On June 30, 2021 James (Jamie) William Barber, the second, passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC at the age of 38 due to complications that developed during his second heart transplant. He is survived by his son Bennett James Barber, his canine daughter Ziggy (Ziginla) Barber, his wife Brooke (McFarlane) Barber, his father Kirk Barber, mother Sheri Ewing, grandparents Anita Patrece (Pahal) and Stephen James Ewing, sister Jocelyn (Barber) Evans, brother Christopher Barber, nephew Lochlan Evans, nephew James William Evans, niece Caidence McFarlane, nephew Cohen McFarlane, nephew Jacob Garlough, and niece Riley Garlough. Jamie was born December 26, 1982 in Calgary, Alberta and was an avid Flames fan. Shortly following high school graduation, he moved to Kelowna, BC which became ‘home’.

Jamie was seeking a second heart transplant after 17 years of ultimate love and life from his first transplant in 2004. Jamie was a childhood cancer survivor, who at age 6 emerged to challenge the world. He adapted to everything the world threw at him. He lived life with wisdom, gratitude, insight, patience, and love whether he was resting or ‘grinding’ up Grouse Mountain, walking a European city on foot for 12 hours straight, walking low tide for hours, kayaking at full speed, or chasing Bennett, his toddler.

Jamie had the gift of knowing clearly what he wanted in life, and in his short time on Earth he achieved every goal he set for himself. The accomplishments most precious to him were finding the love of his life, Brooke, and creating Bennett with her, playing hockey, and travelling the world. He was a full-time parent and achieved the perfect balance of teaching important lessons and having lots of fun. He was also so proud to have completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, with a semester at the Berlin School of Economics, and a Master’s of Health Administration from the University of British Columbia.

He had a gift for connecting with people, and understanding the true heart of even the most guarded. He brought advice and companionship to many, and the ripples of his impact are far reaching and sure to be long lasting

Jamie touched everyone he met and he will be deeply missed by so many. In Jamie’s memory, please consider signing up to become an organ donor.

Details for a celebration of life event will be held on July 18, 2021 in Kelowna, followed by a celebration in Calgary later to be announced. Please contact the family for details.