March 19, 1947 – May 25, 2014

 

With heavy hearts, the Keller family has lost their beautiful Barbara. Wife for 47 years and soul mate of Lutz, mother of Kurt (Arlana), Karen (Shawn Canning)  and beloved Nana of Kailey and  Koen Keller and Frederic Canning. She was sister to Bob (Myra, Kara, and Denise), Bryan (Jinirose, Christine, Robert), Betty Williams (Ken, Mark, Andrew, Jordan), Brent (Jennifer, Davis), Bonni Sprague (Chris, William, David) and Brenda Reder (Mark, Erin, Kirsten) and sister-in-law to Dagmar, Eva, Arno and Christel. She also leaves to grieve beloved friends, many of whom are in Calgary, AB, Glen Lakes, FL, and Victoria, BC.

Barb’s life was a joyful and adventurous one, always with her sweetie Lutz by her side. She was a certified fitness instructor who dedicated herself to athletic pursuits that included tennis, cycling trips, marathons, triathlons, and later on – golf. She was Ladies’ Club Champion in Glen Lakes ’05 and ’08 to ‘10. She was admired for her intelligence, sharp wit, and way with words. She continued to do the cryptic crossword very late into her illness – which won’t surprise anyone who knew her. Barbara was also known for baking outstanding pies.

While she will be remembered first and foremost for the vibrant and dynamic way she lived, Barbara also endured an unpredictable 2-year battle with cancer. As with the incredible athletic prowess that marked her life, Barbara amazed everyone with the toughness, grace and humility with which she coped during her illness.

By choice, Barb passed at home in Victoria with loved ones at her bedside. She is predeceased by her parents Nell and Robert (Bob), with whom she is now reunited.

Special thanks to Victoria Home Hospice home care and palliative teams, whose support was beyond measure. Kindness came from many, near and far, and it will never be forgotten.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish (2060 Haultain St., Victoria) at 12:10 pm on Saturday, May 31, followed directly after by a reception at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, (1175 Beach Drive, Victoria) in the David Foster Theatre, commencing at 1:15.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice at http://www.victoriahospice.org/.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com

  • Bob and Grace Widmar

    We are truly blessed to have known Barb personally. Her friendliness and golfing ability will be missed. God bless Lutz for the loss of a true soul mate.

  • Pat and Terry Gale

    Lutz
    Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. We have some terrific memories and look forward to sharing them with you again someday.

  • Grace and Ian Smith

    Our deepest sympathy to Lutz and all the family. We are fortunate to have known Barb and remember fondly the wonderful time we shared with her and Lutz at Kara and Jason’s wedding.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Grace and Ian Smith

  • Mirko and Anna Pockar

    Our thoughts are with you at this time.

  • Margaret & Jack Dunphy

    Out thoughts are with you at this time. I will always have memories of Barb at the Winter Club fitness centre. Margaret

  • Adele and Nicholas Parente

    In your time of sorrow, we are keeping you and your loved ones in our prayers.

  • Dale Starman and Faye Campbell

    Lutz
    You were truly blessed to have a special woman like Barb as your Wife. You two brought so much happiness to the lives of everyone you touched. Faye and I both will always remember the hospitality you shared with us when you invited us to your home in Calgary. May you find comfort knowing the support you have from all your friends.
    Dale and Faye

  • Dave&Doris Wilkes

    Lutz and family’s our heart goes to you & yours at this very sad time.

    sincerity Dave&Doris Wilkes

  • Bill & Carol Walters

    Please except our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. She was always a joy to be around when we visited Glen Lakes. We will keep you in our prayers.

  • Pete and Jan Crombie

    We are sorry to hear about the passing of Barb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
    Pete and Jan Crombie

  • Marlene & Jim Neale

    Sorry Lutz, we just read the obituary last night. We are sincerely sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. She will be missed by all of us.
    Our Deepest Sympathies.

  • Tino and Robin DiManno

    Lutz,

    Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on the passing of Barb.

