I don’t remember when I first met Barb, but I do remember high school. It might have been because my last name was Dikeman and hers was Deason and we were simply seated together. However we came together, we found friends. I don’t think we saw each other over 5 times after high school, but we never lost touch. Not only that, but when we did talk or see each other to catch up, it was just like we hadn’t been apart long.
I do remember her being at my home one time during high school, and I talked Barb (don’t remember it being difficult!) into singing something for my mother. That lovely voice! Along with that great voice, I always think of those wonderful eyes and dazzling smile.
I am sad I won’t get to enjoy them again and I miss knowing Barb is in the world making it whirl.
Obituary
The extended obituary that will be included in the Memorial Service.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
From Linda Phillips
I was so saddened to hear of Barbara’s illness and often received news of her fight from her dear friend Pat Dixon as well as Michele Bermudez – members of the Dallas Chapter of ARMA.
When I moved to Dallas 19 years ago I met Barbara through friends in the ARMA Chapter. I got to know her a little bit better when she worked at Alliance and was trying to move forward on a corporate records program for them. We often communicated with each other on what ‘the right things to do’ were. ARMA conferences were made special by her presence, we had great times together, and very lively conversations.
Her fight was a courageous one and all who knew her were blessed with witnessing her vivacious personality and love of life. She will be dearly missed by all. I am glad that in the end it was relatively swift and not too uncomfortable for her, for now she can brighten all of our days from above – God bless and keep you Barbara.
When I moved to Dallas 19 years ago I met Barbara through friends in the ARMA Chapter. I got to know her a little bit better when she worked at Alliance and was trying to move forward on a corporate records program for them. We often communicated with each other on what ‘the right things to do’ were. ARMA conferences were made special by her presence, we had great times together, and very lively conversations.
Her fight was a courageous one and all who knew her were blessed with witnessing her vivacious personality and love of life. She will be dearly missed by all. I am glad that in the end it was relatively swift and not too uncomfortable for her, for now she can brighten all of our days from above – God bless and keep you Barbara.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Barb's Memorial Service
I apologize for the long delay in updating the blog since Barb's service. My husband and I were in Texas for the service and then attended a wedding.
Here is a wonderful account from Barb's best friend, Pat Dixon:
I know that Barb’s friends are spread out all over North America and that many of you were not able to attend her memorial service. I just want you to know that it was a lovely celebration of her life with her entire family and many friends in attendance.
Barb’s sister, Nancy, did a wonderful job of planning the memorial assisted by her two daughters, Regina and Erin, with her entire family executing the service. It included music by the choir she had recently joined, stories about her life and lots of pictures that allowed us all to remember the good times and reminisce. You were all a part of the celebration because of the many pictures that included her friends. After the memorial service, Barb’s family and the ladies of the church served a delicious buffet which gave everyone in attendance a chance to meet her family and visit with friends. It was just what Barb would have wanted. This blog created by her niece, Natalie, is also a beautiful avenue for us to share our feelings and memories with each other and her family.
Barb was so full of life that you cannot think of her any other way. She was a free spirit and adventurer and told me more than once that if she died from the cancer, at least she had no regrets. Her only unfinished business was her recent bucket list which consisted of traveling to visit friends one last time, because you were all so important to her. I am sorry she was unable to do so, and I am very thankful that she and I had the opportunity to share one last trip to the Hill Country in Texas. She still felt good and was able to enjoy the entire outing. In fact, after eight chemo treatments and having just been told the cancer was back and she would have to begin a new chemo protocol, her attitude remained positive and I can assure you that no one we met would have guessed she was not on the road to recovery. And with Barb being Barb, we met and talked to lots of people.
Barb would be the last person who would want anyone to be sad or dwell on her illness and passing. Her memorial service was a true tribute to her life and a wonderful expression of the love she shared with her family and friends. Take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and in God’s loving hands.
