Obituary of Barbara Jean Ford

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her children Holly (Nathan) Penner, Wayne (Jackie) Ford, Larry Ford, Crystal Ford and Shawn Ford; her siblings Lesley (Larry), Deanna (Brad), Sharon (Larry) and Donald (Janet); her grandchildren Candace, Jasmine, Abreanna, Brannt, Kaylee, Ella, Gabriel, Aubrey and Reese as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Barbara was born in Fort William Ontario on November 29th, 1948 to Edna Denby, who later married Doug Baillie. Life brought Barb to Saskatchewan where she eventually settled in Saltcoats with her then husband, Lawrence, and their children. She tried her hand at numerous career paths including the healthcare field, a short stint in real estate, a craft business, and finally as a bus driver beloved by many students over the years. 

Barb was a woman of many talents, but she was especially artistically gifted. She was an avid painter using both watercolor and acrylic, created various holiday decorations, made wreaths in recent years, as well as having many other creative projects on the go at all times. She loved spending time outdoors whether that was tending her flower pots, time spent across the lake, or evenings around the bonfire with family and friends. When not outside or at her crafting table, Barb could be found baking pies, bread or her famous turtles at Christmas time. Barb was also a great lover of animals, and in recent years was never seen without her faithful dog, Gypsy.

Barb was very passionate about improving the Saltcoats Regional Park and spent many years on the park board working on various improvement projects. She also spent a couple of summers running the Saltcoats Lake Concession, where her Wednesday night suppers were a hit around town. She fondly remembered the days when the ball diamonds were full, the ice cream line ups at the concession were long and the July 1st celebrations brought crowds of people across the lake. 

Barb will be remembered for her infectious smile and hearty laugh, the aromas in her kitchen on pie and bread making days, the many crafts and paintings she has gifted to friends and family, and for her efforts and contributions she made to improving the Saltcoats Regional Park.  

We miss her dearly, but her stories, recipes, paintings and memories will live on with us for years. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saltcoats Regional Park Board or STARS air ambulance.