    Sincerely,

    Robin and Tino DiManno

  • Harold and Marcella McNamara

    Our sincerest condolences to Lutz and family. Barbara will certainly be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her

  • Bev Ohler

    Barb was the most determined woman I have ever known. When she decided to do something she went all the way and with great success.
    Barb and Lutz had the kind of relationship many would want to aspire to.
    Our hearts and prayers are with you.
    Peter and Bev

  • Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hanel

    We regret to learn of the passing of Barbara Keller. She was a special lady and a superb athlete. It was a privilege to have known her and now is in the hand of the Lord.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lutz and your family during this time of sorrow.

    Dick & Margaret Hanel

  • Skip & Dottie Guenther

    Our greatest sympathy to Lutz and family, we hope you will find peace as now Barb has found peace,

  • Arlene Sali

    Lutz and family,
    My sincere sympathy in your sad loss. Barb and I first met as neighbors with young children on Hunterhaven Road in Calgary. I also enjoyed the workout in her aerobics classes at the Calgary Winter Club. Later, our paths crossed again golfing at Country Hills in our ladies’ Thursday morning group. Barb was an outstanding golfer as well as being charming, enthusiastic and a smart lady who enjoyed her friends as well as competition. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Sincere condolances to all the family during this time of sorrow.

  • Ken & Helen Ong

    Our deepest condolence and love to Lutz, Kurt & family. Will be thinking about you and wishing you peace & comfort at this difficult times.

    Sincerely,
    Ken & Helen Ong

  • Udo and Wendy Adam

    Bob: Our condolences to you and Myra and family on the loss of your sister. Wendy has lost both of her brothers and knows the pain that sibling separation brings. We think of the many memories we had, and we remember meeting your sister and husband at some point in time. Our condolences to you and your family, and the many others, especially Lutz, who share in this loss.

    God Speed

  • Jane Thomas

    My deepest thoughts to the family.May love and peace

    be with you.

  • Bryanne Wood

    Lutz and family, I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s illness and its unavoidable outcome. I first met her at Bearspaw golf course with Brenda Wood and Diane Shachnowich when Barb had just begun to golf. She was not yet the superb player she would soon become, but admirable nonetheless. I watched her hit the ball several times, then I finally blurted out “Please tell me you work out, because your physique is absolutely perfect!”. I’m sure she was quite taken aback by this remark from a near-stranger. We came to know one another better when I joined her book club shortly thereafter, and I discovered she also had wit and brains and a great sense of humour. I know you’ll miss her desperately. My sincere condolences to you all.

  • Netti

    Dear Karen,

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” (Irish tombstone)

    I’m so deeply sorry for your loss! Special thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

    Sending you my love,

    Netti

  • Veronica Jackson

    Brenda, I am very sorry for your loss and that of your family. She sounds like she was an awesome sister. I hope your memories of her provide you with some small comfort at this time of loss.

  • Bruce & Deirdre Hamstead

    Dear Lutz,

    Although we hadn’t seen you or Barb for some years you were both often in our thoughts. We are sincerely sorry to hear of Barb’s passing and send you and you family our deepest sympathies. Barb was a fighter and her stubborn refusal to give in has been an inspiration to all of us.
    Please accept our sincere condolences and perhaps we will see you soon to do so in person.

    Bruce & Deirdre

  • Margaret Chalcroft

    Lutz, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Barb was a very special friend to lots of us girls at Country Hills. She certainly added lots of fun to our Thursday morning golf group. She also won her share of the quarters. But win or lose she always had that wonderful smile that made everyone feel special. We missed her when she left Calgary for Victoria but we talked off her fondly so often. Marg

  • Patricia & Gary Down

    Dearest Lutz and Family,
    Even though we knew that Barb’s valiant struggle was destined to come to this end, the news of her passing is still a shock, and brings us much sadness.
    She always brought with her a joyful spark to any gathering. Lutz, I often recall how you always referred to Barb as your “bride.” Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
    Love and hugs, Patricia and Gary

  • Darlene Blackett

    Bryan and Bonni, I remember meeting Barbara when we were in Victoria – Bonni, you and I stayed at your Mom’s place. Very sad to hear of her untimely passing. May all your wonderful memories comfort you at this difficult time as well as the strength of your family.

