BARBARA WISE TRIMMER
Barbara W. Trimmer died holding the hand of the love of her life, her husband Allen, on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at their home in Durango, Colorado. She was born in Toledo’s Old West End on March 12, 1914 to Edward Munn and Carmen Marguerite (Miller) Wise, graduated from Scott High School in the mighty class of ‘32 and attended Toledo University (now UT). In 2003 Barbara self-published what was hoped to be the first of her memoirs to share with friends and family. Titled The Cakebreaker Factory (after the location of her first job), it included many wonderful remembrances of her early years.
Barbara was enjoying a successful career in sales management with Harper Manufacturing and raising her daughter Bobbie when she met Allen. Following their marriage she devoted herself full-time to their partnership. And what a partnership it was. She served as vice president of Allen’s company, B & T and Associates, handling all accounting and recordkeeping duties until 1991 when they moved to Durango. They were complementary; she hands-on, he behind the scenes. Together they traveled throughout the Americas using every mode of transportation including cargo ships. Allen was a private pilot and Barbara took flying lessons so she could take over in an emergency. She became an accomplished ‘first mate’ on trips on the Intracoastal Waterway on their boat, the Barbara W. She perfected her chess skills so they could play on a portable set while traveling. Between them they played every conceivable hand of both contract and duplicate bridge and Barbara was ruthless at Scrabble and Boggle. They loved golf and always kept a putter at the back door, although Barbara drew the line at watching golf matches on television as being a bit too static for her. And whether traveling or at home they enjoyed trying new foods and restaurants – everything from margaritas and guacamole at the beloved Loma Linda in Toledo to asado criollo in Buenos Aires.
Barbara lived her life with gusto, energy and curiosity and sparked, pushed and prodded those around her to keep up. She was never an observer, and there seemed to be no limit to the things that interested her and that she accomplished. After first meeting Barbara, her future son-in-law Frank questioned whether anyone had actually seen her sit down for more than five minutes at a time. Barbara’s passions were multi-faceted so the pursuit of the elusive morel mushroom would lead to a feast from the sauté pan and colorful Lake Superior agates would become part of a piece of jewelry that she crafted. Through her friendships with Nick Labino, Louise Bruner, Miriam Brigham and Sr. Jane Catherine (OSU) she developed a love of art glass and refined her painting and jewelry making skills.
Allen and Barbara created lovely homes in Toledo, Blakely Island, Washington and Durango. A brilliant self-taught cook and consummate entertainer, Barbara gathered friends of all ages for fine food and great conversation. There are many in Toledo who remember fondly some of the “wilder” parties at the house on Holland-Sylvania Road. But Barbara’s favorite place was their home in Hope Town, Bahamas among the wonderful friends they made there. For many years they have been able to spend long winters there and Barbara would walk the beach and wade through the tide pools looking for “goodies”. She never considered herself a visitor to Hope Town, always wanting to be a contributing part of the community. And in return she was always greeted and treated like royalty.
She was a woman of style and substance and she will be missed immensely, but will live on in the hearts and memories of her family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her best friend of almost 50 years, her husband Allen H.; daughter Bobbie Burton of Howe, Indiana and Allen’s daughters who she loved and raised as her own, Barbara (Frank Ayers) Trimmer of Toledo, Ohio and Marilyn Trimmer of Prescott Valley, Arizona; her grandson Kenneth Burton and his family of Howe, Indiana; nieces Judy Balas, MJ Garlick, Susan Garlick and nephew Lawrence “Rusty” Garlick and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Ellen, brother George Wise, sister Betty Garlick (May 2006) and son-in-law Glenn Burton.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held in the fall in Hope Town. Those wishing to make a tribute in her name should consider: Hospice of Mercy, 3801 N Main, Durango, CO 81301, The Hope Town Sailing Club or Hope Town Fire and Rescue, Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas. Alternately, enjoy a fabulous meal at a good restaurant, perhaps with a bit of caviar and champagne. She would think that’s great.
“to have and to hold
for richer for poorer
in sickness and in health
as long as you both shall live”
