“There are just so many nonprofits making such an impact in the community. All the important things are getting looked after —and there are a lot of really educated volunteers.”
-Barb Kloos
In a place like Invermere, there are individuals whose quiet dedication shapes our community in lasting ways. Barb Kloos is one of those people.
Since first arriving in the Columbia Valley in 1980, Barb has built a life rooted in family, community, and love for the outdoors. What began as visits to a family cabin at Indian Beach, with ski trips to Panorama Mountain Resort and summers by the lake, soon became something more permanent. It was at the ski hill, while still in Grade 12, that Barb met her future husband.
Over the decades, Barb raised two children in the valley, embracing everything that makes the region special: skiing, hockey, lake days, and a strong sense of belonging. Barb’s volunteer work is deeply intertwined with her family. Like many parents, she jumped in wherever help was needed—school activities, hockey tournaments, and ski racing. Her 15 years with the Windermere Valley Ski Club became a defining chapter. Often stationed at the start gate, Barb developed a special connection with young athletes.
After the loss of her husband in 2010, Barb found a new path for her energy and commitment to the community through the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. Elected in 2011 and serving as a Director since 2012, Barb has played a key role in shaping the Foundation’s work. Her contributions have spanned multiple areas, including the Grants Committee, HR Committee, and a term as Vice Chair. As Grants Chair for several years, one of her lasting contributions has been expanding the Grants Committee to include community members, increasing transparency and the diversity of opinion on the committee. Through initiatives like Vital Signs, Barb has also stayed closely connected to the evolving needs of the valley. “Without having kids in school, it’s a great way to know what’s going on in your community.” After 14 years of dedicated service, Barb will retire from the CVCF board in June 2026.
Beyond her formal roles, Barb’s life is rich with community involvement and personal passions. She’s a singer in Valley Voices (the local choir), and a lover of theatre and performance. As she looks ahead, Barb is ready to shift her focus to more music inspiration by joining a weekly ukulele group.
We would like to thank Barb for all her contributions to the Valley and the Columbia Valley Community Foundation through the years, and wish her the best of luck on her new endeavours!
One fund that’s close to Barb’s heart is the fund established in the name of her late husband, Erwin Kloos. This fund was established in 2017 and supports Columbia Valley students undertaking post-secondary education with particular focus on students pursuing trades and technical schooling.