We Remember
Kendall, Barkley Bruce
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
Died on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the age of 44 years. Survived by his loving family: mother Betty Kendall; two sons: Connor and Nolan and their mother Tracy; brother Todd (Dalyce); sister Lara Forsberg (Russell); three uncles: Monty and Richard Kendall and Gene Beimler; aunts Gail and LaVonne; and by his dear friend Shannon Kennedy. A Memorial Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 15th at 2:00 pm at the Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hockey Ministries International, P.O. Box #7, Windsor Station, Suite 265, 1100 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.
Service
Memorial Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 15th at 2:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre
Share with Others:
Hockey Ministries International, P.O. Box #7, Windsor Station, Suite 265, 1100 Ave des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.
Service Information
Service Details
The service for Kendall, Barkley Bruce is scheduled for Memorial Reception will be held on Wednesday, August 15th at 2:00 pm . 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 Family Centre
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Dear Family:
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of my cousin. We all must go, but this happened far too soon. Barkley deserved, and I wish he had received, a much longer life, with a less stressful ending. Life doesn’t promise us much, but it does guarantee difficult times. This is one of those times.
When we had the opportunity to visit each other, it was obvious to me that Barkley had become a very good man as well as a caring father. He had certainly become thoughtful, introspective and philosophical. His passing leaves me feeling empty. He was a strong guy, he was a fine person. I feel a distinct sense of loss.
Even though we are thousands of miles apart, my thoughts really are with the Kendall clan at this time. My deepest condolences go out to Auntie Betty and Todd’s, Lara’s and Barkley’s families.
Perhaps, Barkley’s passing will afford all of us an opportunity to re-establish connections that should have been solidified long ago. I have internet access. I know how to type. I’ll make an effort.
Love, Kirk
I can’t believe Barkley is gone. I still think of him as my wild cousin back in the 70s. As kids, we’d get together around family holidays and just become a gang of fun. I have so many memories of Bark that my mind gets jammed up trying to focus on just one memory at a time. Some of the best times of my life. All the cousins reading this share the same memories. Christmas, fishing, Easter, Summer, on and on, and if Barkley wasn’t already the center of attention, just give it a few minutes. So full of life and joy. Wild, silly, and loud!! Never boring. And seemingly indestructible. Bark was one tough kid and grew into an Adonis of a man.
I was then both pleased and a little surprised when I saw Barkley grow into a very mature, soft spoken, private, and professional man. He brought his lovely family to visit my family in California a few times over the last 20 years. I was thrilled to see what a good and caring father he was. I always looked forward to his visits, and reconnecting with Barkley and my roots in Canada. I now treasure those visits as much as the childhood memories and am so thankful that Barkley took the time and expense to come down and see us.
Its hard to reconcile my image of Barkley as one of the most fun loving guys I have ever known with his more recent struggles. Frankly, I’m not even going to try. Barkley simply will be always be remembered as the wild and fun loving kid who grew into a hell of a man. I was proud to have him as a cousin. You are going to be missed big time Barkley.
Love Rick
Rick, Kirk and Auntie Lavonne,
I am comforted and grateful for your memories of Barkley. I had forgotten how you boys used to tear up the neighborhood. Rick your descriptions of my brother are so surprising because I had actually forgotten that he used to be like that. You hold the key to some memories that are very precious. I am so happy that all of you would take the time to write these words from your hearts. I wish so much that you could be here. I was too young to keep up with you bruisers (Rick and Kirk)and would like to get the chance to hear some genuine first hand details. I will take you up on your offer to keep in touch. You are all in my mind during this coming together time and will be missed.
Love Lara
Barkley was somebody I was proud to call my nephew. I am so sadden that I won’t see him again. He was such a spunky little boy. So bright. So likable. So energetic.
He grew tall, strong, handsome, intelligent and engaging.
A great father. A fine man.
My thoughts and condolences to Betty and the rest of the family.
It is such a loss. I miss him. I liked him.
Love Aunt Lavonne
Dear Tracy, Connor, & Nolan,
So sorry to read of Barkley’s death. May you be strengthened through the support of friends and family. My prayers are with you as you grieve your loss. May memories be treasured as they carry you through the upcoming days and months.
Hugs,
Betty Cleland (Mrs. Betty)
Betty and family . I’m terribly sorry for your loss. What a good looking man he was. He really reminds me of your Dad, Uncle Mike. Perhaps we can get in touch, and remember all our family. Love to all –Joan
Tracy,Conner&Nolan,We are saddened by Barkleys passing.In the short time we have knew him,we became friends and are shocked by the fact he is gone.We will be away during his funneral service but you will be in our thoughts .If we can do anything to help out,please call anytime.All our love!Diane & Dale Gerry
This is Barkley’s baby picture.
This is his birth photo.
