Barbara Anne Kersch

Barbara Kersch (Wilson)
Born in 1936 in Duchess, Alberta, Barbara was the eldest daughter of Barbara (Riggall) and William Wilson. Duchess was a small rural community southeast of Calgary, where Barbara and her younger sister Margaret grew up in a home full of love, animals, and unique memories.

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Their father worked as the local water master, and their home was one of the few in Duchess with both electricity and a telephone. Barbara loved to share stories of neighbors stopping by with chickens and eggs as thanks for using the phone, and how during Christmas, people would drive past just to admire their beautifully lit tree glowing in the window. Although pets weren’t allowed inside the house, Barbara and her sister spent countless hours in the barn, playing with kittens—many of whom were gently tucked into doll buggies and wheeled around like little babies. She fondly remembered one especially bitter winter when a few lambs were allowed into the house to stay warm—a rare exception to the house rules. Barbara’s most cherished toy was a life-sized doll that she lovingly dressed and cared for.

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It was in Duchess that Barbara met her lifelong best friend, Gwen. The two shared a bond filled with adventures and laughter that lasted right up until Mom’s final days.

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She loved recounting trips to Calgary with her family, where they always stayed at the same hotel and were treated like regulars. One of her most treasured memories was visiting her Uncle Bert’s hunting lodge, where thrilling (and true!) tales of bears and cougars were shared. Uncle Bert even had a teepee gifted to him as an honor and once gave Barbara and Margaret the tip of a mountain he had climbed—a gesture they never forgot.

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As she grew up, Barbara became a bright and gifted student, skipping grades and eventually attending business college in Calgary at a young age. After graduating, she began working at a bank and started enjoying Stampede nights and local dances.

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It was at a stampede where she met the love of her life—Carl Kersch, a true cowboy from Shuler, Alberta. They married in 1956.

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Barbara and Carl settled on a farm in Balzac, Alberta, where they raised chickens and cattle and welcomed three sons: Doug (Barbara), Bill (Julie), and Brad (Tami). With Carl frequently on the road working for Union Milk, Barbara managed the farm and household with strength and love. She adored her animals and farm life, but in 1969, their property was expropriated by the City of Calgary to make way for the new airport. The family relocated into the city, where all three boys quickly became immersed in hockey.

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Barbara remained close to her sister Margaret and her husband Al, spending weekends together with their kids—Carol, Brett, Beverley, and Stacey. Whether it was picnics at Big Hill Springs and Black Diamond Park (where someone always ended up wet), trips to the zoo, or visits out to the farm, family time was always filled with joy. When Marg and Al moved to Victoria, Barbara and Carl made regular trips to see them in Metchosin and Witty’s Lagoon.

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Eventually, Carl transitioned from Union Milk to work at Sooke Forest Products in BC, and the family settled in Metchosin. Barbara, always creative, opened her own arts and crafts store—Capricorn Arts and Crafts—on Metchosin Road near Dunsmuir School. She taught ceramics and paper tole classes in the evenings and quickly outgrew her original space, expanding into the neighboring unit. Eventually, she moved the business to Hatley Park, where she operated Kersch’s Framing and Gallery, which became a beloved hub for the local western art and craft community. Barb had six grandchildren Jordy, Krystal, D'Arcy, Cody, Alex and Cassidy, and six great grand children, Aubrey, William, Millie, Ben, Finn & Tate. 

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After many years, Barbara and Carl decided to semi-retire, bringing the framing shop home to their house in Metchosin. Barbara continued to create and teach, all while cherishing time spent with her close circle of friends. One of the most special connections was with her dear friend Betty. Like clockwork, Betty would visit weekly, and the two would sit together over tea, sharing stories, laughter, and memories of their many adventures. Their treasured visits continued right up until Mom’s passing—a beautiful testament to a lifelong friendship.

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In 2003, they sold their home and moved to Port Coquitlam to live with their son Brad, his wife Tami, and their daughter Cassidy. Barbara quickly became a well-known and loved member of the community. Strangers would stop Brad in stores, recognizing him as “Barb’s son” and asking him to pass along a hello.

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Never one to sit idle, Barbara founded the first Red Hat Society chapter in the Tri-Cities area—saying she'd only be “Queen Bee” for a year. That role lasted 15 years. She also organized a team of senior volunteers to grocery shop for those unable to get out themselves, forging partnerships with both Safeway and Save-On Foods. Her initiative was so successful it became a local staple. Barbara also served for years on the Board of Trustees at the Wilson Centre, Port Coquitlam’s senior recreational facility.

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Barbara and Carl loved to travel and spent winters vacationing in Tulum, Mexico, while summers were filled with road trips across BC, Alberta, and the U.S. Barbara adored the vibrant culture of Mexico and thrived in the social atmosphere, always making new friends wherever she went.

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Her love of adventure led her to memorable destinations including Bermuda, New York City, Los Angeles, London including an amazing private tour of Buckingham Palace, and the enchanting Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands birthplace of her father—each trip becoming another chapter in her remarkable story.

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Barbara Kersch was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her warmth, creativity, and fierce love of life touched everyone around her.