We Remember

RODGER, Barbara Beverley

June 15, 1947 — August 29, 2026

The spark of white light we knew as Barb Rodger rejoined the infinite light of the universe on August 29, 2026. As she made the transition, she was comforted by her loving husband Laurie, her darling daughters Shawna and Kelsey, and her dear sister Sheila.

Barb’s light is missed by many because she shone brightly in many ways. She was Nana to Addison, Gavin, and Hank. She was Auntie Barb to Craig, Graeme, Eric, Graham, Burt, Claire, and Lauren. At her request, she was Big Momma to her sons-in-law Dan and Justin. She was a friend who became family to too many to list here, but they know who they are.

Barb was born Barbara Beverley Wait on June 15, 1947, in Nelson, British Columbia. She was a swimmer, runner, and head of the cheerleading team in her high school. Her love of food began with cooking classes in high school, and her parents and sister often enjoyed the fruits of her education at home. Through high school and university Barb worked in the kitchen at Kootenay Lake Hospital.

Teaching is a calling, and Barb answered the call for 35 years. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at UBC, Barb taught in Coquitlam and Mackenzie before moving to Kelowna in 1972 to teach at KLO. During these years she would meet some of her dearest friends. Over the decades, she worked at Hollywood Road Jr., Springvalley Secondary, and Kelowna Senior Secondary. She retired in 2006, but continued to teach on call for five years out of caring for students and sharing her love of food. Everywhere Barb went, former students would stop her to say she was their favourite teacher. She would unfailingly remember each one, including their siblings, their best friends, and lab partners in the class.

Barbie was petite, but she had a large presence everywhere from school halls to dim sum restaurants to the dinner table. She would often affirm, “I’m small but mighty!”.

Barb found Laurie, the love of her life, in 1975 and married him in 1978. The tight-knit family they built loved dancing, cooking, and constantly laughing, all brightened by the magic and sparklers of little Barbie. Most family trips were to visit family and friends in Nelson, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. In their retirement, Barb and Laurie saw the world together, visiting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In May of this year, they celebrated 48 years of marriage.

We will celebrate the special light that was Barbie in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping her life’s work continue by donating to the Barb Rodger Bursary for Culinary Arts Students.

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

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Barb Rodger Bursary for Culinary Arts Students Link: www.bit.ly/BarbiesBursary

 


 


Condolences

  • Rick Thomson says:
    September 4, 2026 at 5:35 pm

    A beautiful obituary for, as I first knew her -Barbi. Both Barb and Sheila donated their summertime and talents at the wonderful kitchen at Camp Koolaree! I liked dish duty because Barb always had something special just round the corner….happy times! The Wait girls are a proud part of Nelson 50’s and 60’s!

    Reply
  • Jane & Mike Hodder says:
    September 4, 2026 at 8:14 pm

    I feel incredibly blessed to have had a friend like Barb,
    Even as the years passed with less time spent together, the memories never left. Her amazing Witt, her infectious laugh, her generosity & her positively endless spirit of light beamed through with words of wisdom, always accompanied with a warm bright smile.
    Laurie, Shawna & Kelsey, her absence is going to leave a huge void in your lives. I’m so sorry she was taken far too early. Our world has lost a very special soul, but her light shall always shine bright.
    She is One of a kind,
    Love Jane

    Reply
    • Victor Gauthier says:
      September 5, 2026 at 9:49 am

      I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Barbe. She was a truly magnificent person, and a brilliant, radiant light to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit had a way of lifting up every room she walked into, leaving a lasting impression on so many hearts.
      The world feels a little dimmer without her presence, but the love and brightness she shared so generously will continue to shine through everyone she touched. Please know that you are in my thoughts, and I am sending you strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
      With my deepest condolences,
      Victor Gauthier

      Reply
  • Michael and Alison Dyson says:
    September 8, 2026 at 11:52 am

    Laurie, Shawna, and Kelsey,
    We’re both feeling so sorry for your loss. Barb was a very special person, and we feel lucky to have known her. We will carry her in our hearts and memories forever. I remember that in 1979, I had just returned from theatre school in England, and was feeling a bit lost. I went up to Kelowna and spent three weeks with Laurie and Barb. She was very busy being a new mum with Shawna. However, she took charge, gave me a big pep talk, and helped me send off letters, photos and resumes to every theatre company in B.C. Three months later, I landed my first acting job in a play in Vancouver. She even helped me find some work in an apple orchard for a few weeks, because I was flat broke! Her kindness, positivity and generosity helped launch me into the world of show biz, and I will be forever grateful. White light!

    Reply
  • Peggy says:
    October 2, 2026 at 11:36 pm

    Deeply shocked & saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. Barb’s warm personality & dazzling smile brought light to everyone fortunate to meet her. Barb & Laurie’s presence & generosity at the Kelowna Buddhist Temple fundraisers & large year-end gifts were very much appreciated.
    Laurie, Shawna, Kelsey, Shiela, we are profoundly grateful to have known her & grieve with you all.

    Reply

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