Obituary of Barbara Calder

Barbara Calder died peacefully at Parkstone Nursing Home, Halifax on Saturday, January 27, 2018. She was 93 years old. Barbara was born in London, England to James Marr “Robin” and Mary “Mamie” Brydone. She attended Roedean School in Sussex and was evacuated to Edgehill School in Nova Scotia in 1939. She later moved to the Masters School at Dobbs Ferry, New York. In 1942, Barbara returned to London and became a Wren (Women’s Royal Navy Service), serving in London as a dispatch motorcycle rider and a lorry driver in Machrihanish Scotland. Barbara met and married Dr. Norman Calder, MBE in 1946. They lived happily together in Aberdeen, Scotland where they raised their three boys. Barbara’s great passion in life was sailing. Having enjoyed many sailing holidays with her father and then her own family, Barbara became the first woman in Scotland to attain the Yachtmaster certificate through the navigation school in Aberdeen. In 1967, Barbara organized the Sail Training Association committee which launched the schooner Malcolm Miller in Aberdeen. She then led the first all female crew on a voyage in the North Sea. Subsequently, Barbara helped to lead several ocean voyages for young women crews in Tall Ship races to Norway and Malta. Barbara’s love of sailing lives on through her son George and his family who are currently cruising the Indian Ocean. From 1990, Barbara’s health prevented her from further sea faring trips, but her gracious and happy spirit was a blessing to her many friends and extended family around the world. She had a stoical nature, firm faith and zest for life. Barbara moved to Halifax in 2009 following the death of Norman. She is survived by her sons Hamish Calder (Johanna) and George Calder (Jane); sister Susan Brydone; grandchildren: Jane Duffus (Drew), Caroline Panopalis (Evangelos), John Calder (Heidi), Mairi Calder, Alice Calder, Angus Calder, Ursula Calder and Peter Calder; daughter in law Kathryn Edgett; great grandchildren: Ryan and Veronica Duffus, Tia, Ellie and Maggie Panopalis and Elijah and Benjamin Calder. She was predeceased by her husband Norman; son Robin; parents James and Mamie Brydone, sister Alison Graham and daughter in law Louise Ghiz. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at St Paul’s Anglican Church with Rev’d Dr Paul Friesen and Most Reverend Arthur Peters officiating. Barbara will be interred with Norman at a later date in Laurencekirk, Scotland. Special thanks to staff at Evan Hall and Mount Lane at Parkstone, as well as Hawkhill House in Aberdeen, Scotland. Arrangements entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Bedford (902) 835-4212. Words of comfort for the family may be left by visiting: www.tjtracey.com