This is Barkley in 1975
This is Barkley in 1976
This is Barkley in 1976 with the parents
This is Barkley in 1976 with the cousins
This is actually Barkley in 1986 with the cousins
This is Barkley in 1990
This is Barkley in 1993
These are wonderful pictures
I would greatly appreciate it if you would e-mail these pictures to me at:
laraforsberg@hotmail.com
Possibly I do not know how to scroll the program on this website well enough, but I cannot see these pictures in zoom. They would be nice to show at the funeral.
Thank you so much for posting them.
Lara
Lara,Todd,Betty,
I am so very sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all!
Football Grade 8
Dear: family
I would like to express my condolences,I am very sorry to hear about this.We sure had lots of good times when we were kids on our fishing trips and Christmas time was always so much fun I will never forget.We will all miss him.
love Randy
my thoughts and prayers are with your family!Im so sorry for your lose.
To Betty and Family
With deepest sympathy for the loss of Barkley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,God Bless. Love Lynn and Walter Wasilenko
Trip to Bella Coola with cousin Dean
Trip to Bella Coola with cousin Dean – fishing for Salmon
Trip to Bella Coola with cousin Dean( another picture)
Barkley loved to spend time outdoors
Barkley and Dean at the Elk River in BC
Betty & family. Betty I was shocked and saddened to learn of Barkley’s passing. In the picture you chose for the obituary, he looks like Kenneth the last time I saw him. I appreciate the photos that Lavonne shared of him & the Kendall family. It brought back happy memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I won’t be able to make it to the service but I will call you later.
I’m so sorry to hear of Barkleys’ passing. Although I was in Utah when he was growing up I remember walking up to your home on 5th ave. and seeing him as a baby. He was so cute. I loved seeing all the pictures of him growing up. I am glad you have Todd and Lara for support along with all the other friends and relatives. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
Darolyne
My heartfelt condolences to Barkley’s family. To Nolan and Connor… I am so very sorry for the lose of your dad. I will also hold his friendship close to my heart.
Thoughts of you Barkley when I listen to this song.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SA7ZWxkgsFI
May peace be with you my friend. I am going to miss you;)
Lori
Hi Lori, Could you please tell us a little about yourself and how you know Barkley? Thanks for sharing.
Dean and Lavonne (Mom) thanks for posting those photos. They’re wonderful, and just looking at them brings a flood of memories.
For those that are having trouble with the photos, if you double click on the little photo above, a much bigger slide show pops up and you can see the larger than life Barkley we all remember.
I keep going back to these pictures because seeing his smile makes me smile.
Through the eyes of Barkley’s youngest cousin, to me he appeared super human. Stronger and faster than anyone, Barkley had a presence and confidence that I always admired. From our childhood summer days riding dirt bikes and going fishing, to our time in high school together – he was always looking for adventure and up for a good laugh. If the going ever got tough, Barkley was quick to act as my protector or to open his door for me to stay. At times, he was the big brother I never had.
I’m struggling with his loss. My condolences to all who loved him.
Jason
Barkley enjoying the Calgary Alpine Slide as a kid
I have many great memories of Barkley. Many were as a kid playing street hockey all night, having sleep overs on weekends, going camping,fishing and later on University. We always had alot of fun and planned out whatever we were doing well in advance so no errors could be made in our overall strategy. When we were growing up one of his favorite past times was beating his brother Todd, in a loving older brother way of course. Sometimes Todd deserved it, other times from Barkleys perspective it just seemed like the right thing to do. He excelled at his position as the older brother. One of the ways that Todd stayed alive was being able to run faster than Barkley. It was all in good fun! We definitely had alot of laughs throughout our time together. He always wanted to excel at what he did and was driven. During University days we went camping and fishing when we could and really enjoyed just relaxing around the campfire and talked about the days when we would be done University and could get a job and have some fun. He really enjoyed salmon fishing in Bella Coola. We had a great time there with his family on a few occassions. He recently talked about going on a trip once he felt better. I can’t believe he is gone, I will really miss him. He had so much more to give and receive.
LOVE COUSIN DEAN
REMEMBERING BARKLEY
There are two memories about Barkley that I want to mention. One is his smile, the other is his courage.
When Barkley smiles, his face softens and his eyes become alive with little lights. All about him is warmth, and you want to be close to the most wonderful man you have ever met. When he was small, we hugged and held him. When he became a man, he hugged us back.
It has always been easy to admire Barkley’s courage. Even in the face of death and disease, Barkley fought fiercely to beat the odds. In the last year we have watched him struggle with losses in health, work, finances and relationships. Those losses are not Barkley’s fault. Losses in lifestyle and wellness are common to every person whose earthly life is closing off.
