Barbara Ann James (nee Gyoerick)
March 17, 1974 – June 13, 2013
It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Barbara Ann James (nee Gyoerick) announce her death. Barb was born in North Battleford, SK., to Rose and Arnie Gyoerick on March 17th, 1974. Her family moved to several small towns throughout Saskatchewan (Maymont, Bruno and Cudworth) before settling in Prince Albert. Barb attended Vickers School and Carlton High School where she graduated in 1992. Who could forget that 80’s/90’s hair. Her first job during high school was at the Co-op. She moved to Saskatoon to attend University and graduated from the College of Commerce in 1998 with Honours and Distinction. She then moved to Calgary for a short period where she worked for Pepsi. After returning to Saskatoon in 1999, she took an account manager position with Coca-Cola. After several years at Coke, Barb entered the pharmaceutical industry as a sales representative with Janssen Ortho. She was very well respected and incredibly successful. She then went on to work for NycoMed (Takeda), in 2010.
Barb loved to travel. She was particularly fond of hot destinations and had visited places such as Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica, Japan, Thailand and several locations throughout Canada and the US. She also enjoyed heading to the lake for a weekend, sitting around a fire pit laughing with friends. She was an avid reader and loved a variety of genres. Golf was one of her passions; she particularly loved a quick nine holes with her girlfriends, topped off with an ice cold beer and an order of wings. She stayed active with working out and walking her loyal, loving Pomeranian Bailey. She loved music and dancing, and rarely missed a social get together. She was a skillful shopper, and had an enviable wardrobe. Her love for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders ran deep, she was a dedicated loyal fan and often worked her schedule around game time. She enjoyed listening and debating along with hot topics on News Talk Radio, she would often call a friend to continue the discussion after she listened to the show. She loved watching a movie or a TV show that made her or anyone with her laugh. Some of her most favorites were Sex in the City and Grey’s Anatomy as well as the Big Bang Theory. Many stories, and discussions filled with tears and laughs were shared by friends over a good cup of coffee at Tim Hortons, or over bacon and eggs at her favorite breakfast places. She had nicknames for most of her friends, and some of her family but most of us will always remember being comforted or addressed with a “I’m sorry darlin’”or a “hi darlin’”.
Barb spent the last few years of her life filled with love and joy with her loving husband Tim, and his children Avery and Riley in Cambridge, ON. She shared stories about their family adventures, like camping, visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, and the African Lion Safari. Barb boasted about Riley’s soccer skills, scoring several goals each game and enjoyed watching Avery at gymnastics and loved to paint her toes. Barb loved date night with Tim, catching a new movie or heading to one of their favorite restaurants. Their recent trip to Jamaica was the most amazing trip she had ever been on. She was overjoyed to have the love a husband and children in her life, and loved them with all of her heart, as they loved her.
Although small in stature, her personality was larger than life; she endeared all that met her. Maybe it was those bright blues eyes, or that unforgettable laugh, or her loving and kind spirit. She faced her cancer diagnosis head on with her “Bring it On” motto. She wrote a blog to update her friends and family and inspired many followers with her humorous and positive attitude.
Left to cherish Barb’s memory are, her husband Tim and his children Avery and Riley Bender, her Dad – Arnie (Dorothy) Gyoerick, siblings Pam (Bruce) Vols, Lorne (Christine) Helstrom, Sherri Paupst, her Auntie Margaret and Uncle Slim Edgington, her much-loved niece Kiana (and great niece Lexi) Helstrom, along with numerous relatives and close friends. Barb was predeceased by her Mom, Rose Gyoerick.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the SPCA or a charity of your choice.
The Memorial Service for Barb will be held on Friday June 21, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at TCU Place with a reception to follow (35 22nd St E, Saskatoon). Condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (306-244-5577).