APRIL 9, 1929 ~ MARCH 18, 2019 (AGE 89)

Margaret Leister Barnes passed away on March 18th, 2019. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Albert Barnes, who passed away in December of 2011. Margo is survived by relatives in the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain. She is fondly remembered by her friends from the Corfield Glades area in Parksville, the Dunbar family in Nanoose Bay, along with the Lund family of Alberta. She is also remembered by her neighbours and friends from Edmonton.

Margo was born in Tighnabruaich on the West Coast of Scotland on April 9th, 1929. She was the youngest of seven children- Alexander, Bartholomew (Barry), John, Robert, William and sister Lena. Her father, who served in the Canadian Lord Strathconas Horse Regiment in World War I was from Stirlingshire and her mother was born in Lucan, County Dublin.  All of her brothers were War veterans – she lost her youngest brother in the war.

Like many in Scotland after the Second World War, Margo left to work overseas when she was 20 years old. She sailed alone to Melbourne, Australia. She worked as a Clerical Officer and met her future husband Albert who had also left the U.K. to work as an engineer. They married in 1951 and were together until he passed away in December of 2011.

During their life together, Margo and Albert lived in Australia before moving to Southern Africa where they lived in South Africa, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Malawi. They moved to Canada in 1976, initially to Edmonton, Alberta and in 1998 to Parksville, BC.

They both loved Canada and wanted to spend their latter years on Vancouver Island. In spite of her patriotic Canadian outlook, Margo never forgot her Scottish roots.

Margo enjoyed being active and believed in the doctrine “use it or lose it”. She played golf until she was almost 70 and walked most days. She enjoyed current affairs but often despaired at the foolishness of politicians. During her time in Africa Margo got to understand the customs and traditions of the local people. In spite of being in some very unpredictable countries often at turbulent times, she and her husband never faced harm and were protected by those who they lived amongst.

Margo will be remembered by all for her sincerity, love and positive attitude towards life. The kindness and love she received by all those in BC and Alberta was something that she felt could not be equaled anywhere.

May she rest in peace and god bless her for those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oceanside Hospice Society www.oceansidehospice.com 

Condolences through https://www.yatesmemorial.ca/

• Date : 2019-03-18