Celebrating Barbara

Barbara Bunting was a bright soul who touched many lives. She left us on October 9, 2021 from a stroke: suddenly, just as she always wished. She was ready for (and completely confident about) her next journey. Barbara has sent many little signs and miracles to assure us that she has ascended to glory.

 

Over the last few years, having relocated from Pasadena to Ramona, California, Barbara walked her golden retriever, Katie, in a nearby county park, replete with majestic oaks, nature trails, a pond, and wildlife that provided near-daily surprises for her. She would delight with each encounter with a bunny, deer, owl, or the special red-shouldered hawk she befriended. Nature was her cathedral and her inexpressible joy. Though they missed their walks and friends from the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena, Barbara and Katie found a new routine and made new friends at Dos Picos Park.

Barbara loved college football and was a passionate Ohio State Buckeye. That's how she met Paul at the park one day--she stopped to chat with him because he was wearing an Ohio State shirt. Paul is an avid fan, too. They became fast friends and Barbara loved and admired Paul. Strong and resilient, Paul is 81 years young and lives in his 50+ year-old Ford Bronco. For more than two years, he has been on a wait list for a federally-assisted apartment complex. For the coldest and most inclement nights, Barbara would purchase power hookups at the campground attached to the park. Before she died, she sent him a small fund to assist with this in the coming months.

 

 

 

 

With your help, we'd like to extend Barbara's generosity to Paul, who has a very limited income. He would use funding for campsites, engine repairs, and body work on his vehicle. For warmth, he presently heats rocks wrapped in aluminum foil in a cast-iron skillet he heats up on his small propane cooker. With electricity, he has an electric heater to keep warm, so the campsites give him power hookup, running water, and access to the shower house.

 

It would be a wonderful tribute to Barbara to assist Paul in any possible way. No donation is too small, as his needs are modest. This is Barbara's fondest desire and Paul has graciously agreed to accept your support. It's a boots-on-the-ground opportunity to make a real, immediate, and positive impact on one person's life.

 

We can't think of a better way to pay tribute to Barbara for all she was to us and to honor her amazing spirit and compassionate heart!

With love and gratitude,


Doug, Sally and Don Romoser and Jim Bunting

P.S. Sally is able to keep Katie's schedule so she is faring as well as can be expected, though she clearly is grieving. She was Barbara's pride and daily joy. Please send love to Katie and positive vibes for abundant sightings for the golden gopher whisperer!