It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Joan McMullen, 75, of Ignace, Ontario, on August 11, 2026.
Barbara was a hard-working, tough, determined, kind, and generous woman. Those who knew her well would also describe her as stubborn, but that same strength and determination carried her through life and helped make her the person she was.
Barbara’s love of the outdoors and her passion for the northern way of life drove her to become the second female Conservation Officer in Ontario, an accomplishment she was incredibly proud of.
Later in life, Barbara changed directions when she met her partner, Gerry Nicholas, and she helped build Press Lake Camp into the resort it is today. The camp became a special place for Barbara—a place where she could spend time with family and friends, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors she loved so much.
She loved animals, gardening, flowers, travelling to warm and sunny places, and spending quiet leisure time reading. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—going out for ice cream or dinner, and most of all, quality time spent visiting with friends and family.
Barbara was predeceased by her partner, Gerry Nicholas, and her parents, Ellen Ethel McMullen (née Lawford) and Herbert “Herb” Douglas McMullen.
She will be deeply missed by her son, Ryan Nicholas (Lindsay); her brother, Brian McMullen (Marjorie); nieces Mandy Clark (Mike) and Dawn McMullen-Koehler (Tim); as well as one great-nephew and three great-nieces. She also leaves behind too many cherished friendships to count—a reflection of a life well lived.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ignace Silver Tops (a cheque can be mailed to PO Box 736 Ignace, ON P0T 1T0 or e-transfer silvertopsignace@gmail.com), an organization that meant a great deal to Barbara. She always looked forward to the Thursday lunches and the opportunity to spend time with friends and her community.
Barbara will be remembered for her strength, generosity, determination, and the many people and places she loved. She will be deeply missed.
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Joan Scott says
August 20, 2026 at 8:14 pmRyan and Lindsay, I am so sorry for your loss. Barbara was such a genuinely kind person. I know you will miss you greatly. Take care.
Anne Irwin says
August 21, 2026 at 7:49 amThis is such sad news. My profound condolences. Barb was one of a kind and I was so happy to get to know her when I got to be the third Female Conservation Officer in the Province. Luckily we could meet up when there were Enforcement Courses that we had to take…..like at Dorset or Police College in Aylmer. She was so much fun to be around and loved her job. I remember when she said she was stepping back and starting up a camp so we did loose track of each other back then but thought of her often. She was a person that stood out in whatever she decided she was gong to do, and don’t get in her way, her determination was evident. My heart goes out to her family.
Gord Pollock says
August 21, 2026 at 3:59 pmWhat a shock! I first met Barb at Sir Sandford Fleming College, she was a classmate in the Fish & Wildlife program. Barb had a fun loving personality and enjoyed the college life, as we all did. Barb wanted to be a Conservation Officer and I recall meeting her again when she was a technician in Kenora and enrolled in the Deputy Conservation Officer’s course in Dryden. She always had a smile and a quick friendly wit, I am sure she will be missed by all that knew her. Rest in piece my friend.
RICK STANKIEWICZ says
August 23, 2026 at 9:03 pmBarb was a trailblazer indeed and a force to be reckoned with. The natural resources of this province are better off for having her on thier side over all these years. We are forever indebted to her for her dedication.
Barb Martin says
September 3, 2026 at 11:02 amTo my friend Barb, since we were young kids living in Clarksburg..Barb had a black VW and gas gage didn’t work so she had a drum stick marked to know if we needed gas..Mrs McMullen welcomed us into her restaurant and we sat and had great fun..Her Dad kicked me and another. Kid off the school bust..for hitting each other with lunch boxes..I could write a book..She was and always will be my friend