Pat Dixon Spokes
Here is a wonderful account from Barb's best friend, Pat Dixon:
I know that Barb’s friends are spread out all over North America and that many of you were not able to attend her memorial service. I just want you to know that it was a lovely celebration of her life with her entire family and many friends in attendance.
Barb’s sister, Nancy, did a wonderful job of planning the memorial assisted by her two daughters, Regina and Erin, with her entire family executing the service. It included music by the choir she had recently joined, stories about her life and lots of pictures that allowed us all to remember the good times and reminisce. You were all a part of the celebration because of the many pictures that included her friends. After the memorial service, Barb’s family and the ladies of the church served a delicious buffet which gave everyone in attendance a chance to meet her family and visit with friends. It was just what Barb would have wanted. This blog created by her niece, Natalie, is also a beautiful avenue for us to share our feelings and memories with each other and her family.
Barb was so full of life that you cannot think of her any other way. She was a free spirit and adventurer and told me more than once that if she died from the cancer, at least she had no regrets. Her only unfinished business was her recent bucket list which consisted of traveling to visit friends one last time, because you were all so important to her. I am sorry she was unable to do so, and I am very thankful that she and I had the opportunity to share one last trip to the Hill Country in Texas. She still felt good and was able to enjoy the entire outing. In fact, after eight chemo treatments and having just been told the cancer was back and she would have to begin a new chemo protocol, her attitude remained positive and I can assure you that no one we met would have guessed she was not on the road to recovery. And with Barb being Barb, we met and talked to lots of people.
Barb would be the last person who would want anyone to be sad or dwell on her illness and passing. Her memorial service was a true tribute to her life and a wonderful expression of the love she shared with her family and friends. Take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and in God’s loving hands.
Pat Dixon Spokes
Thursday, July 24, 2008
From Pat Dixon for ARMA Newsletter
In Loving Memory of Barbara Rike, CRM
Barbara Rike passed away on July 3, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 21, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to LeRoy and Twyla Deason. Barb remained ready with a smile and her attitude toward her disease was always positive.
Barb was a dear friend of mine for over 30 years and with many other people whose lives she touched. She is remembered for her bubbly personality, love of life, the outdoors, and all of God’s creatures great and small. Barbara was a long time active member of ARMA, International and began her career in records and information management at First Federal Bank. During her time in Dallas, she also worked for CALTEX and Alliance Data Systems. Barbara joined the Dallas Chapter of ARMA in 1977 where we first met. Because of her love of hiking, white water rafting, snow shoeing and all of nature’s beauty, Barb jumped at the chance to move to Washington State. She became one of the founders of the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter of ARMA where she lived and worked, first consulting and then for the City of Redmond. Prior to the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter, she was a member of the Greater Seattle Chapter. Barb had recently moved to Aurora, Colorado when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was difficult for her to give up her new position with the City of Aurora and move back home, but her health demanded the support of her family and friends in Texas.
Barbara was a Certified Records Manager and as such, a member of the Institute of Certified Records Managers. She was a frequent and sought after speaker at ARMA and other professional organization’s meetings, seminars, and conferences throughout the
U. S. and Canada. Barb was at her best teaching others and inspiring them in their jobs.
Family was also important to Barbara, and she is survived by her sister Nancy Suttle and Nancy’s family which includes her husband Tim, daughters Regina and Erin, son Mathew and his wife Leanna and daughter Abigail. Barbara is also survived by her brother Richard Deason, his wife Sharon, their daughter Natalie Aho, husband Chris and son Cameron, as well as their daughter Jenny Zagst and husband Jed. No matter where Barb was living and working, she always made an effort to return home to spend Christmas with her family which was her favorite time of the year. Her childlike joy in the Holidays was endearing, and she took such joy in finding just the right gift for a family member or friend.
Everyone I talk to mentions Barb’s zest for life and they find it difficult to believe she has gone so quickly. Her light remains with the loving family and friends she left behind. We will miss her and remember the good times we were privileged to share along the way.
