We Remember

DUGGAN, Barbara Jane (nee Parsons)

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It is with love and deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Barbara Jane Duggan, 80, of Kelowna on April 29, 2017. Born in Calgary, Alberta and educated in Moncton, New Brunswick, Barbara was the eldest daughter of the late Bruce and Sallie (Gillespie) Parsons.

In the mid 1950’s, Barbara had the opportunity to work as one of the pioneers in two industries: television and passenger air travel. As a copywriter and on-air personality with CKCW TV in Moncton, Barbara became well-known for her daily children’s show, “Barbie’s Scrapbook.” Following CKCW, Barbara accepted a Toronto-based position as a “Stewardess” with Trans Canada Airlines, now Air Canada.

In 1959, Barbara married the love of her life and best friend, Richard William Duggan, and the couple moved to Vancouver where they were to spend thirty-one years working and raising their two sons, Michael Patrick and Craig Stuart Duggan. As the boys grew, Barbara decided to return to work and went on to excel in several challenging positions. She served as Executive Assistant to then BC Cabinet Minister Stephen Rogers, and also held major responsibilities for the BC Government’s participation in the design, development and operation of the BC Pavilion at Expo ‘86. Barbara was also a co-author of the Expo Official Souvenir Guide. Following Expo, Barbara joined the Port of Vancouver as its first Director of Corporate Communications, a position she held until retiring with Dick to Kelowna in 1992.

Barbara and Dick have had an active retirement, travelling to numerous parts of the world, golfing, sailing and enjoying their family. Barbara also found time to give back to her community, serving for twelve years on the Board of Directors of the Kelowna YMCA, including a term as Board President; and on the national board of YMCA Canada. Barbara also played a significant role on the committee responsible for the design and funding of the Kelowna H2O Centre.

Barbara will be greatly missed by her husband, Dick; sons Michael (Catherine) and Craig (Heidi) and six grandchildren: Taylor, Lauren, Summer and Maya Duggan of Kelowna; and Connor and Sarah Duggan of Duvall, Washington.  She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters Penny Watling, Sue Murray and Claire Parsons of Moncton; and Nancy Philley (Rich Reitmeier) of South Surrey, BC.  Barbara was predeceased by sisters Sally Walker and MeKay Empey of Nova Scotia; and brother-in-law Counte Duggan of Ontario.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel, Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017 with interment following at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.   The family also invites friends to share in a celebration of Barbara’s life at the Kelowna Yacht Club Thursday at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Kelowna YMCA or the Junior Sailing Program, Kelowna Yacht Club. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Kelowna YMCA or the Junior Sailing Program, Kelowna Yacht Club

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for DUGGAN, Barbara Jane (nee Parsons) is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017 . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springifeld Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Kelley HOSFORD McLean says:
    May 2, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    To All The Parsons Sisters,

    I was so sad to hear of Barbara’s passing. Although I never knew her on a personal level like some of you, I know she was a well loved Lady and will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. Sending lots of hugs! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. With much love, Kelley xoxo

    Reply
    • Peter Ross says:
      May 4, 2017 at 11:41 am

      My deepest sympathy for the loss of Barbara. Although many years have passed since Barbara and you moved to B.C. I still fondly recall the good times we shared in Toronto and Collingwood.

      Reply
  • Pam Hosford says:
    May 2, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    The Parsons Girls are very much part of my life. I am so very sorry for this unexpected loss girls. My thoughts are with you all & Dick I am sending you an extra hug. Barbara was a lovely lady!!!!!

    Reply
  • Mike Wagstaff says:
    May 2, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    My sincere condolences go out to Dick and his family after their sudden loss of such a lovely lady.
    Barbara and Dick made such a wonderful couple and it will be hard to imagine going to the Yacht Club and not seeing her grace and smile brightening the room.
    Best wishes to you all as you go through this sad and difficult time.

    Reply
  • Claire Parsons says:
    May 2, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    My heart is heavy with the feeling of loss of your wife, mother, and my sister. Love to you Dick,Michael and Craig.

    Reply
  • Dan Ouellette says:
    May 3, 2017 at 5:30 am

    So sorry for your lost. Barbara will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies.

