to me and to everyone around her. Although I was unable to attend the Celebration of Life for her, she will always hold a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Debra's family and friends at this sad time. May the years of memories and the legacies she has left behind be a comfort to everyone.

I am sorry I am unable to participate in the celebration of Debra's life today, as I am with family in Toronto. It was an honour to know Debra and to volunteer with her for the AABC. My sympathies go out to her family. I cannot believe she has left this world - but I know Debra would say that she is with us still, in the next world.

I will remeber you always Debra,
Lara

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Debra Barr.

God bless you.

While I never had the opportunity to meet Debra, I felt as though I got to know her a little through her sister, Marna, my office mate and friend. I pray that the family will be granted all that they need - courage, comfort, strength and peace - in the days and weeks ahead. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, especially today as you celebrate Debra's life.

I am sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Debra. Her passing is also a loss for the Bateman Center and the City of Colwood as she is greatly respected for her work and dedication to correct history.

Debra was an inspiration to us all. My heartfelt sympathies to all her family and friends. God Bless

I'm truly saddened to hear of Debra's passing. Having worked along side her in the early 80's in government, my encounters with her over the years have always been ones of joy and smiles. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

May Debra's soul rest in perpetual peace.

My sincere sympathy to Debra's family and friends. Few Canadians leave as much good behind when they pass on and this is the way Debra will be remembered.