PHYLLIS BARICH (EPP)

Condolences & Memories (30 entries)

• My thoughts and prayers are with Helmut in memory of my former colleague Phyllis. - Posted by: Philip (Was employed (through S.T.E.P.) at the Manitoba Education Library) on: Jan 14, 2022

• I was Phyllis' room mate in London, ON when she was doing her Masters in Library Science. I must say, I just realized she had passed away today, in 2016 while trying to find her on FB . I am saddened for her loss, as she meant a lot to so many people. Phyllis and I shared meals in our common kitchen, and many laughs, many Earl Grey teas, many episodes of MASH, and we both shared the love of The Wizard of Oz, our favourite movie. She was full of life and enjoyed her library work. I got the chance to visit her when she first moved to Winnipeg, and Phyllis kindly took me all around the area. She was an excellent tour guide as well as a friend. Nadia Schewtschenko of Guelph, ON - Posted by: Nadia Schewtschenko (room mate) on: Aug 23, 2016

• I just recently learned of Phyllis's passing, when there was a posting about a memorial for her and I am so saddened by this. We met at the Dept of Ed library when I was working there for the summer and Phyllis had just started as a new librarian. We had so much fun that summer and colluded and bonded over all sorts of antics and some work related things as well. Over the years whenever we saw each other we just picked right up where we had left off the last time. It was always such a pleasure to spend time with Phyllis and hear how her life was going. I know her most happiest time was when she met her husband and was married. As she told me the story of her meeting and marriage to Helmut she positively radiated sunshine and such joy. She was in love and content with life with her mate. My condolences on the loss of one of the truly nicest people I have ever known. Phyllis will always be remembered fondly by those who knew her and she will be missed. Sleep well friend. - Posted by: Terri Tomchyshyn (Colleagues) on: Jul 18, 2015

• Phyllis' unique Life, dedicated to the pursuit of information---its opportunities and possibilities--- was the consummate professional. Her family ties were deep and Mothering. One of my Dad's helpful advice to my family, was to try to retain a child-like exuberance, while going down the road to adulthood. Phyllis lived that concept extremely well, also. The playful side of her character, amused and delighted many of her co-workers, over the last 30 years or so. Our relationship, as co-workers began at the Manitoba Education Library. A childrens' literature conference known as "Images", inspired Phyllis to "become", the little girl character (Phyllis was even "short" for the part!)"Sarah". Brenda Clark, the author who penned the storybook, chose the scene of Sarah, in the rain, for her front cover. And there was Phyllis, donned in the bright yellow slicker, cap, boots, and umbrella. The author beamed and cheerfully claimed, that she had never come across such an avid fan. Us two "grown" women wanted to make a Summer student feel welcome, and presented him with a birthday cake, complete with candles lit. Unknowingly, we had chosen the exact location below the fire alarm. A full-blown evacuation of the five floor building ensued, with hundreds of co-workers, a regalia of firemen on the street. And the firestorm from the boss, REALLY heated up that Summer afternoon! Perhaps the most touching, and a one-of-a-kind escapade, was Phyllis' farewell evening at the Legislature dining room. Our MB Educ. Librarian decided to pursue a challenging new work venue. A "surprise" (and it really WAS for her!) theme for the evening was the premiere of the much-rehearsed, tweaked, spoofed in the re-writes, many, many times version, of the "Wizard of Oz" movie. Phyllis had such a sweet, close connection to that movie. We all tried to replicate the scenes, complete with craftily created props and costumes. And our own marquee of co-workers/friends, rounding out the characters of the movie. Phyllis was absolutely astounded with all the preparation that our staff had provided. Phyllis shone in her role as Dorothy! Phyllis, my friend, you left us way too early. But those that were close to you, will forever have you in our hearts, and treasure our times together. And we will also have much respect for a remarkable woman, who DID make a difference! - Posted by: Carol Stanton Sawatzky (Friend/Co-worker) on: Jan 22, 2015

