Barbara Jane DUGGAN (nee Parsons)
It is with love and deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Barbara Jane Duggan, 80, of Kelowna on April 29, 2017. Born in Calgary, Alberta and educated in Moncton, New Brunswick, Barbara was the eldest daughter of the late Bruce and Sallie (Gillespie) Parsons.
In the mid 1950's, Barbara had the opportunity to work as one of the pioneers in two industries: television and passenger air travel. As a copywriter and on-air personality with CKCW TV in Moncton, Barbara became well-known for her daily children’s show, “Barbie’s Scrapbook.” Following CKCW, Barbara accepted a Toronto-based position as a “Stewardess” with Trans Canada Airlines, now Air Canada.
In 1959, Barbara married the love of her life and best friend, Richard William Duggan, and the couple moved to Vancouver where they were to spend thirty-one years working and raising their two sons, Michael Patrick and Craig Stuart Duggan. As the boys grew, Barbara decided to return to work and went on to excel in several challenging positions. She served as Executive Assistant to then BC Cabinet Minister Stephen Rogers, and also held major responsibilities for the BC Government’s participation in the design, development and operation of the BC Pavilion at Expo ‘86. Barbara was also a co-author of the Expo Official Souvenir Guide. Following Expo, Barbara joined the Port of Vancouver as its first Director of Corporate Communications, a position she held until retiring with Dick to Kelowna in 1992.
Barbara and Dick have had an active retirement, travelling to numerous parts of the world, golfing, sailing and enjoying their family. Barbara also found time to give back to her community, serving for twelve years on the Board of Directors of the Kelowna YMCA, including a term as Board President; and on the national board of YMCA Canada. Barbara also played a significant role on the committee responsible for the design and funding of the Kelowna H2O Centre.
Barbara will be greatly missed by her husband, Dick; sons Michael (Catherine) and Craig (Heidi) and six grandchildren: Taylor, Lauren, Summer and Maya Duggan of Kelowna; and Connor and Sarah Duggan of Duvall, Washington. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters Penny Watling, Sue Murray and Claire Parsons of Moncton; and Nancy Philley (Rich Reitmeier) of South Surrey, BC. Barbara was predeceased by sisters Sally Walker and MeKay Empey of Nova Scotia; and brother-in-law Counte Duggan of Ontario.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel, Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 4, 2017 with interment following at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. The family also invites friends to share in a celebration of Barbara’s life at the Kelowna Yacht Club Thursday at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to the Kelowna YMCA or the Junior Sailing Program, Kelowna Yacht Club. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.