    Sincerely, Darlene Blackett

  • Adeline Clements

    Dear Lutz and family,
    So saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a very cool lady…classy, kind, bright, fun, and I could go on and on! Keep your happy memories close to your hearts. I know you will miss her terribly.
    Sincerely,
    Adeline & Dave

  • Randy Deines

    On behalf of the office staff at Cedar Crest we offer our condolences to Lutz, Kurt and the families. I sometimes have a hard time believing it has been 19 years working for Cedar Crest as the first time I met Barb she said, finally I can leave this office and go golfing. Barb will be remembered as a gracious host whether at a company function or at her home. She was well known for her being in top physical condition as on many occasions Lutz was teased for robbing the cradle. We at the company will always hold Barb in the highest regard.

  • Claire Mitton

    Lutz and family,
    It saddens me to hear the news of Barb. She was a cherished friend to all of the ladies at Country Hills Golf Club. I so enjoyed playing golf with her and appreciated her competitive spirit. I would always tease her on our Thursday morning game for quarters when she would come with her full bag ( a johnie walker velvet ) of quarters. Needless to say she won her fair share of quarters. She was a very good friend and we will miss her dearly. Claire

  • Brian & Carol Cote

    Lutz, we are very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing, we know what a “team’ you guys were. We have many fond memories of trips, dogs swimming pool bbq’s and other fun in the early days at university and when you guys had just started your family. Our best wishes to Kurt and Karen and families as well.

    Sincerely,
    Brian and Carol Cote

  • Brenda and Bob Wood

    We are both so saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. In the 30 plus years that I have known Barb, I have always held her in such high esteem and am blessed to have had our paths cross in our life’s journey. We have shared many wonderful memories—our cycle trip through Louisiana, hiking outings, ski days, and, most of all, her presence in our book club. She was such a wonderful addition to our group with her sharp insight, intelligence, and zest for life. I have always admired her and will always remember her. Lutz, Bob and I send you our deepest condolences.

  • Jason and Petra Keller

    Even though Barb has lost the battle, my fond memories of her will always live on. With sincerest condolences and heartfelt love to Lutz, Kurt, Karen and the whole family.

    Jason and Petra Keller

  • Don Ingram

    Lutz
    Heather and I offer our sincerest condolences. It has been a long time old friend and I wanted you to know we are thinking of you and your family.

    Don Ingram

  • Blaise and Joanne McNeil

    We met Barb and Lutz at our neighbourhood block party on Broadview Road many years ago. We became great friends and enjoyed many wonderful times together. Most memorable were our golf getaways to Golden BC, Florida visits, barbecues and countless games of gin rummy with Blaise and Barbie always trying their hardest. Barbie will be forever in our hearts. We will remember her for her sharp wit, her fabulous smile, her zest for life, her love of family and friends and her sweet nature. Until we meet again, our dear friend.
    Much love,
    Blaise and Joanne

  • Christine/John Miller

    Our sincerest condolences to your entire family Brenda.
    We are thinking of you as you come to terms with the loss of your very tenatious sister Barb.
    Sincerely,
    Christine and John
    Emily,Natalie and Justin Miller

  • Erica Bletsoe

    Sending love to the whole family during this sad time. A beautiful tribute. xo

  • Judith & Ken Griffiths

    Ken and I offer our sincerest condolences. We met Barbara at Shawn and Karen’s wedding. Barbara was a gracious and lovely lady.
    We admired her tenacity, strength and love for her family.
    Our sympathies to her husband, children, grandchildren and siblings.
    Sincerely,

    Judy & Ken Griffiths

  • Dave and Bette Campbell

    When Dave and I think of Barb, we think of her energy, tenacity, friendship, humour, brains and talent. We remember way back to our tennis days at the Winter Club, Calgary. Barb and I joined a bookclub at the same time. Her insight and contribution to reading and sharing of her thoughts and opinions were always admired. A few years ago, we went on a very memorable cycle trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. We had so many laughs ie: Lutz’s encounter with a huge snapping turtle, getting lost only to find a welcome bar, and much more. We enjoyd a visit to Weeki Wachee, FL with the usual Keller 5 star hosting including LOTS of golf,Barb’s famous cooking, Lutz’s barbecuing extrodinaire, and joining in with their many fun loving friends. Barb was one class act and a beautiful woman. Her smile lit up a room! She will be missed more than words can say.

    With deep sadness and love, Dave and Bette Campbell

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR