HUMPHREYS, Barbara Alice B.Arch., MRAICAt the age of 97, Barbara passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the arms of her beloved husband Douglas and her much loved daughter Gwyneth (Hiro). Barbara was born on October 8, 1919 in Kelliher, Saskatchewan, the daughter of the late William and Olive Humphrys and was predeceased by two brothers, Ted and Dick of Ottawa. After schooling in Kelliher, she enrolled in architecture at the University of Manitoba, graduating with the gold medal in architecture in the spring of 1941 - one of a very few Canadian women architects at that time. She was later described as the "quintessential Ontario woman architect" in the book "Designing Women" (Adams and Tancred). Her early career took her to Thunder Bay, Montreal with Defense Industries, Toronto with Victory Aircraft and then to Ottawa with Veterans' Land Act and the Chief Architect's branch of the Federal Public Works. In 1952 she married Douglas, an economist with the Bank of Canada and in 1953 moved with him to a house she designed on the banks of the Rideau Canal in Manotick, Ontario. With the birth of their daughter, Gwyneth, she resigned from Public Works to devote her attention to raising her daughter while engaging in private practice in Manotick, Ottawa and Kingston. She was also very involved in community life – particularly heritage associations – serving as a member of LACAC, one of the founders of Dickinson Day, associated with the creation of the popular Miller's Oven, and was a fierce defender of Watson's Mill as a significant historical Canadian asset. Sparked by an interest in early Canadian architecture, she rejoined the government and worked as a consultant to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board. This led to a founding role in the Canadian Inventory of Historic Building, retiring as its Head in 1981. After retirement, for several years she taught a course on Canadian historical architecture at Carleton University. Always interested in the young, she lectured at many schools and co- authored numerous publications dedicated to the architecture of the Rideau Canal area. In recognition of her contribution to Canada she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and the Gabriel Léger Medal, given annually by Heritage Canada. Cherished by her family, she was respected and loved by many neighbours, colleagues and friends, young and old. Her wonderful smile, her freely offered help and her love of community and Canada will be sorely missed. At Barbara's request cremation has taken place. On Wednesday, March 1, the family welcomes you for visitation at 2:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery3700 Prince of Wales Drive613-692-1211In Remembrances donations to the Ottawa Mission or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at www.arbormemorial.ca/en/capital