Submitted by: Pat Dixon, CRM
Barbara Rike passed away on July 3, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 21, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri to LeRoy and Twyla Deason. Barb remained ready with a smile and her attitude toward her disease was always positive.
Barb was a dear friend of mine for over 30 years and with many other people whose lives she touched. She is remembered for her bubbly personality, love of life, the outdoors, and all of God’s creatures great and small. Barbara was a long time active member of ARMA, International and began her career in records and information management at First Federal Bank. During her time in Dallas, she also worked for CALTEX and Alliance Data Systems. Barbara joined the Dallas Chapter of ARMA in 1977 where we first met. Because of her love of hiking, white water rafting, snow shoeing and all of nature’s beauty, Barb jumped at the chance to move to Washington State. She became one of the founders of the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter of ARMA where she lived and worked, first consulting and then for the City of Redmond. Prior to the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter, she was a member of the Greater Seattle Chapter. Barb had recently moved to Aurora, Colorado when she was diagnosed with cancer. It was difficult for her to give up her new position with the City of Aurora and move back home, but her health demanded the support of her family and friends in Texas.
Barbara was a Certified Records Manager and as such, a member of the Institute of Certified Records Managers. She was a frequent and sought after speaker at ARMA and other professional organization’s meetings, seminars, and conferences throughout the
U. S. and Canada. Barb was at her best teaching others and inspiring them in their jobs.
Family was also important to Barbara, and she is survived by her sister Nancy Suttle and Nancy’s family which includes her husband Tim, daughters Regina and Erin, son Mathew and his wife Leanna and daughter Abigail. Barbara is also survived by her brother Richard Deason, his wife Sharon, their daughter Natalie Aho, husband Chris and son Cameron, as well as their daughter Jenny Zagst and husband Jed. No matter where Barb was living and working, she always made an effort to return home to spend Christmas with her family which was her favorite time of the year. Her childlike joy in the Holidays was endearing, and she took such joy in finding just the right gift for a family member or friend.
Everyone I talk to mentions Barb’s zest for life and they find it difficult to believe she has gone so quickly. Her light remains with the loving family and friends she left behind. We will miss her and remember the good times we were privileged to share along the way.
Submitted by: Pat Dixon, CRM
Monday, July 21, 2008
From Chuck Schiell
I have known Barb for over 20 years – first as another records management professional and then as a wonderful and caring friend. I feel a very personal loss, as it was I who contacted Barb at the ARMA San Antonio Conference about applying for a position I held with the City of Aurora, Colorado as a contracted consultant to develop a citywide records and information management program. She applied, and along with some 22 other CRM’s and records professionals she became the pick of “the litter.”
We hired Barb in April 08, to take the city from the paper-based records process to the electronic records world. In just a brief few months she had moved the IT folks of the city from ground zero, to at least a 70-80 change in direction and philosophy. I can hear her now saying to me “we’ll change their minds” remember I am a “Texas Gal” and by God she made an impression and they were listening and moving. The day that Barb was getting her goodbyes said the IT, CIO, a gentleman gave her a “hug” I believe at that moment I witnessed a respect for Barbara that I didn’t think was in this persons makeup. A MIRCALE HAD OCCURRED and this man truly was affected by Barbara’s departure.
Now if you’ll allow me a few truly personal and heart-wrenching comments – I feel I need to share this with you her family and her friends. It is Barb’s last venture while here in Colorado. It is the beginning of my “healing”
One day in May, Barbara came to me to ask if I knew of any doctors that she could go see as she was having bleeding issues.
I did and we located a Kaiser group, right where she was living. Things moved rather quickly – the medical folks, after test and other work ups, decided she had cancer of the uterus, and would need to determine whether it was malignant or benign. Test revealed a hysterectomy was in order and that she probably had a malignant cancer. The surgery revealed that her disease was in fact malignant, had spread to other organs and that it was an aggressive cancer. Barb had fluid in her lungs and abdomen and was is some distress.
