Barbara "Barb" Beverley (Dick) Dow

We are very sad to announce the passing of Barbara Beverley Dow.

Barbara (Barb) was born on November 6, 1931, in Winnipeg Manitoba to Alex and Marie Dick. When Barb was young, the family along with her older brother Don moved to the US border town of Gretna, Manitoba for a few years, where Barb forged many friendships. Upon moving back to Winnipeg Barb went to St. John’s high school, working in the school library during those years. Upon graduation Barb was employed with the CPR signals division and had a successful career working as a secretary in downtown Winnipeg. 

In 1953 she met a motorcycle hood named Jack Dow, getting married on June 12th, 1954. They settled in the small town of Russell, Manitoba where the opened a retail clothing store along with brother and sister-in-law Dick and Thelma Wheatley, called Wheatley and Dows. They subsequently started a family with Donald arriving in 1955 and Garth in 1958. In 1963 they moved to Winnipeg where Jack launched his career selling life insurance. After a couple of years, they moved back to Russell and built a new house that Barb loved. Barb became heavily involved in the community with the Royal Purple, bridge clubs, and the golf course. They developed many lifelong friendships.

Barb worked for 22 years as a secretary at the Major Pratt Collegiate high school. She would tell you that’s how her boys got A’s! Jack and Barb purchased the Home Hardware in Russell in 1984 and had many busy and successful years running the store. Barb also hired on as a lifeguard in her 70’s at the Russell Inn! As a pastime she took up watercolors and her paintings of prairie scenes and grain elevators are coveted by all. Barb was in demand for town events that required an author and she penned many requests. With a memory like a trap, she acted as a historian for the Russell area, logging many written words for town milestones. Being the consummate storyteller, she endlessly entertained family and friends, as well. 

In July of 2016 Jack passed and Barb moved into the Park Manor in Russell for a few years, before settling into the Boulton Manor in Winnipeg, to be close to family. Barb was not done yet, in her 90’s she pursued her lifelong dream and published a children’s book. Bud Goes To School, beautifully illustrated by her niece, Tanis, and it was a delight for all. 

Barb is predeceased by her mom and dad Alex and Marie, husband Jack, and brother Don. 

Barb is survived by sons Don (Sherry) and Garth (Glenis) grandchildren Aja, Jazlyn, Carly, Adam and great grand children, Brooklyn, Miles, and twins Riley and Camille. 

Cremation has taken place, and the family interment will be held at a later date. 

“Mom, may you rest in peace in the loving arms of those before you.”

Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB in care of arrangements.

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