(Maiden: McLeod )
Jan 22, 1929 - Dec 17, 2012
My thoughts are with all of you on the passing of your Mom. Mrs Poole or Barbara as I later felt comfortable addressing her was great fun. From our days on Summit Drive to the cabin at Pigeon or skiing in Lake Louise, it was always such fun to be included in things with your family. I feel fortunate to have had tea with her and Peter not long ago and she was giving the thumbs up lots even then. She will be missed, not as the great philanthropist that she was (unknowingly to me so much) but as a great person and friend. The world is less now with her passing...........her memory and that of your Dad will always live on in Edmonton.
Rest in Peace Barb, a job well done!!!!
posted by Louis Beauchamp : Friends of Peter and the family for over 45 years : Jan 02, 2013
I was so saddened when I heard of the passing of Barbara Poole. We lived in different cities so did not visit very often and there never seemed time to keep in touch. I did visit her in the spring of 2012 after the passing of my wife, when I felt that I must make contact with family and friends whom I had not seen for a long time. Barbara was very pleased to see me, and we spent an enjoyable afternoon catching up on our families, reminiscing about old times, and sharing a bottle of wine. This is a memory that will last forever. I know that she will be missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. Wishing you strength for today and in the days ahead.
posted by Stuart Reid : I am her cousin on her father's side : Dec 30, 2012
I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of the finest women ever to have graced this great city. Barbara was an extraordinary person who received much and gave even more. Her generosity of spirit and philanthropy knew no stereotypical and artificial boundaries. She was a person who cared about people......it mattered not to Barbara whether you were a prince or a pauper; you were a person and, as such, deserved her genuine interest. We have a lasting legacy in Edmonton of what the generosity of John and Barbara Poole gave us. We are richer for what they left behind but poorer for their absence. They are sorely missed but will never be forgotten. Those who crossed their path are immeasurably richer for the experience.
posted by Ivan Ivankovich : John and Barbara Poole were personal friends who I met several years ago. They complemented each other so beautifully. : Dec 27, 2012
It is with great sadness that I learned of Barbara's passing. While I met her only occasionally through the Canadian Society for Decorative Arts, I was each time impressed by her graciousness, good humour and hospitality. She will be missed by all those who value the enriching role that an appreciation for the arts and material culture plays in our lives. Barbara's own life is ample evidence of that enrichment.
posted by Victoria Dickenson : Through the Canadian Society for Decorative Arts. : Dec 23, 2012
Barbara provided an example to all of a 'life well lived'. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and share a poem in the hopes that it eases their sense of loss.
Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep -- Mary Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
posted by Dawn Riingrose : While growing up, I lived in the same neighbourhood as the Poole family and enjoyed going to school with Scott and attending synchronized swimming practice with Susan. Since that time, I always appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with members of the family across social occasions. : Dec 22, 2012
My husband passed away last year at this time, and Barbara sent me a beautiful card, saying Gene had "flew away" and was in a peaceful place. Thank you Barbara for your friendship to Gene and I...you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I can only hope you meet up with Gene in heaven, and share a glass of wine!
God Bless!
Toni Kalita
posted by Antonia Kalita : My husband Gene Kalita and Barbara were good friends. They were members of a Wine group who met regularly throughout the year. : Dec 21, 2012
Our thoughts are with you Susan, Scott & Peter. We have many wonderful memories of Barbara that will be with us forever. Barbara & John were the most wonderful, fun loving couple. A very tearful Mistaya sends her condolences as well. She has wonderful memories of your mom & dad as well. They definitely made this world better. And for that we are so thankful. Unfortunately we will not be in Edmonton January 3 but our thoughts will be with you.
Stay strong - Love you Maureen & Barry
posted by Maureen Hemingway Schloss : friends : Dec 21, 2012
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of Barbara. Barbara and John had a profound impact on NAIT. Their support of our students and the institution was instrumental in NAIT becoming one of Canada's leading polytechnics. Her broader support of Edmonton, including the arts and health, created a better city and province. Barbara made a difference, and will be missed.
God bless,
Glenn Feltham
posted by Glenn Feltham : As the President and CEO of NAIT : Dec 21, 2012
On behalf of CNIB, AB/NT Divison, please accept our heartfelt condolences on Barbara'a passing. No one can take away the pain and loss you must feel, but hopefully you can take comfort in the knowledge that Barbara has flown to her final resting place. May loving memories be your constant comfort and fill your hearts with peace.
posted by Tracey Harrison : Barbara has been a major contributor to CNIB for over a decade. Her generosity and dedication has helped bring knowledge, skill and opportunity to those who are blind or partially sighted so they can live the lives they choose. : Dec 21, 2012