Barbara would always say she is “going to get those little buggers”
I provided all the support I could, and finally had to call for the real troops to come visit, and to make arrangements to move Barbara back to Texas – no easy task – Her sister Nancy arrived her greatest friend of all friends Pat Dixon was on the scene and over a period of time her brother and other family members all visited with her – all advising her to return home. That was not in Barbara’s plans, but over a period of weeks and of starting Chemo here in Denver, and having fluids drawn several times she consented to return with her family and friends in Texas.
For me Barbara was a personal loss that will be with me for many years. She was one of the most courageous and optimistic people I have been fortunate to know. To the last she had great plans for the future.
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial service on the 24th, as things and circumstances make it impractical for my attendance then.
I know that Barbara went to be with the Lord and I believe she is asking HIM – where are your records, and can you find them – if not I am the one to get you organized.
I pray for Nancy and Pat, and all those family members who feel her absence more than words can express. To all her friends, of which I am one – we will miss her, but we will all be together someday, as brothers and sisters with the LORD Jesus and Our Father God.
God Bless each any every one of you – Chuck
We hired Barb in April 08, to take the city from the paper-based records process to the electronic records world. In just a brief few months she had moved the IT folks of the city from ground zero, to at least a 70-80 change in direction and philosophy. I can hear her now saying to me “we’ll change their minds” remember I am a “Texas Gal” and by God she made an impression and they were listening and moving. The day that Barb was getting her goodbyes said the IT, CIO, a gentleman gave her a “hug” I believe at that moment I witnessed a respect for Barbara that I didn’t think was in this persons makeup. A MIRCALE HAD OCCURRED and this man truly was affected by Barbara’s departure.
Now if you’ll allow me a few truly personal and heart-wrenching comments – I feel I need to share this with you her family and her friends. It is Barb’s last venture while here in Colorado. It is the beginning of my “healing”
One day in May, Barbara came to me to ask if I knew of any doctors that she could go see as she was having bleeding issues.
I did and we located a Kaiser group, right where she was living. Things moved rather quickly – the medical folks, after test and other work ups, decided she had cancer of the uterus, and would need to determine whether it was malignant or benign. Test revealed a hysterectomy was in order and that she probably had a malignant cancer. The surgery revealed that her disease was in fact malignant, had spread to other organs and that it was an aggressive cancer. Barb had fluid in her lungs and abdomen and was is some distress.
Barbara would always say she is “going to get those little buggers”
I provided all the support I could, and finally had to call for the real troops to come visit, and to make arrangements to move Barbara back to Texas – no easy task – Her sister Nancy arrived her greatest friend of all friends Pat Dixon was on the scene and over a period of time her brother and other family members all visited with her – all advising her to return home. That was not in Barbara’s plans, but over a period of weeks and of starting Chemo here in Denver, and having fluids drawn several times she consented to return with her family and friends in Texas.
For me Barbara was a personal loss that will be with me for many years. She was one of the most courageous and optimistic people I have been fortunate to know. To the last she had great plans for the future.
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial service on the 24th, as things and circumstances make it impractical for my attendance then.
I know that Barbara went to be with the Lord and I believe she is asking HIM – where are your records, and can you find them – if not I am the one to get you organized.
I pray for Nancy and Pat, and all those family members who feel her absence more than words can express. To all her friends, of which I am one – we will miss her, but we will all be together someday, as brothers and sisters with the LORD Jesus and Our Father God.
God Bless each any every one of you – Chuck
From Earl Johnson
I was deeply saddened to learn of Barb’s death, I still can’t quite believe it. I started out in this profession back in the early 1980’s, and worked with Barb on a consulting assignment in Michigan during those early days. As I was so new to records management, Barb gladly kind of “took me under her wings” and was so willing to teach, and share her breadth of knowledge and experience with me. Whether she knew it or not, she was a mentor for me during that time in Jackson. I used to wonder how anyone could smile so much… it seemed like her cheeks ought to hurt because she smiled so much.
