1938 – 2021

On October 2, 2021, the local musical community lost a talented, dedicated pianist, Roberta Barlow. She was born in 1938 in Belleville, ON, to Harold and Marion Mumby, who nurtured in her a love of history, and encouraged an aptitude for piano studies, culminating in courses at McGill and Bishop’s Universities, from which she graduated with a teaching degree and a library science degree. Early on she taught at A.B. Lucas Secondary in London, ON, and played piano with chamber groups in and around Port Hope.

After 5 years teaching, Roberta set off for an adventure, with a girlfriend, on board the “Oriana.” This was to be a life-changing, ocean-crossing experience taking her to N.Z. and Australia. In N.Z. she sustained her touring by waiting tables, casual office work, and teaching for 3 months in Tokoroa, where she was happily accepted as accompanist for the local operatic society. The fact that she gave up 3 months of her holiday demonstrated her generosity and devotion to music. Here she met Kelvin who later became her significant partner.

Upon returning to Ontario, she gained the distinction of librarian at Upper Canada College – the first woman to be hired to that prestigious boys school. In 1969 she married Kelvin. Together they taught in North Vancouver. In 1974 a definitive move to Kamloops set the stage for her life-long involvement with so many groups, as a superb accompanist; Kamloops Operatic Society, Kamloops Players, Classy Chassis, United Church Choir, and with Kelvin as conductor, Kamloops Children’s Choir, and Kamloops Choiristers. No wonder the “Daily News” nicknamed them “Mr. and Mrs. Music.”

Once spring arrived Roberta would be hard at work in her garden, in Westsyde, putting into practice what she had learned as a Master Gardener. Many students at NorKaml Sec., Kam Sr. Sec., and Westsyde Sec, knew her as a dedicated, if demanding, teacher who inspired in them a love of history, no doubt the influence of her father, a history buff, and H.S. principal.

Playing bridge was a passion she enjoyed until recently, even kindly teaching friends as she played. Visitors to her home will recall a welcoming hostess practicing tasty culinary skills.

Roberta considered reaching the summit of the Chilkoot Pass in 1974, after completing a 21 day canoe trip on the Yukon River – Whitehorse to Dawson City – as her “favourite holiday.” She hiked many of the local high points and canoed local lakes with her dogs.

Sincere thanks to doctors and nurses at RIH, one of whom described her as a “sweetheart of a patient.” A celebration of life is planned for next spring in her garden.

Memorial donations may be made to Kamloops Symphony Foundation, Box 51, Kamloops, V2C 5K3 or World Neighbours Canada, Box 1771, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0.

You may send a message of condolence at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-10-02
• Location : Kamloops