Obituary of Barb Knox
KNOX: BARBARA JOAN
Barbara Joan Knox was a beloved mother, hard working farm wife and tireless community volunteer. The daughter of Bob and Ivy Irwin. The proud mother of Theresa and Steve Reminisky, Melanie and Mike McCowan and Chris and Amy Knox. She was a loving grandmother to Brianna, Aidan and James Knox. Dear sister to Pat Goundry and John & Judy Irwin. She is predeceased by her loving husband Mel Knox Aug 4, 2019. Both Barb and Mel were taken too early from their family and community and they are greatly missed!
Barbara Joan was born in Clinton Ontario on Oct 29 1947. She attended Central Huron Secondary School, played basketball and helped out in her parents ‘Ladies Wear and Dry Goods’ stores as a teenager. Barb’s reputation for hard work, tenacity and resilience earned from her brother the loving nickname “Nose to the Grindstone Joan.” She did a nursing degree at McMaster University and worked for a short time as a nurse in Goderich. She met Mel Knox at the beach in Bayfield and married him in 1970 not realizing the hardships associated with farming life. She adapted well to the gruelling daily routine of the dairy farm with all of its challenges and developed a passion for country living. Her house was always full of baking and produce grown in her own garden. The joy of her life was her kids and she was a tireless teacher to her children and encouraging, patient and compassionate mother. After the kids were educated, she and Mel retired from the demands of the dairy farm and threw all her energy and time into volunteering in her community. She was an active member of Londesborough United Church. For many years she loved being on the road as a volunteer driver for OneCare and always went above and beyond for her regular passengers. Inspired by her son’s involvement in scouting she volunteered for 15 yrs in both local and regional scouting organizations. Barb tirelessly donated her time to Camp Menesetung’s facilities maintenance, fundraising events and its board of directors for more than 18 years. She knew that there was something special about the camping environment that gave kids the freedom to explore the outdoors, instilled a sense of community values and allowed them opportunities for personal growth unlike any other place. Barb’s life is a testament to two core beliefs: firstly, that through sheer will and determination you can get through any hardship; secondly that our lives should be in dedication to the service of others.
Thank you to local friends, neighbours and family for their help, support and encouragement over the last few years of health battles. Thank you to Theresa for her daily phone calls which made mom part of your daily life despite the distance.
A public funeral will not be held at this time.
Memorial Donations would be gratefully accepted to Clinton Public Hospital Foundation, London Health Science Center(Cancer Research) or Camp Menesetung. Messages of Condolence for the Knox Family may be placed at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barb
Knox 1947 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Clinton, Province: Ontario