I remember one of the last times I spoke with her a few years ago, was when we were both scheduled to speak at the Houston Chapter’s Spring Seminar but she had to cancel. I was elated when she called and asked me to give her presentation, and sent me the materials. We spoke for awhile as I reviewed her presentation, as I wanted to make sure I could capture as much as I could of the essence of what she wanted to convey. I enjoyed doing the presentation for her (she was very well prepared, as usual), and it was very well received (that’s more of a testimony to the content, rather than the delivery).
Over the years we kind of lost touch, but I always looked forward to attending ARMA Conferences as I would hope to run into Barb at some point or another there. If I was fortunate enough to do so, many times it was only a quick hello and how are you, as she (or I) was often running to a session in a hurry. Unfortunately, I don’t think that I ever took the opportunity to tell her of the impact she’d had on my career in records management--particularly early on, and not just as a records manager but as a professional and colleague. I wish I could’ve told her that I will be forever grateful to her for it.
Thank you Barb, my life has been enriched for having known you.
Thanks.
Earl Johnson, Jr.
I remember one of the last times I spoke with her a few years ago, was when we were both scheduled to speak at the Houston Chapter’s Spring Seminar but she had to cancel. I was elated when she called and asked me to give her presentation, and sent me the materials. We spoke for awhile as I reviewed her presentation, as I wanted to make sure I could capture as much as I could of the essence of what she wanted to convey. I enjoyed doing the presentation for her (she was very well prepared, as usual), and it was very well received (that’s more of a testimony to the content, rather than the delivery).
Over the years we kind of lost touch, but I always looked forward to attending ARMA Conferences as I would hope to run into Barb at some point or another there. If I was fortunate enough to do so, many times it was only a quick hello and how are you, as she (or I) was often running to a session in a hurry. Unfortunately, I don’t think that I ever took the opportunity to tell her of the impact she’d had on my career in records management--particularly early on, and not just as a records manager but as a professional and colleague. I wish I could’ve told her that I will be forever grateful to her for it.
Thank you Barb, my life has been enriched for having known you.
Thanks.
Earl Johnson, Jr.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
From Mary T. Sullivan
I've known Barbara since the early 80s when I joined ARMA and the Dallas Chapter. In the 90s I transferred my membership to the Ark-La-Tex Chapter and I always enjoyed hearing Barb speak at our meetings and at conferences. She was truly a motivating person. She will be missed by all but we have happy memories of her.
Mary T. Sullivan, CRM, CQIA
Caddo Mills, Texas
Mary T. Sullivan, CRM, CQIA
Caddo Mills, Texas
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
From Talley Hudson
I don't believe I have ever met anyone with such a positive attitude and energy. I first met Barb when she came to work for the City of Redmond (her second time to live in the Northwest). I heard that she was from Texas, so that piqued my interest as I, too, am from Texas. We decided to go to lunch to get to know each other and discovered that we both graduated from high school the same year in Houston. It was great to be able to connect with someone who knew some of the same places I did. Barb immediately invited me into her life. When she had a Christmas open house, she asked everyone to bring food to donate to the food bank. She always thought of others in everything she did. I was amazed at how many activities she participated in and how she always wanted to reorganize them for the better. My only problem with Barb was that I couldn’t keep up with her. Even her conversation left me in the dust. She might have had that Texas accent but she certainly didn't have that drawl. She could speak faster than anyone I knew!We hated to lose her but were happy that she had found such a promising position in Colorado. It broke my heart that she had to go through cancer. Even when she faced her illness, she remained upbeat. I hope she is at rest now, although, if I know Barb, she's in heaven trying to reorganize things.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
From Kathy Sparks
Barb was an eternal friend to me. We first met at ARMA way back in the 1980's and had great fun partying together at conferences. She was regarded as a sensational speaker and so we invited her to be a featured speaker at our Buffalo-Niagara Frontier ARMA chapter meeting. (I don't think that chapter even exists anymore!) She delivered a great presentation, by the way!
