Florence Barton, Animal Lover

2005-07- by Susan McIver - Florence Barton, a retired veterinarian in Penticton, is a woman of diverse interests and talents. She's an animal lover, aviator, author and humanitarian. Born in Drumheller, Alberta, Barton moved with her family to the United States during the depression. "We starved out in the dust bowl," she said. After two years of pre-medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Barton decided she'd rather work with animals than people. In time, she was admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University in Pullman. After graduating first in her class in 1957, she interned at the prestigious Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. Subsequently, she practiced in Boston, Los Angeles and Lewiston, Idaho. Her first book, "Gone to the Cats", is a collection of humorous stories from her house-call practice for cats in Los Angeles. In 1988, she received a phone call offering her the lease of the Animal Medical Clinic in Penticton. "I knew the area and loved it," said Barton. People who go out of their way to help animals are among Barton's fondest memories from her 40 years as a vet. She recalled a rainy night when she was called out to attend a badly injured cat brought in by some caring teenagers. Unfortunately, the cat didn't survive and the owner, when located, readily paid for the animal's cremation but didn't give Barton a cent for her heroic efforts. Currently, Barton shares her home with six cats and enjoys riding her Quarter horse mare, Jinx. Barton is a long-time keen aviator, but is now stepping away from active flying herself. Although she continues to hold a pilot's license, she has sold the plane that she owned for many years. Barton has written extensively in newspapers and magazines about aviation, animals and veterinarian medicine. Since retiring, she has turned her attention to writing mysteries. One series comprised of "The Evil That We Do", "The Third Day" and "The Death of the Wicked" features Robin Carruthers, a red-headed flight instructor. Barton is currently working on a fourth Carruthers book. The second series features young Dr. Erica Merrill who is establishing a veterinarian practise. The first Merrill mystery, "Till Hell Freezes Over" will soon be joined by a sequel. Recently, Barton has been spear-heading the establishment of the South Okanagan affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent and affordable houses and provides interest-free mortgages to families unable to purchase homes. The recipient families work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build the houses.The organization was founded in 1976 in the United States. Former U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, and his wife, Rosalyn, brought international recognition to the program when they became volunteers in 1984. Habitat for Humanity Canada started in 1985 with the formation of the first Canadian affiliate in Winkler, Manitoba. In February 2004, Barton, a lay minister, recommended to the congregation of St. Saviour's Anglican Church in Penticton that they establish a local Habitat affiliate as an outreach project. Barton was part of a steering committee, which along with over 100-volunteers, was successful in obtaining official status for Habitat for Humanity South Okanagan this spring. The goal is to build one house each year. "We're soliciting land, material, services and money," Barton said. In addition to her other activities, Barton continues to take courses at the Anglican Conference Centre in Sorrento. For information phone 250-487-4888 or visit the website www.habitatsouthokanagan.ca. Donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity South Okanagan, POB 23021, Penticton BC, V2A 8L7

 

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