Barbara JOHNSTON

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JOHNSTON: On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, surrounded by family, Barbara Eileen Johnston (nee Routledge) peacefully passed away at the age of 54 years. Barbara was born to Elgin and Irene Routledge on March 16, 1961 in Hamiota, Manitoba. She attended school in Lenore, Manitoba until it closed and then attended Virden for her junior and senior high school years. Barbara was raised on the family farm, along with her four brothers. The lone girl growing up with four brothers, likely planted the first seeds of personal determination as she held her own there. After graduating from High School, Barbara went to work in Brandon. In April of 1981, Barbara started working for CIBC in Virden. Over the years she worked her way up to more senior roles, ultimately becoming the CIBC Banking Center Manager for Virden and Elkhorn. Barbara met her future husband John at the young age of 14. Barbara told her mother that John would be the man she married after setting eyes on him at a local party. She was proven correct when they became engaged on Halloween night in 1980. Barbara and John were married on June 27, 1981 in Lenore, Manitoba. Oak lake has been called home, where they raised their three sons. Barbara was dedicated to her family, always lending a guiding hand to her boys with their homework and projects. Encouraging her boys to pursue post-secondary education was always very important to Barbara. She also enjoyed family activities such as camping, bonfires and simple family gatherings. Barbara was a dedicated hockey mom spending many weekends in arenas all over Manitoba. Working full time, raising a family, and looking after the house took up much of her time. Travelling was a passion that John and Barbara shared. They travelled together to Europe, China, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nova Scotia, and many more locations, sharing great memories and meeting new friends. Barbara liked to relax while vacationing, and even enjoyed the occasional cigarillo and glass of wine. Barbara and John had a very memorable, unplanned, and awe-inspiring visit to the Great Wall when they visited China. Barbara loved to laugh, even though some of her largest laughs were at John’s expense, however, he regularly gave her reason to do so as well. She had a vibrant smile that would light up anyone’s day. Barbara was a strong, determined and very organized woman. From work, it transferred into her home life. With John, and her three sons being on the local Fire Department, when a fire call would come in, she would ensure the garage door was open, and the keys were ready. On November 26th while vacationing in Cuba, Barbara became ill and was taken to a hospital in Santa Clara, Cuba. Her condition continued to worsen, and after seven days and a huge struggle, with the help of family and friends she was finally able to be transferred to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 2nd. With the best medical care available to her for the next 26 days, Barbara fought very hard but her condition deteriorated more and the decision was made to fly her back home to be with family and friends. Again after many phone calls and lots hard work on the part of family and friends she was flown to Brandon on the morning of December 28th and transferred to the Brandon ICU where she passed away early in the morning of December 29th. Barbara was predeceased by her mother Irene Routledge, father-in-law and mother-in-law Barry and Georgina Johnston, brother-in -law Brent Doherty. Barbara leaves to mourn her husband John, sons Derek, Ryan and his fiancé Stephanie, and Riley, her father Elgin Routledge, mother- in-law Erva Johnston, brothers Russell and wife Sharon, Garth and wife Maxine, Barry and wife Kathy, Les and wife Sue Routledge, sisters-in-law Judy McLean and her husband Wallace, Joan Doherty, Janice Johnston and her husband Gord Huminuk and brother-in-law Jerry and wife Debbie, as well her Aunt Merle Mooney, many nieces and nephews and many friends. A Beautiful funeral service was held Monday, January 4th, 2016 in Virden, Manitoba. Reverend Don Stellsted officiated the funeral. Many family, friends and community members attended. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or the Oak Lake Sifton Fire Department in memory of Barbara.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 30, 2016