She happened to be returning to Dallas from that same speaking engagement at the very time that I was traveling to my employer's new corporate headquarters in Dallas. So, Barb and I shared the same flight home. We were able to finagle seats on the plane together and talked non-stop all the way back to Dallas. (Not so hard to believe about either one of us, is it?!) When we arrived in Dallas I found out that my hotel room had been given away due to lack of 'late guarantee' on my part! Yikes! Here I was 1200 miles from home and no place to stay! Barb came to the rescue and put me up in her Los Colinas apartment for the night. What a sweetheart!
Several years later I moved to Dallas to take a promotion at OxyChem. Sure enough, Barb was one of the first people to welcome me to Dallas. Barb was working at the Farm Loan banking organization then. We remained friends and did some 'personal improvement' meetings together for a time and then she moved to the Pacific Northwest. Later I moved to Arkansas and she and I fell out of touch.
I will always remember my lovely, vivacious friend, Barbara Rike.
She happened to be returning to Dallas from that same speaking engagement at the very time that I was traveling to my employer's new corporate headquarters in Dallas. So, Barb and I shared the same flight home. We were able to finagle seats on the plane together and talked non-stop all the way back to Dallas. (Not so hard to believe about either one of us, is it?!) When we arrived in Dallas I found out that my hotel room had been given away due to lack of 'late guarantee' on my part! Yikes! Here I was 1200 miles from home and no place to stay! Barb came to the rescue and put me up in her Los Colinas apartment for the night. What a sweetheart!
Several years later I moved to Dallas to take a promotion at OxyChem. Sure enough, Barb was one of the first people to welcome me to Dallas. Barb was working at the Farm Loan banking organization then. We remained friends and did some 'personal improvement' meetings together for a time and then she moved to the Pacific Northwest. Later I moved to Arkansas and she and I fell out of touch.
I will always remember my lovely, vivacious friend, Barbara Rike.
From Valerie Moore
I met Barb when I joined the Seattle Mountaineers Volunteer group which she was leading in 1998. I was a new member and Barb made me feel so welcome. Our mutual love of the mountains, wildflowers and cats made us fast friends. I have many fond memories of our hike and snowshoe trips together. I remember one 4th of July we spent the day doing trail maintenance then enjoyed a nice dinner together and watched the fireworks over Lake Washington. I am so thankful that we had once last hike together in the Cascades before she left for Colorado to start her new job.
When I think of Barb, I think of her vivacious spirit, her endless energy, her desire to give back to the community with all her volunteer efforts and how she always talked so fast :) She was such a friendly, outgoing person and would often start up a conversation with fellow hikers we passed along the trail.
I am in awe of how she faced her illness with such courage, faith and optimism. She told me the last time we talked on the phone that no matter what happened she didn’t have any regrets in her life and she accepted whatever plans God had for her. Heaven is certainly a brighter place now with her spirit there.
I am going hiking this weekend to honour her memory.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know Barb loved you all very much. Barb will always be alive in the hearts of her family and many friends. Her spirit is free now to hike up any mountain she wishes.
When I think of Barb, I think of her vivacious spirit, her endless energy, her desire to give back to the community with all her volunteer efforts and how she always talked so fast :) She was such a friendly, outgoing person and would often start up a conversation with fellow hikers we passed along the trail.
I am in awe of how she faced her illness with such courage, faith and optimism. She told me the last time we talked on the phone that no matter what happened she didn’t have any regrets in her life and she accepted whatever plans God had for her. Heaven is certainly a brighter place now with her spirit there.
