Here parents were James Barbour and his wife Margaret Gordon. Mrs. Barbour died when her children were very young and her two daughters, Sophie and Rae, became the homemakers for their father and brothers.
In time three members of the family left Alma but Rae and her brother Gordon remained on the family farm. Some years ago Robert McAssey came to their home as a lad to help with the farm work but soon became as a son to them.
Miss Barbour was active in church and community. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and then of the United Church of Canada in Montrose congregation. She was keenly interested in the life and work of the Church at home and abroad. She was a member of the Woman's Missionary Society and for many years was an active member of Montrose Cemetery Committee servicing as its treasurer. She organized and gave leadership to the first CGIT of the Province and also organized and counselled a young people's society.
Rae Barbour was a person whose strong Christian faith sustained her own life and found expression in unnumbered deeds of kindness. Her home was a place where the best traditions of Island hospitality were upheld, a place where all who came were made welcome. She was kind to everyone but in her heart there was a special place for children and for those in need. To many people her passing has brought a sense of deep personal loss, yet that sense of loss is mingled with thanksgiving for the enrichment her inner strength and her friendship gave to life.
Miss Barbour was a well informed person who read extensively. Over the years she complied a series of scrapbooks which will increase in value as time passes. A good memory combined with much firsthand knowledge made her a recognized authority on both local and family history. One of her hobbies was stamp collecting.
Surviving are three brother, Athol in Los Angeles, California; Gordon in Alma and Keith in Germantown, New York. Her only sister died last year.
Also surviving are Robert and Lulu McAssey and their children: Margaret, Gordon, John, James and Gary.
The funeral was held on Wednesday from her home to Montrose United Church where the service was conducted by Rev. Stewart B. Russell. Congregational hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace". The organist was Blanche Crockett.
Pallbearers were Archie Barbour, Sterling Barbour, Eldon Barbour, Roscoe Barbour, John Barbour and John Clark.
Flowerbearers were Gordon McAssey, John McAssey, James McAsssey, Gary McAssey and Scott Clark.
Interment was in the church cemetery.
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The above was published in the Journal Pioneer Newspaper, March 17, 1977. Page. 5, Cols. 4-7. Copy supplied by Donna (Barbour) MacPhee.
