Obituary of Barbara Jade MacGillivray

It is with great sadness that we announce that Barbara Jade MacGillivray has passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 41 years. Left to cherish Barb’s memory are her loving mother Susan, Rainer, partner Ryan, biological father Paul, and the rest of her extended family. Barb collected many close friends over her life - Alberta friends, horse friends, Manitoba friends, school friends, and the list goes on.

First and foremost, Barb did everything in her life with intent. Barb was a consummate horse woman. She was generous with her time and knowledge in her horse community and her community at large.  Barb enjoyed the companionship of her mare Annie, pup Chewy and cat Albert. Barb and Annie enjoyed trail rides this last summer. Barb was having a moment of inattention and Annie took her too close to an open mailbox necessitating a trip to the ER for sutures. That got in the way of riding for a while.

Barb embraced her life despite her many health issues over the years. Barb was the thankful recipient of three liver transplants over the course of her short life. She suffered with Primary Sclerosing Colangitis since birth, and despite her many struggles, she fought the good fight right to the end. Even dying on her own terms as much as she could have.

Barb was a wonderful daughter. She and Susan spent endless hours together, particularly over the last few years when Barb’s health was more precarious. Barb and Susan have a very special bond for two strong willed independent women. The apple didn’t fall far from that tree.

We collectively loved Barb so very much.  If love could keep Barb alive, she would have lived forever.