I am going hiking this weekend to honour her memory.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know Barb loved you all very much. Barb will always be alive in the hearts of her family and many friends. Her spirit is free now to hike up any mountain she wishes.
Collection of Comments
I am deeply saddened to hear that dear Barb has left us. The loss brings tears to my eyes. She has been such a warm, vivacious and generous friend who has blessed all of us with her presence. I never dreamed she would leave us so soon. Thank you for letting me know that the end was merciful. It is a comfort to know she was surrounded by such a loving family in her last days. My prayers are with you and your family.
Peggy Mates
I so very sad to have my true friend and mentor gone from this world...Barb was so positive to the end.
Barb was my mentor - she gave me the butt kicking I needed!!!
Laurie Smith
Barbara was a truly wonderful woman, and it was a pleasure to have her in my life. She will be missed.
Nancy Wirth
I know I speak for many who knew Barb, that her energy and zest for life was so contagious, as was her sense of humor-- and what a great legacy to leave behind-- she also lived life to the fullest as long as she could -- something many people aspire to, but not always achieve... may she rest in peace..
Diane Murray
Seattle, WA.
I’m so sorry to hear about Barb. We had known each other since about 1975 when we both worked at Texas Federal. Over all of the years, with all of her various moves, we managed to stay in touch. After she moved from Dallas, we were still able to meet almost every year in December to celebrate her birthday and Christmas. We had great conversations and I looked forward to our next get together.
Paula O'Donley
Peggy Mates
I so very sad to have my true friend and mentor gone from this world...Barb was so positive to the end.
Barb was my mentor - she gave me the butt kicking I needed!!!
Laurie Smith
Barbara was a truly wonderful woman, and it was a pleasure to have her in my life. She will be missed.
Nancy Wirth
I know I speak for many who knew Barb, that her energy and zest for life was so contagious, as was her sense of humor-- and what a great legacy to leave behind-- she also lived life to the fullest as long as she could -- something many people aspire to, but not always achieve... may she rest in peace..
Diane Murray
Seattle, WA.
I’m so sorry to hear about Barb. We had known each other since about 1975 when we both worked at Texas Federal. Over all of the years, with all of her various moves, we managed to stay in touch. After she moved from Dallas, we were still able to meet almost every year in December to celebrate her birthday and Christmas. We had great conversations and I looked forward to our next get together.
Paula O'Donley
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
From Catherine Lenox
One of my dearest memories of Barb was when we first met. Quite by accident in conversation, she discovered that my cousin was a former colleague and friend of hers, Gail Pennix, who Barb had known through Records Management. Gail had lost her struggle with cancer a few years before I met Barb. Barb's reaction was so incredibly kind--she exclaimed in her wonderfully expressive way, "Gail! I loved her!" and then her eyes started to tear. It really touched me. I never forgot the emotional generosity of that moment and it endeared Barb to me and prompted me to want to be her friend--she really did have a huge heart.
Tomorrow a group of us who worked with her at City of Redmond are getting together at the tavern, Coho's, where all of us used to meet for Happy Hour on Wednesday nights. Barb was always the life of the party--and, usually was the one among us to initiate getting people together. So, the former Mayor, myself, our friend Talley and others will get together there to raise our glasses in a toast to Barb. We will all send our thoughts of healing to you, share our memories of Barb and give thanks for the grace of her joyful spirit, her good friendship and the many memorable, happy times we got to spend with her. She was indeed, simply wonderful!
Tomorrow a group of us who worked with her at City of Redmond are getting together at the tavern, Coho's, where all of us used to meet for Happy Hour on Wednesday nights. Barb was always the life of the party--and, usually was the one among us to initiate getting people together. So, the former Mayor, myself, our friend Talley and others will get together there to raise our glasses in a toast to Barb. We will all send our thoughts of healing to you, share our memories of Barb and give thanks for the grace of her joyful spirit, her good friendship and the many memorable, happy times we got to spend with her. She was indeed, simply wonderful!
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