Louise Pleasance Barker
October 22, 1920 - December 2, 2012
Louise Pleasance Barker was born on October 22, 1920, at Gladmar, SK. She was the third child of James and Sophie (nee Verheul) Barker, who moved from southern Saskatchewan to the Daphne area in 1934. Louise completed her Grade 10 education at Rosebush Country School. During WWII, Louise worked in war factories in Ontario, and then returned to the farm at Daphne, along with her brother Fred, who had been discharged from the R.C.A.F., to help take care of the family farm with their parents. Louise loved to be out with nature and working at the farm. Life was much simpler then, with time for crocheting, knitting, horseback riding, skiing, golfing, fishing and bowling. There were also several organizations that were of interest to Louise, such as the Farmers' Union and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She was also an active member of the Daphne Willing Workers. Louise moved off the farm into Sunshine Manor in Watson when her brother Fred died in 1995. She remained at that residence until the spring of 2010, when she became a resident of the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson. Louise's life's journey ended at the age of 92. Louise had a keen interest in science and research, and in watching the progress she created locally with the donations dispersed from the Louise and Fred Barker Charitable Foundation, which was founded in 2000. Louise was predeceased by her parents, James and Sophie (nee Verheul) Barker; brother and sister-in-law, William and Minerva (nee Steele) Barker; brother, Fred Barker; and by her special friend and fiancé, Martin Whetter, who was killed overseas during WWII. Left to carry on her memories are her niece, Bonnie (Nick) Farbycuk of Welland, ON, their daughter Stacey (Tom) Lynch and daughter Kayla, and their son Todd Farbycuk and his daughters Nikki and Hayley; and by many cousins. To honor Louise's wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge Building Enhancement Fund, c/o Box 11, Watson, SK, S0K 4V0. (Cheques should be made payable to Town of Watson for a tax receipt. Please attach a note for allocation of funds.)
