CANNING, Barbara Jean (nee Vale)
December 31, 1930 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
December 5, 2022 - Cochrane, Alberta
Barbara Canning beloved wife of Ken Canning of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022 at the age of 91 years.
Barbara was born and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and it’s where she met Ken and the friendship and courtship turned into a marriage that was filled with love for 69 years.
After several transfers between Winnipeg and Calgary they finally settled on their acreage near Cochrane where they resided until 2018. Barbara wasn’t sure she’d like the rural life, but she did and the family of five children were raised there.
Barbara was known as the community babysitter for many years before Ken retired, at which time they then travelled to Mesa, Arizona as Snowbirds to enjoy their winters there.
Barbara was first and foremost a homemaker but also worked at Howes Bros Lumber in Cochrane and as a Returning Officer for all levels of government, a job she truly enjoyed.
Barbara enjoyed lawn bowling, a game they played in Mesa, and she then coached a team of blind lawn bowlers, taking them to national and international tournaments.
Travelling with Ken and family, to not only Arizona, but all corners of the world, and especially Australia, to visit her son and his family, was always a thrill. Even travelling at a slower pace in their Model T, with the Foothills Model T Club, took them to many places.
Besides her loving husband, Barbara is survived by her sons, Murray (Rhoda) Canning of Oak Lake, Manitoba, Grant (Mary) Canning of Calgary, Alberta, and Ross (Rita) Canning of Myamyn, Australia; her daughters, Sheila (Ted) French of Cochrane, Alberta, and Ruth Leman of Regina, Saskatchewan; seven grandchildren, Layton, Jacqui, Trevor, Stephen, Alanah, Ruby, and Jacob; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived, and fondly remembered by her brother Richard (Bernice) Vale; her sister Linda (Jake) Hyslop, sister-in-law Vivian Evans; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Bethany Care Cochrane for the kind and compassionate care Barbara received while residing there.
To honour Barbara’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will take place. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to ASRAB #120, 10-11A St NE Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3.
We love you and miss you. Rest in Peace.
In living memory of Barbara Canning, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane.
