Barz, Dorothy “Joan”
October 16, 1925 – January 30, 2026
at the age of 100 years:
Joan Barz passed away on January 30th, 2026. She was born Dorothy Joan Bland in Burnaby, BC in her mom’s house on October 16th, 1925, a time when Model T Fords lined the streets. Growing up without a dad, she learned to look after herself at a very young age. During the depression her mom moved from town to town wherever there was work, when if you had potatoes and meat in the same meal, you were well off. Never being able to keep her balance riding a bicycle, she walked almost everywhere, all this gave her the grit and determination she was well known for.
In 1942 she ended up in Salmon Arm and got a job milking at the Tennant farm which is where the Fairgrounds by Blackburn Park is now. She married Art Barz in 1943 who had just returned from the Yukon and bought acreage on 30th Street SW. Together they started a chicken farm and built a good business until 1976 when their son Gordon took it over.
She easily got attached to animals of all kinds, especially the donkeys. By agreement she stayed in her own house on the farm until 2021 when she moved into and really enjoyed her life with all the residents and employees at Picadilly Terrace. Early in her retirement years she treasured camping and fishing trips to the Cariboo and spent many winters in Desert Springs California.
Joan up to her 100th year could tell you lots about the local people, places and events of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s without hesitation. Joan was predeceased by her husband Art Barz in 2011, her granddaughters Theresa and Lisa Spanier in 1968, son Gordon in 1980, daughter Shirley in 2005 and grandson David Hackett in 2006. She is survived by her daughter Eileen (Hank) Hackett of Kamloops and 7 grandchildren: Michael, Cory, Tom, Sheena, Stuart, Trevor and Jason.
She will be missed by many dear friends she has gathered over almost a century in Salmon Arm. There will be no service by request.