• I will miss seeing Phyllis at the library's media desk. She was always exceptionally patient and kind -- particularly when I returned my media rentals, which were almost always late. Her sense of humour and spirited nature was striking and memorable; I'm sure she put smiles on the faces of many students here at the college who were lucky enough to meet her. She definitely put one on mine! - Posted by: Megan Redmond (RRC Student) on: Jan 12, 2015

• So sad to hear of Phyllis' passing. Even though we had met you only last summer we felt a kinship with you. May God carry you in His arms in this time of sorrow. - Posted by: John & Marlene Friesen () on: Dec 23, 2014

• Phyllis will be missed. Haven't seen her in several years. Our mothers were first cousins. Sympathy to all the family. - Posted by: Maureen Van Alstine (nee Masson) (cousin) on: Dec 15, 2014

• I am so sorry to hear the sad news. We will miss her welcoming smile and kindness, RRC library will not be the same without you Phyllis. My sincere condolences to Phyllis' family, friends, and colleagues. - Posted by: Haider Al-Saidi (Colleague) on: Dec 15, 2014

• As a colleague at RRC, I enjoyed sharing our love of books. Phyllis will be missed. My condolences to Phyllis' family at this time. My heart goes out to you. - Posted by: Astrid De Bruyn (Colleague at RRC) on: Dec 15, 2014

• Phyllis, You were such a special and considerate person, I was lucky to have you as a cousin. My most favorite memories with you involve; the movie Xanadu, rainbow stickers and a sparkly boa that you got for me when I was 5. You were put on a pedestal for me that very day! I loved playing badminton with you at the refit center, and taking DeLuca's cooking class together. I was always so proud of your accomplishments in addition to you as a person. I am sorry for your loss Helmut. Love, Mikki, Tim and Lucky - Posted by: mikki barich (cousin) on: Dec 15, 2014

• I am very much saddened to know about the sudden loss of Phyllis. I remember fondly the long hours of meetings to work on MLA conferences when we would be sure of Phyllis' enthusiastic support and tireless energy. Phyllis' passing is a great loss to Winnipeg's library world. - Posted by: Ganga Dakshinamurti (Manitoba Library Association colleague) on: Dec 15, 2014

• Our home will have a special candle this Christmas. Its 'The Phyllis Candle'. Jessie & Arne - Posted by: Jessie and Arne Schellenberg (friends) on: Dec 14, 2014

• Condolences to Helmut and all the family with the passing of Phyllis. She will be missed by all who knew her. Someone as special as Phyllis will never be forgotten. She will remain in our hearts forever. - Posted by: Norman Beltrame () on: Dec 13, 2014

• I was deeply saddened to hear of Phyllis' sudden death. I admired her dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and good humour at Manitoba Education. Much to my surprise I moved into a house across the street from her and spent a decade cheerfully greeting her, chatting with her and watching her nurture her garden. My sincere condolences to Helmut and family. - Posted by: Erika Kreis (Colleague at Manitoba Education) on: Dec 12, 2014

• Our sincere condolences to Helmut and families on the loss of such a vibrant and wonderful person. We will always remember her smile, her sense of humour, her professionalism, her dedication to her work and above all, the caring way she dealt with everyone she met. Such a special lady. - Posted by: Eliana and Ed Buller (Colleagues at Manitoba Education and friends) on: Dec 12, 2014

• My sincere condolences to Phyllis' family and friends. She had a caring and generous nature, and a wonderful sense of humor. I am impressed by her devotion to family and community. We were colleagues and friends at Manitoba Education. Later, it was wonderful to have her support as librarian, when I instructed courses at the Princess Street Campus of Red River College. It was great to see her so happy in her work there. - Posted by: Barbara Kelly (work colleague) on: Dec 12, 2014

• I'll very much miss my visits with Phyllis in the Library at RRC. We had many laughs together. She was always good to our staff and students in the Creative Communications program (and very patient!). My condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Tracey Seida (RRC colleague) on: Dec 12, 2014

