Obituaries

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Barbour (nee Murray)
March 23, 1942 ~ June 5, 2023

It is with shattered hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Margaret Doris Barbour who slipped away peacefully at the age of 81 years on Monday, June 5, 2023 with Tanis, Brad and close friend Lisa by her side.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles ‘Bud’ Barbour in 2022, her sister Olive Moore in 2023 and her brother-in-law Arthur Moore in 2016.

Mom was born to John and Doris Murray (nee Sparks) on March 23, 1942. She was raised in Winnipeg, MB and was the last surviving immediate member of the Murray family.

Her youthful spirit is infinite; her whimsical charm indelible ~ Mom will lovingly and forever live on in the hearts she left behind.

She is survived by her daughter Tanis Lynn (Brad); nephews Bruce, Robert (Yvonne), niece Donna (Darren), stepson Charles (Barb), stepdaughter Susan (Dean), extended family and cherished friends in MB, AB and BC.

She was the best Mom I could ever have hoped for in my lifetime, how lucky was I. She mentored and surrounded me with the best of the best. Mom was loved by all who knew her. Her parenting was not limited to her daughter but to beloved family pets. And she proudly held the role as guardian to local wildlife.

Marg (‘Peggy’, ‘Mike’) was a trusted and true friend to those who shared her path in life. She enjoyed having fun and shared a great sense of humour. In 1958 at the age of 16, her first job was as a car-hop at the A&W in Lockport, MB. She was then employed with CPR in 1959 as a bike messenger and went on to accounting roles throughout her career. Her mind remained sharp.

She championed and mentored me throughout my life. She never missed a game, a recital, riding event or special occasion ~ she cheered quietly but proudly. Every occasion until her passing was made special, memorable and always met with love.

In her younger days, Marg showed her skilled driving talents racing against the guys on Henderson Highway. She was a fearless yet gentle horse woman and loved her horses. She passed this passion on to her daughter as well as her love of music.

Mom and Bud were sport’s enthusiasts who shared enjoyment in the world of stock and sprint car racing, often at Winnipeg Speed Way or across the state line. Fond memories were made among lifelong friends. They often enjoyed time at the cottage, March being her favourite time to snowmobile, ice fish and walk with Bud and our dogs. An activity she also enjoyed on the frozen La Salle River while Bud and I rode horseback along side her and Lisa and of course our dogs. Her love of nature lives on through me.

Her passion and talents for gardening was apparent and enjoyed by all who visited, either on the patio or at the dining table. She had fun bowling with friends and was a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Goldeyes; she enjoyed their wins and cringed their losses.

Her wit, charm and love of entertaining created treasured memories for so many throughout the years. Our lives are all richer for having known her and she meant much to so many.

Love, respect and trust triumphed between us during the brightest and darkest of days. As I often reminded…You were an exceptional mom and wonderful lady who led by humble example ~ I am eternally grateful to you. How I admired your dignity, grace, spirit and strength, Mom. You were my protector and ally and will remain so, forever in my heart. We only have one mom ~ as mine, you were the ultimate.

You were immensely proud of me and so was I of you, Mom. Thank you for your treasured life lessons. “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim” – Nora Ephron. You were indeed.

Keep the glasses chilled, we’ll all meet again – on horseback, frozen lakes and green pastures filled with wildflowers.

As per Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place with no formal service to be held. A private interment will take place at a later date.

We are grateful to the ICU doctors and nurses for their care and compassion at the Grace Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Margaret can be made (below) to the Winnipeg Police Service K-9 Unit, The Little Red Barn Sanctuary or a charity of their choice.

K-9 Unit via E-Transfer: http://legacy.winnipeg.ca/police/canine/canine-fund/

K-9 Unit via Mail/Email Form: http://legacy.winnipeg.ca/police/canine/donate.stm

The Little Red Barn Sanctuary, https://thelittleredbarn.org/donate/