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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SCOTT, Barbara Ruth (née WILSON) - Our mother, Barbara, was born in Prince George to Jack and Ruth Wilson, where Jack practised law with his father. She spent part of her childhood in Prince George and later in Ashcroft, where her father was appointed to the Cariboo County Court. In 1944, Jack's appointment to the BC Supreme Court meant the family moved to Vancouver, where Barbara enrolled at UBC. But her studies were interrupted by the war, when, true to her nature and her ever present desire to do good, she enlisted in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service. At the end of the war, after returning to university to complete her degree in Social Work, her desire to help took her to Germany, where she worked to support the millions of victims of displacement. After her time in Germany, she moved to England to work at Canada House, and in 1952, she married fellow Vancouverite, Tony Scott, who was studying at the London School of Economics. They returned to Vancouver, where Tony started teaching at UBC. In 1954, her son, Nicholas, was born, followed in 1956 by daughter, Margot. Barbara continued to be active as a professional Social Worker and as a volunteer in many institutions and causes. She was involved with teaching ESL and aiding immigrants. All through her life she studied and widened her education to reflect her deep interest in the world around her. Our mother loved and was loved by a wide circle of friends of all generations. She enjoyed entertaining and her home was always open to new and old acquaintances. Barbara and Tony travelled extensively and visited, lived and worked all over the world. Closer to home, our parents sailed and explored the BC coastline. Eventually, they bought land on a small island in Howe Sound and built a cabin. There they continued to welcome friends and family, including grandchildren (Tlell and Jack) and great-grandchildren (Louis, Poppy and Scotty), to visit, play charades, swim, share meals, and exchange ideas and stories. Their niece, Naomi, has also been a much-loved companion. Our mother, Barbara, was very well loved. Ours was the home kids ran away to in high school and then, after a night or two away, were brought back to their respective families with the help of Barb's diplomacy and kindness. In us she instilled curiosity, social skills, a love of travel, and above all, kindness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Our family is very grateful for the generous care she received from the staff at Point Grey Private Hospital. (The Globe and Mail 19 Jul 2025)
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