Because of Barkley’s love for those he held dear to his heart, he chose the time to leave us. It was not in abandonment of us. He left us to spare our suffering as we watched him in his sufferings. Barkley would want to be remembered for his courage to protect his loved ones, his strength and care to support others and his dignity in facing his own losses. Barkley was intelligent and honest about his life. He had the fortitude to make the best decision for himself and those he loved. For Barkley, his life here was done. It was his time to move on.
Let us remember his smile, his responsible and caring heart, and above all, Barkley’s courage
I cannot agree with you more. Barkely’s compassion and courage were amazing! He told me once that everyone has to step up and “be the hero” sometimes! Barkley knew how to be that hero. I had the wonderful opportunity to share a very emotional friendship with him and even through his own struggles he would always try to provide answers for mine. I have never met such an intelligent, courageous, sincere man in my life and feel truly honored and blessed to have had him as my friend.
I miss you so much buddy and will miss our chats. Again, I truly hope peace will be with you now.
Lori
Dear Betty and family,
We wish to express our deepest and most sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear son. May the fond memories that you all share help you through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Dennis and Sandra Jessop
Don and I would like to express
out heart felt sympathy to you all, Betty, Todd, Lara, and Barkley’s family. I’m sorry Betty, that we had lost contact
and was stunned to see the obituary in the paper. I know how proud you were of Barkley and his accomplishments. You were a wonderful mother and I remember also how you enjoyed your grand children. Please get in touch to share other memories of happier times when our children were young.
To all those affected.I am very saddened to hear of the loss of Barkley.It has weighed heavy on my heart to try and find the right words to say.So I would like to thank Barkley for all the childhood memories that he gave us.No matter the occasion,be it a very long day at the farm,a weekend fishing trip,or one of our many family get togethers,he always managed to make it entertaining.Usually by getting Todd in trouble.We had fun and I will always remember that. Love Cousin Jerry
Where does one being to express feelings of such a loss. A precious life stolen from those that loved him.
Always a rememberance of the baby pictures with that special smile so evident even into manhood.
I shall cherish the memories, always the memories.
Love Aunt Susie
It is with great sadness to hear the news of the passing of one of my first best friends. I am honored to have had him as a part of my growing up. Some of my fondest experiences in life happened in the neighborhood of 5th avenue and 25th street with Barkley, Todd, Lara, friends and cousins, with Mr and Mrs. Kendal spending countless hours and miles on us.
Rest in Peace my friend
Darrell
I have fond memories as a kid growing up in the neighborhood with Barkley being one of my good friends. Some of my fondest memories were of our “epic” street hockey games with Barkley being the top scorer and Todd being the goalie we couldn’t score on. We lost touch after a while and everyone seemed to move away from the neighborhood, but the memories are still there!I am very sad to hear of Barkley’s passing and my most sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Kendall, Todd, Lara, and Barkley’s entire family. Rest in peace my friend.
Scott
Tracey, Connor and Nolan.
I was saddened to hear about Barkley’s passing away. Connor, it was great getting to know you on the humanities trip last year. Nolan, I enjoyed having you in my class in grade 7. I pray that God will comfort you all and keep you in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruno Rossi
It’s been such a hard time for me say goodbye to you my brother. I loved you and will always love you big man! You were my protector many times growing up and I love you for that. You help me to become the man I am today! I loved all the time we had on this earth together. You were and always be my hero! Even when we fought as boys and when we had disagreements as we got older I knew you were doing to help me with the direction my life would take. You just wanted me to be the best I could be and I love you for that (even though I was rolling my eyes-hahaha). I knew you had my back. I want to thank you for bringing me 2 incredible nephews and another sister! I love them with all of my heart . I will help you look out for them and keep them safe as best as I can big man .I know we didn’t say it enough to each other but I’m proud of you! It makes me feel so good that you had such an incredible and positive impact on so many lives. I love how you were so giving and generous to me and others. I know there will be so many that will miss you as much as I miss you! Oh ya big brother I hope you get faster cuz when I see you again I will poke the sleeping bear for fun!hahaha Miya says she loves you and misses her uncle Barkley! I wanted to thank you all for the great things you said about my brother. It helps me and all my family get through this tough time! I love you all for that. If anyone would like to ever contact me and chat please feel free tkendall@telus.blackberry.net
Love you Bro. Thanks for sharing that. It meant a great deal to hear your words to Barkley. And thanks to Jerry, Darrel, Scott, Kristal, Lori and especially Jason and Dean. Thanks for the pictures guys. Sorry if I missed anyone. After reading Todd’s words my eyes are a bit fuzzy. I appreciate everyone who has taken time to write their memories and for those who came to the funeral (Thanks Tanya for bringing more pictures).I am having trouble getting the pictures off the website, could anyone who posted pictures please email them to laraforsberg@hotmail.com. And thanks Antie Lavonne for emailing your pictures as well.