• My deepest sympathy to the family. I had the privilege of working with Phyllis and her family. - Posted by: Debbie Corbett (I am Georges Support In sault Ste Marie Phyliss's Brother) on: Dec 12, 2014

• My deepest condolences go out to Phyllis’s family, friends and colleagues. Phyllis’s amazing spirit and all she brought to Red River College will be missed immensely. She was such a beautiful person, with such an amazing caring way about her. She will leave a huge void in our Red River College family. Michelle Johnson Colleague and huge Phyllis fan! - Posted by: Michelle Johnson (Colleague and huge Phyllis fan!) on: Dec 12, 2014

• Phyllis, From the minute I met you in the library, your passion for your work was evident. Your willingness to share and invite people into your world made your home away from home (the library) welcoming for all. Your reach was longer than you know. Your impact was greater than you can imagine. - Posted by: Teresa Menzies ((RRC Instructor, colleague)) on: Dec 12, 2014

• Phyllis' inviting smile was what made her special. - Posted by: Sandra Sukhan (RRC colleague) on: Dec 12, 2014

• So heartbroken to hear of Phyllis' passing - she was such a loyal and faithful friend to me, and so very, very generous. It was a privilege to know her. My sincere condolences to her family, and all who knew her. - Posted by: Danielle MacAulay-Williams (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2014

• I am so deeply saddened to hear of Phyllis' passing and offer my heartfelt condolences to her family. Phyllis was a mentor to me in my early days as a librarian. I will always remember her kindness to me and her winning sense of humour. - Posted by: Arlene Johnson (Librarian colleague) on: Dec 12, 2014

• Dear Helmut - our sincere sympathy for your loss, Phyllis was a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Louise and Ron Fenwick (Friend) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I'm so sorry for your loss, I met Phyllis 30 years ago when we worked for the Education Library and was immediately struck by her vibrant personality, strong work ethic and her commitment to libraries. Her passing leaves a huge gap in our library world and she will be missed. - Posted by: Yolanda Hogeveen (Work colleague) on: Dec 11, 2014

• Unforgettable - That's what YOU ARE! Always in our hearts and minds. Thank you for your unconditional love and we hope you know how much you meant to us - how very very much you are loved as a sister, sister-in-law and aunt! - Posted by: Monica (Barich) , Murray, Peter and Julie Haase (Sister) on: Dec 11, 2014

• Dear Barich and Epp Families, Although my dearest friend of more than 30 years and I had not seen each other recently, I often thought of her as my home has items that remind me of her. Since reading the news this morning at work, I have thought of many of the times we spent together, and this is all I have been able to do since. I wish you to know I am here for you -- those whom I have met personally and those of you whom I have heard about often during the luncheon dates my dear friend and I used to have. I think fondly of all of you and cannot begin to imagine what you are going through. With love always, Rita On behalf of the Prokopetz Family: Guy, Rita, Julian and Stefan - Posted by: Rita Zuba Prokopetz (Friend of 30+ years) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I am saddened by Phyllis' passing and my condolences go out to all of you in her family. Phyllis and I both worked in "Special Libraries" and both ended up at RRC at the Princess Street Campus. In fact she turned to me for advice on whether she should apply for the position at Red River College. It was rewarding to see her being so happy at her new job. - Posted by: Patricia Routledge (Library colleague) on: Dec 11, 2014

• We were very saddened to hear of Phyllis' passing, so prematurely, and after such a valiant struggle. Ted and I remember well our visit to your home, where Phyllis and I found common ground in our love of books and family. Our thoughts are with you all as you find your way to living without her. - Posted by: Linda (Epp) VanderWal (Cousin of Helmut) on: Dec 11, 2014

• I'm so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was so warm and friendly to me when I first met her at our wedding shower. I've never forgotten how at ease I felt with her that day. It was always to lovely to run into her in the community or at school functions. You are in our thoughts. Tanya (and Brent) - Posted by: Tanya Merke Epp () on: Dec 11, 2014