Gina Barber, former London politician, passes away

Former city controller Gina Barber is being remembered for her social activism, her passion for London and her family.

Barber, who was elected to council as a member of London’s Board of Control in 2006, died on Sunday following a battle with cancer.

Barber was a sociology professor at Fanshawe College and also taught elementary school in London, Hamilton, and India. She also served on a number of boards and committees including the Historic Sites Committee of the London Public Library, the Society for Learning in Retirement London, and the London West NDP.

Ward 13 Coun. Tanya Park says Barber touched the lives of many.

“Whether they were students of hers at Fanshawe or folks involved in the opera or the arts, she was also involved in the centre for lifelong learning,” said Park.

“There’s so many peoples lives that have been affected by Gina, whether directly or indirectly, I think it’s such a significant loss for London, I know that our family certainly lost a good friend.”

She says Barber was truly one of a kind.

“She was an incredibly graceful woman, she just had a warmth about her, even if she disagreed with you, you never felt slighted at all,” said Park.

“She just had this incredible way of talking to people that made them feel welcomed and included even if they were on the other side of the fence.”

Former Mayor of London Joni Baechler says Barber was a passionate advocate for the city.

“She really cared about how her city was being built, and cared about smart growth,” said Baechler.

“She thought life was to be lived to the fullest, even though she knew that her time here wasn’t that long, it didn’t keep her down and she continued to do what she needed to do, and be involved in the ways she likes to be involved to make the city a better place.”

The flag at City Hall has been lowered to half-mast in acknowledgment of Barber’s passing

She is survived by her husband, Ted. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.