Bugle Call: Barbara Thake

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Barb Thake.  She was a wonderful woman.  She and Rich were generous supporters of The History Project.  I had a number of opportunities to meet with Barb in the summer of 2011 to talk about the Fee family and their involvement in the history of Sturgeon Point.  In turn, I was able to share some information with her.  The Fee and Thake family albums have been an amazing addition to the record of our community.  But this has been only one of the very many contributions she has made to our community.  She will be deeply missed.  My condolences to Richard, Kristin, Jonathan, Ashley and their families.

Barb at the Point- 1949

Barb, Rich, Eva and a friend

Barb, 1962

Barb in the centre, 1990s

 

BARBARA THAKE Once in a rare while, God sends an angel to remind us of the deep-down meaning of unconditional love. The Thake family was very, very lucky, because one of the angels He sent us was an angel called Barbara. To her children Kristin, Jonathan and Ashley, Barbara was "Mum". To her grandchildren Cameron, Duncan, Claire, she was "Nana". To her husband Richard, she was his "Angel" all her life. And to everyone else who knew her, she was good old, silly old, huggable, loveable "Auntie Barb". And on Thursday evening, with her work here finished, our Angel returned to God's arms. Goodbye, Auntie Barb. We love you more than words can ever say - because you taught us that love is so much more than words. It's hugs and laughter. Cupcakes and little wax candles and gold stars on Allowance Charts. Love is goodnight kisses, hosting noon-hour lunches and family dinners - when you would sit there enjoying every moment of our enjoyment just being in the same room together. And although our world has been greatly diminished by your passing, we can't help feeling the next one has been greatly improved. If you believe as I, Then you know that God did not Send us here to die. For my bones and ashes, do not lament- I need them not when they are spent. Because, you see, I did not die. I am not dead. I am simply someplace else instead. So, take my memory and hold it dear And that is what will keep me near... Until that day when you and I Once again as one Will fly across the universe Together And there, abide forever.

 

Memorial visitation will be held at the HIGHLAND FUNERAL HOME - SCARBOROUGH CHAPEL, 3280 Sheppard Ave. E. (west of Warden Ave.), 416-773-0933, on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Children's Wish Foundation.

Published in the Toronto Star on September 1, 2012