Prince Rupert mourns passing of Barb Gruber

Mrs. Barb Gruber with son
Rob at Coast Mountain
College this past spring
(From What's Up
Prince Rupert FB)

She often referred to herself as simply Rob's Mom ... 

But for countless numbers of volunteers with Special Events and other organizations and actives around town, she could just easily been referred to as Prince Rupert's Mom.

And this week, many in the community are in mourning, with word that Barb Gruber has passed awaySunday at age 80. 

The news making the rounds of social media in the last few days and officially relayed at Tuesday night's City Council Session by Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond.

Mr. Pond providing for a short tribute to the work and spirit of one of this community's biggest boosters and most active volunteers, noting of her place of honour at City Hall.

"Acknowledging the passing of Barb Gruber. Freedom of the city, picture hangs on our wall. Somebody that contributed significantly  to the community"

Mrs. Gruber was the heart and soul of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society for decades, a frequent face and voice at City Council seeking funding for community activities, updating the community on what plans were in motion towards the celebrations that brought us all together.

She and her fellow organizers were instrumental in making sure that the city's major festivals took place, her enthusiasm for community an infectious thing that kept events like Seafest and Winterfest rolling along year after year.

That spirit of community was one which was part of the Gruber family make up, carried on in recent years through her son Rob, who was recently honoured by Coast Mountain College in June for his own community efforts.

Mrs. Gruber was part of the generation of Rupertites that just got things done, challenges would come along that might derail others ... but there was work to do and they made sure that what was needed was attended to. 

Her volunteer work beyond Special events a testimony her love of the region and her contribution to it leaving a large footprint that few could ever hope to fill.

There has been no word as of yet towards arrangements, or any celebration of life plans.

Many in the community who have memories of Mrs. Gruber have been posting them directly to her son Rob's Social media page.

The commentary well worth a read, serving as an ever evolving tribute to her spirt and love for Prince Rupert and the impact that she had on the community.

More notes related to Community themes can be reviewed here.

Notes of condolence from Social Media

Rotary Club of Prince Rupert 
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Special Events Society

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