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Barbara Burnside Obituary
November 29, 1946 - January 6, 2026
Our mother left us on January 6 after a brave and shockingly brief fight with cancer. Her three children and the love of her life were at her side. Barbara lived a rich and adventurous life. Born in Australia, raised in California, she married Eric Schandall and emigrated to homestead in Nova Scotia. Then to Victoria, where she earned a PhD in neuropsychology while raising her kids. She worked as a psychologist and lived life to the full, sailing from Sidney to Alaska with her second husband, Paul Gartside, hiking and birding all the way. Her creativity was constant: gardening, drawing, painting, sewing, dancing, traveling widely. In 2023, she drove 3000 miles in her electric car to join Paul on Long Island, NY. There she found her people in creativity and activism: she organized local "Hands Off" and "No Kings" protests, worked on environmental projects like the pollinator garden at Town Hall, and found creative community among the knitters of Sag Harbor.
Barb is survived by her children (Rami, Tor and Pete Schandall), two grandsons, and her Paul; a sister, two step-brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends all over the globe.
A celebration of life and potluck will be held at Hoie Hall, St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 18 James Lane, East Hampton, New York, 11937 on January 17 at 1pm ET. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to Doctors without Borders.
https://www.affordablecremationservicesnewyork.com/obituary/barbara-janice-burnside/
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Burnside
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
9 Entries
Bjarni Schandall
January 21, 2026
Barbara was my aunt, and although we have generally been quite distant geographically, I was lucky to see her at fairly regular intervals throughout my life.
I remember how surprised, and happy, I was to find Aunt Barbara sailing out of the blue and into Neiafu harbour in Vava´u Tonga after her trip south with friends from Vancouver Island. As the boat that I was sailing with was short crew, I was happier still when she said that she would be interested in helping us with our follow-on leg to New Zealand. She made such a great addition to what turned out to be a fairly challenging trip, always arriving with such good energy, whether it was ready to enjoy the beauty of the moment or to take on the next difficulty at hand. I have passed along news of her passing to other crew from that time, who even years later still ask for her when we speak.
I am thankful to have been able to share time and experience with Aunt Barbara. To witness her sense of adventure, her generosity, and her commitment to being present. Wishing everyone well on our own "follow-on legs" ahead.
Love Bjarni
Helen Kirk
January 18, 2026
As with a few others here, I also knew Barbara through Victoria English Country Dance, and always appreciated her positive and quiet presence. It was always a joy to dance with her, as well as talk and share food - I remember Barbara used to love to bring some delightful desserts to some of our dance gatherings. In the photos, my family was blessed to have Barbara be one of our lovely 'porch visitors' in early covid days after the birth of my daughter -- it was a very strange time to welcome a child into the world, and those short and social distanced visits really helped. Being Barbara, she not only paid us a visit, but also knitted a beautiful sweater for my daughter (second photo). Our sincere condolences to all of Barbara's loved ones, she made such a positive impact on so many.
Jim & Lyn Wisnia
January 17, 2026
Barbara was a good friend and a quietly powerful force. She was a beloved member of our English Country Dance community, immediately liked by all for her beaming smile, approachability, and can-do attitude. One great memory is when she rowed her boat from her home on Patricia Bay across Saanich Inlet to our home on Mill Bay to attend a summer dance, then had to row home against a strong wind and tide. Amazing. She loved her Tesla car so much that she ended up working for a local dealer. She invited us to accompany her on a Tesla drive to California since we all had Santa Cruz connections, and we regret we were not able to do that. It would have been such fun. Though we were sad when she moved east, we were happy for her that it was for love, which was her motivation in all things. Condolences to all who loved her.
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Birgitte
January 17, 2026
To Barbara´s family, I extend my sincere sympathy to all of you.
I first met Barbara at a Wednesday knit group in Sidney. She was a master knitter...... Sincerely...
David Schandall
January 17, 2026
Dear Family,
I knew Barbara, (Mom), for nearly 60 years. Nancy and I, Barbara and Eric lived a few blocks apart in the North End of Boston in the mid 60's. We moved to Nova Scotia, Eric and Barb to California. A few years later Eric and Barbara arrived in Nova Scotia with a little girl named Rami. We were young and knew it all. Torbjorn, Peder and Bjarni sprang from that rocky hard Eastern Shore, none the worse for wear. The attached photo is the only image of the nine of us all together. (taken, Canso NS about 1973, R. Richter).
In the subsequent years, Eric, Barbara and children relocated to California, and then BC.
We did not see Barb for many years.
Over time new relationships emerged and contact reestablished. Aunt Barbara remained part of the family, integral to its structure.
So here am I now, an old man looking at 60 years gone by and realizing that Barbara was in fact old too, and yet always young in my mind, a force to be reckoned with and still with us in Rami, Tor and Pete, in the natural order of things.
And so all of you, especially Paul just now, I join in your grief. You can't set all sail again, but you can shake a reef out when you feel its right.
love
uncle david
Suzanne
January 17, 2026
Dear family, we knew Barbara from dance in Victoria. She was such a kind, empathetic and lovely soul. She loved the dance and the dance community. I am so glad she followed her heart for the last few years of her life. My deepest sympathy,
Suzanne
Valerie Webb/Billsborough
January 16, 2026
To the family of Barb. I am so sorry that Barb has passed. I have many happy memories of Barb when you kids were younger. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Sincerely, Valerie Webb/ Billsborough
Ray Potvin
January 16, 2026
Barbara, she was a generous person who gave so much, always with a happy heart and full of spirit.
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