January 4, 1950 - November 28, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Barb passed away peacefully in her home on November 28, 2023 surrounded by family and friends after a two year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 73 years old.
Barb was born January 4, 1950 to Jack and Betty Bryant in Winnipeg Manitoba. In 1952 the family moved to Calgary were she was raised.
After university Barb spent a few years in Vancouver before moving to Nelson, where she spent most of her adult life. Barb obtained a degree in Micro Biology from the University of Alberta, Edmonton and early in her career was proud of the work she did at Vancouver Children's Hospital in genetic diseases.
Barb loved and had strong ties to the Kootenays; her families had been here for over 100 years, she moved to Nelson in the late 70's. In Nelson Barb pursued teaching and became an instructor in Developmental Education through Selkirk's College Adult Basic Educational Program. Barb found her passion in teaching, enjoyed the interaction with her colleagues but especially in helping older students advance in their careers.
Nothing made Barb happier then seeing her students succeed. In 1978 Barb married Al Coombs who she met while skiing at Whistler. Together they raised two children, Timothy and Adrienne.
Barb was a bit of a nerd and a lifelong learner of the sciences, she relished her monthly sit down with the latest Discovery magazine. Barb enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing, curling, and fishing (must be a Kootenay girl!). She took up golf later in life and enjoyed her many rounds and trips with her spirited lady friends the Golf Bags.
Barb was a private person who valued her close relationships especially her close friend Jan. Over the many years of their friendship, they spent countless hours on the phone supporting each other and trying to solve the world's problems.
Barb loved cooking and sewing for the family especially when it involved Eloise her beloved granddaughter. In retirement she enjoyed cruising around the world, and as a snowbird spent many winters in southern California and later in Portugal.
Barb was predeceased by her mother Betty (nee Kemp), Father Jack Bryant and brother-in-law Tony Coombs.
She is survived by her husband, Al, her two children Adrienne and Timothy(Emily McEwen), sister Penny(Richard McFarland) her sister in law Norma, nieces Leslie(Jeremy Hopwood), Sari, Kristen(Conan Murphy) and nephew Warren(Robin Clouston) and one precious granddaughter Eloise.
Barb's legacy was one of love, generosity and dedication to her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
If you wish to contribute, Barb's favorite charity is: Altitude Project Community Support Foundation (check it out online)
To leave a personal message of condolence please see Thompson Funeral Service website: https://www.thompsonfs.ca