In 1956 our parents had a dream. They had been working as Directors of Camp New Moon when that Camp was sold. Barry was teaching at UBC out in Vancouver and together they decided to start their own camp. With little financing, but with the backing of some family they went in search of a location. With luck they discovered the gem we now call Lake of Two Islands, hidden away in what was then remote Haliburton. On the site there was a tiny camp consisting of 2-3 tiny buildings, it’s name was Timberlane Camp for Boys and they took the name and made it into Camp Timberlane.
Barry forever loved to tell the stories of how he lived the 2 winters in the original Fanny’s cabin, building the first few cabins and Mess Hall which was the center of camp life until a Rec Hall was built later on…….with no snow plow on the camp road the lumber was brought in from the highway to Camp by horse and sleigh. Without a doubt this was no easy feat. We recall over the years as we listened to Barry reminisce about this time that the stories grew; the snow got deeper, the horses more difficult and the ice thicker to chop in order to draw water.
That inaugural summer the staff all chipped in to finish the initial construction of camp, our main beach still covered in tree stumps. The Olympiad teams that first season were Austria (black), Turkey (yellow), Spain (red) and Holland (Blue). Baseball was up past ball hockey but there were 3 cement tennis courts that first summer and a volleyball net was stretched across main path.
Chapel and a Rec Hall came in year 2. But whether it was the first summer, tenth or the sixtieth, Barry’s Friday Night Benedictions were the soul of Timberlane. Anyone and everyone who went to camp remembers Barry and the wisdom he imparted with his words.
When you were little you always believed that Barry was the smartest
man in the universe and you thought he would live forever. But the reality is,
he does, and will continue to live in each of us, forever.
Losing first our mother on April 15, 2015 and now Barry on Feb 8, 2020, were two of the most difficult things we have gone through as a family. We realise how fortunate we were to have Barry and Phil as parents. There are not enough words to express the influence they had on our lives. It is through their example and inspiration that we became the individuals we are today. Our parents were hardworking, strong, loving and truly caring. They loved their family and were deeply devoted to each other working side by side for almost 60 years. Barry and Phil’s legacy will continue to live on through Camp Timberlane and their beloved sons Kim and Brit, son in law Jay, daughter in law Ceciley, grandchildren Alexis, Jessica and Parker and great grandchildren Jackson, Colton and McKenzie.
Our family has received so many condolences from hundreds of former Camp people. Their warm wishes, but most of all their personal tributes, have been overwhelming. These notes have only served to remind us how much Barry and Phil loved the Timberlane family that they had created and the influence they had on so many lives.
When a pebble is tossed into the pond we do not know how far the ripples will spread. We are asking those of you who were touched by those ripples created by Barry and Phil to share with us here on this unique space.
On behalf of the entire Lowes family, we ask for those who wish to send us photos or your words of personal memories with Barry and Phil. We will share them here as a tribute to two dreamers who made their vision of Camp Timberlane come alive.
Your memories of Barry & Phil:
We were so saddened to hear the news. Barry was one of those people who impacted the lives of others, who undoubtedly influenced children and their parents alike in the most positive of ways. We knew him both as a politician and as a camp director and in both arenas, his manner and his motives were always on the side of right and his intent was always well-meaning.
No matter the age, when you lose a person of this stature, there is a large hole left in your heart. May all of the wonderful memories that you made with him over the years be of some measure of comfort at this sad and difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy,
I am so grateful to have known Barry. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn so much from him and what he brought to my life, both individually and through camp, is immeasurable. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.As I sit and reflect and can’t help but remember your father coming to our house in 1957 to show us a slide presentation.My parents were so impressed that they sent my brothers and he looked at me and said “don’t worry someday you will come too”.He always has great vision and wisdom.My love for nature and the outdoors is directly related to your father’s influence on me for which I will always be grateful for.He had such a positive impact on so many, many, many people.Your father always had the time to talk to people.I remember bringing my father to camp to visit his grandchildren and he would always make time to sit and talk to him.One of my fondest memories was going to visit your parents at their cabin with my family. They both were such wonderful people and my family will always keep all the memories close to us.I will miss him terribly but never forget him.
We wanted to reach out to you to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking about you and your family at this very difficult time. We have known Barry since 1982 – my first year at camp and he had a tremendous impact on our lives as well as the lives of our siblings, friends and children. This is a huge loss for so many of us. We have so many incredible memories of Barry and his insightful benedictions. Moreover, he founded the camp that was our second home and happy place!!! He lived a long and fulfilling life and his legacy will live on for generations!
We are in Borneo and I was thinking of Barry as I was in a museum describing and displaying the different paddles used by locals who live on the River.
As you know, Barry and I shared a love of paddling, and I’m always connected to him through the paddle he gave me.
He taught me that cloudy mornings are silver not grey, and so much more.
He was an inspiration to so many. I am sure you and your family are comforted by his enduring legacy.
Barry was one of kind and taught us all a lot about life, love, dedication and being human, there are very few people that have an impact on someone’s life like he did, we will miss him as you will too.
Phil and Barry were like our summer family. What we remember most was talking to them at their desks or out on the porch. There was a wonderful kindness and spirit that they shared. They were inquisitive and caring. When we spoke to them, they made us feel that there was nothing more important than what we were talking about. We could talk to them about anything and everything. Your mom and dad helped raise and shape generations. We were so fortunate that we and our children were among them. We think of your mom and dad fondly, and know what a deep loss you feel with their passing
“Barry rockin’ the green and white uniform in the early days of Camp.”
Barry excelled in all he did. Beside Timberlane, his excellence influenced other camp programs, education, conservation, appreciation of nature and the outdoors, birding, photography, and interpersonal relations. He could communicate well with young people and do so in a few words. I read about his influence on Hilton Head.
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