Lynn Denise Barnes
Oct. 6, 1952 to Dec. 22, 2012
Lynn would have made a great poker player, she played her cards close and didn’t reveal and any more than necessary. However, some details of her life we will share here today as we celebrate her life. Lynn was born as the youngest of six kids to Jim and Elsie Bell in southern Saskatchewan.
Her early years were full of the freedom that comes with farm life; from riding horses and romping with the various dogs and cats to baking and hanging out with friends and family. She was surrounded by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. When Lynn left home at 18 she moved to Toronto, after that Lynn explored several locations and settled in Smithers.
With her family far away Lynn established a wide network of treasured friends in this community. Smithers was her home and she rarely left. She developed a strong bond with Paul Cormier, initially her renter, and when she lost him last summer, her world came crashing down. Shortly afterward, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and has fought this losing battle ever since.
She may have worked for Heather at the Capri but the customers were hers; she knew who liked extra jello, how they liked their steaks and who was in a hurry. The inner workings of the restaurant trade were no secret to Lynn. Lucia was the daughter she never had, they shared their joys and sorrows. She was close with too many people to name here. She leaves behind a trail of individuals who loved her, who trusted her and who will mourn her for years to come.
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following paths God made for me
I took his hand I heard him call
Then turned, and bid farewell to all
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to sing, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found my peace...at close of play
And if my parting left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened...deep with sorrow
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full I’ve savoured much
Good friends, good times
A loved one’s touch
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with grief
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wants me now...He set me free
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Legion in Smithers.
We would to thank Dr. Flynn, all the nurses at BVDH, home care nursing and everyone else that helped Lynn get through this difficult time.