    Reply
  • Adele and Ron Brown says:
    May 3, 2017 at 6:34 am

    Barbara is my first cousin who, unfortunately, I never met. We lived many miles apart.
    Through Barbara’s sister, Penny Watling, I do feel as if i know her.
    Barb sounds like a wonderful woman who had her future cut way too short.
    Dick, please accept our condolences on the loss of your Lifetime Partner. I believe that this is the biggest challenge you’ll ever face. Luckily, you’re surrounded by the families Barb and you created together.
    Michael and Craig, please accept our condolences in the untimely loss of your Mother. These thoughts and prayers extend to your families on the loss of their Grandmother.
    To my cousins, Penny, Sue, Nancy and Claire, you’re, once again, facing the loss of yet another underpinning of the great Sisterhood which the 7 of you uniquely shared. I know this to be true for all 7 of you. Please feel all the HUGS I’m sending your way.
    Dick, you’ve got the best present of all with the love these ladies shared together. May that love help you heal.
    Sincerely, Adele & Ron Brown

    Reply
  • Joan Harvey says:
    May 3, 2017 at 7:58 am

    To Dick and family. I am very sorry to read of Barb’s passing. Although I haven’t seen Barb for many years, she lives on in my memory as one of the classiest women I ever met. As part of our infamous bridge group, Barb added spark and panache at every gathering.

    Please accept my sympathy, and enjoy many happy memories of your own.

    Sincerely,

    Joan Harvey

    Reply
  • Toni Clark says:
    May 3, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    Dearest Dick,

    It’s awkward to know what to say at a time like this.

    So many of us choose to measure our lives in different ways, but Barbara really got it. Giving of herself as a leader and mentor, being a gift to all that met her and had the privilege to call her a friend.

    I am sad today because I didn’t get as much time as I would have liked with Barbara. I am sad for you as well. You have become a special friend to me, a friend that I hold in high regard as a person of quality and grace.

    But today I also choose to be grateful, grateful for our friendship, grateful to have known Barbara, and grateful for the wonderful time that you two had together. Many people will go through a lifetime and never know the depth of love and respect you two shared.

    Love, your friend,

    Toni

    Reply
  • John and Debbie Pement says:
    May 3, 2017 at 3:45 pm

    We were shocked to learn of Barbara’s sudden passing. Our sincerest condolences to Dick, Mike, Craig and family. We have very happy memories of sailing (Kelowna/West Vancouver), golf (Kelowna) and many visits to ‘Chateau Duggan’ not to mention enjoying great conversation and our favourite cocktails/dinners together over the years in Vancouver. Love, Debbie and John

    Reply
  • Harry Renaud says:
    May 4, 2017 at 4:07 am

    It was indeed very sad to learn of Barbara’s passing. She was of great help to me during my 5 years at BC Place as she was so instrumental in getting things done during those wonderful development years. Barbara is an example of why BC is truly super and natural. Please accept my sincere condolences.

    Reply
  • Susanne and Dennis Young says:
    May 4, 2017 at 5:09 am

    Dear Dick and family,

    Our deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of your dear wife and mother.

    May the warm sun shine down on you today as you honour her remarkably full and happy life. May you be surrounded and comforted by the love of family and friends.

    Sincerely,
    Dennis and Susanne Young

    Reply
  • Derek Perkins says:
    May 4, 2017 at 8:30 am

    Dear Dick
    My sincere condolences on your very sad and unexpected loss.

    Sincerely
    Derek Perkins

    Reply
  • Arie and Elsie de kleer says:
    May 5, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Dear Dick, we are so sorry to hear about Barbara, it has been a long time, that we have seen each other. But we always remember the Flying Dutchmen races, take care
    Greeting Arie and Elsie de kleer

    Reply
  • Karen Harris says:
    May 7, 2017 at 9:36 am

    Dick, I was so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was such a talented, interesting woman, and always a joy to spend time with. You are in my thoughts and I hope you can find comfort in the love and support of your family and friends.
    With love, Karen

    Reply
  • Duncan and Airlie Wyllie says:
    May 14, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    Dick:
    We are so sorry to hear about Barbara. We very much appreciated being your neighbours in North Vancouver (now 25 years ago!).
    Reading Barbara’s life story, we were interested to learn of her career in the media. Her personality certainly suited that work – calm and engaging.
    Please give our regards to Michael and Craig.
    Duncan and Airlie.

    Reply

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