Springfield Funeral Services Attention: Richard
This is an acknowledgment of the eulogy you provided for Barkley Kendall at his memorial Aug.-15-12. Your words were obviously inspired and anointed. With keen insight, kindness and compassion you covered the difficult spectrum of suicide, including possible realities that Barkley was facing. Barkley was honoured by your presentation. He was allowed the dignity and voice he so deserved. Your gift in offering such grace for his memory will ever be appreciated by us who loved Barkley. Thank-you sincerely for everything done to comfort his family and loved ones.
After reading other stories ofhow Barklay touched other’s lives & after my tears dried, Iam remembering all the street hockey games,fishing ,camping,birthday partiesmwith the cousins growing up together. We are all feeling an overwhelming loss.My husband & I visited Bark’s family in Kelowna before the fire,illness,etc. in happier times…such hospitality!!I’m so proud of you ,Big guy.Hugs & love to you all in your grief…Aunt Shirley.
A lady asked me recently in a councelling session if I had thought about writing Barkley a ‘goodbye letter’. My tears came out 10x’s harder hearing that. I had/still don’t know how to do that!! Everymoring I wake up although its only been a little under 2 months, I quickley realize my Sparks isn’t here at home, or coming home, and there will be no call’s or text’s that day and today. I miss him something terrible. I have never in my life felt pain in my heart and body like I do everyday since he went home to heaven. He told me the week before he left that if he ever died before me, he would be waiting for me in heaven. It’s going to be such a horrifically long wait to see him and hold him again!! Nobody could ever fill those shoes. Even though Barkleys and my 4yrs in total was a bit of a ride to say the least, lol….we couldn’t leave each other. We loved each other too much and this is why I can’t say goodbye because the next time I see him there will be no more pain and no more tears and all our souls will be together forever:) This wait is really gonna suck but I still need to be a nana one day and take the grandkids’s to Disneyland like Barkley and I planned we would do :)For those who didn’t understand why I wasn’t at the funeral, the day before, a very discusting thing happened which had my family talk and thought it was best if we all didn’t attend. On the brighter side of it I had two different days I went into the funeral home, pulled up one of the chairs there and put my head on Barkleys chest like we used to and just talked. Just him and I, the way we were in life. The way I found him wasn’t the picture I wanted in my head so having an hour and a half alone with him looking ever so handsome and peacful laying there in that suite I brought down was better than any service (for me). Thank-you for the cd Betty, I just got it the other day. I will watch it on a day I’m not working and Coles at school or with his dad cause I know i’ll be a mess. My mom said Barkley was the only man she ever saw me love and my eyes light up everytime I’d see him. Even yrs later they still danced for him and they always will 😉 I miss you terribly babes and loved you more than anything. Never ending love…shanxo
=this pic was taken in Vancouver when we went down in Dec/2011. Barkley thought it would be his last time he’d see Vancouver but we went down soon after for the pep scan the following month again. Stayed at the 4-Season’s and had a beautiful weekend together 🙂
Missing my Barkley terribly everyday of my life…
Can’t wait to see you again…
You were so strong and brave-oxo
Missing you Barkley terribly everyday…
How I miss those eyes on a daily basis that stole my heart a very long time ago…
One of my favourites 🙂
Shannon
I hope to talk with you later as memories of Barkley still bring pain.
God Bless you every day
Betty
I would love that Betty!! I think about you and the boys often… We are all going through pain like no other we have ever experienced. As I said no one will ever be able to fill those shoes!!! Your son was and will always be the love of my life and I so look forward to being with him again one day and then it’s for infinity. I believe he is watching and smiling down at us in peace now. Smiling and patiently waiting with his father…
Merry Christmas Angel
Merry Christmas My Angel
Love you always and forever…until we meet again…
Barkley loved his boys SO MUCH
North Shore in Hawaii – I miss you so much Barkley ;(
Those sweet tired eyes but we made it to the plane just on time!!
Nearing 2yrs now since I saw you last and it hasn’t gotten easier. I miss you with all my heart and would give anything for just ‘one more day’!! I Love You
2yrs today ;( (just wanted to attach a pic but said I had to say something)
A very reminiscent day – Doesn’t seem like 3 yrs has past today
4 long years missed
4 long years missed
almost 6 years ;)))
Always in my Heart…
Its been 8 years!! I still think about Bark often. Its sad how we often think about our loved ones more after they’re gone then when they’re alive. I wish I could tell Bark what a unique guy he was, and the indelible mark he left on many of us.
On your 10th year gone recently… I thought about you from morning till night. As I still do a lot in life without you still. You made me the happiest girl in the world!! Wishing I hadn’t of taken that time for granted and really listened when you spoke. I would’ve heard the signs. You will always be missed immensely!!
And old picture 💘