Former consumer reporter Anne Garber dies

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Anne Garber, who is perhaps best known for her work as a former Province consumer writer.

      She died of cancer on the weekend at the age of 64.

      I hadn't seen Anne in many years, but I have fond memories of her when I was a young pup in the media working at CJOR Radio. She had a warmth about her that brightened up any room she entered.

      Anne had the rare distinction of working for two premiers, albeit not while they were governing B.C.

      In the 1980s, Anne produced a talk show on CJOR hosted by Dave Barrett. Later, she worked as press secretary for Gordon Campbell in his early years as mayor of Vancouver.

      It's a testament to her pleasant personality that Anne was able to get along so well with both of them, even though Barrett and Campbell have such radically different political views.

      In her younger days after moving to Vancouver from Toronto, she was also a contributor to the Georgia Straight.

      Anne was married John T.D. Keyes, a former editor of TV Guide and Vancouver magazine, and is survived by two children, Becky and Kit.

      I have no doubt that Anne will be missed by many in Vancouver.

      Comments

      10 Comments

      Chris Slater

      Jul 21, 2011 at 12:45pm

      What a sad day.

      I worked with Anne for a few years a while back. She was such an amiable woman, such a pleasure to work with. Even after we stopped working together, I was able to contact her about anything or go out for a lunch just to catch up even if it had been a long interim.

      I had heard she was sick through a shared friend, but I didn't realize it was this dire.

      My heart goes out to John, Becky, Kit and all of Anne's many friends around the city who will be missing her.

      John T.D. Keyes

      Jul 22, 2011 at 12:38am

      Charlie; Thanks for your kind and observant report on Anne's passing. She is already being missed far beyond the limits of Vancouver. JTDK

      Barbara Quelch

      Jul 22, 2011 at 9:15am

      I knew Anne many years ago when I was in charge of promotions for Raincoast Books. She was such a pleasure to deal with, personally and professionally. Funny, I was just thinking of her the other day. Too early to leave Anne! May her memory be blessed. bq

      F & M

      Jul 22, 2011 at 7:02pm

      Way too young to pass. We had the pleasure of knowing Anne for the last 13 years and have many good memories. She will be missed tremendously.

      Patsy Chan

      Jul 25, 2011 at 9:35pm

      I met Anne and John long time ago, and found this couple exceptionally nice, genuine and professional! We clicked and we stay in touch though we do not see each other very often. The couple took all the trouble and drove a long way to pick me up in a heavey snow storm (if you still remember how bad it was back in 1996 and the snow was unusually knee high in Vancouver!). They took me home for a Xmas family dinner and drove me back to my place afterwards!!! Anne and John gave me good advice along the way...I still remember her laughters and the enjoyable dinner we last had in Yale Town. Anne had a big kind heart and treated everyone nice! Anne, you will be missed dearly and tremendously! We all love you! John, stay strong! My best regards also to Becky and Kit. You are a loveable family!!

      Ullrich Schade

      Jul 30, 2011 at 12:47pm

      I'm saddened to learn that Anne passed away. I worked with her at Dunsky Advertising during the heyday of the NDP in the early 1970s and have fond memories. I always thought that when we retired, one of the things that we could convince Anne to do is spearhead a Dunsky reunion of all the Vancouver staff. With her leading the charge, it would have been a great get-together.

      Bottom-line, she had a great personality and a wonderful spirit about her, and we will all miss her.

      uschade@telus.net

      MH (Toronto)

      Aug 6, 2011 at 3:08pm

      Anne is missed more every day... je t'embrasse bien fort et grosses bisous aussi = I hug you very tightly and big kisses... I love you and miss you soooo much Anne Garber... but most of all, I'm sorry you are not here :(

      Nancy White

      Aug 25, 2011 at 6:39am

      Oh, this is harsh, sad news. If anyone had the biggest life spark around, it was Anne. She was a wonderful, observant, witty writer, and so much fun to be with, and of course she had the best hair ever! She'll be missed by so many people she touched.

      Bob Stall

      Aug 28, 2011 at 9:46am

      I was stunned to hear this week that Anne has died. The news was shocking because I had no other friend as vivacious and full of life. Nobody else had her level of energy and that big a smile. That's due to her family and my heart goes out to them.

      Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

      Sep 25, 2011 at 2:07pm

      I met Anne and John on a press trip to Santa Fe. It was over ten years ago. We kept in touch ever after, exchanging professional tips on our websites and suggestions for each other's sites. I always thought of her as a close friend because she was so generous with her time and energy and opportunities.
      When she died, I started thinking about the times we had spent together. And then I realized that we had only met that one time in Santa Fe. Yet the brightness of her personality shined around the border all the way down to Texas.
      She kept inviting me to visit Vancouver. I am so sorry I missed the chance to see her again.