Cindi Barr Gould, of Ojai, California and Orcas Island, Washington passed away on August 20, 2014 at her home in Ojai. She was 63 years old and had endured two years of Amyotophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Born in Rochelle, Illinois and raised in Greenfield, Indiana, she worked as a medical assistant and office manager, principally in the Ojai family practice office of her husband Dr. Richard Gould until the couple closed the office in 1992.

Cindi had wonderful skills as an organizer, and graciously lent her abilities to the Ojai Music Festival by serving as a member of the Board and by creating elegant fundraisers and opening night parties.

Cindi also had a special love for and caring way with animals. When Cindi and Rick bought their second home on Orcas Island, she became President of the Board of the Orcas Animal Protection Society. She gave freely of her time at the pet shelter, even adopting a few pets herself when the need arose.

Cindi and her husband Rick traveled widely, in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. A natural athlete, she enjoyed dance, Jazzercise, yoga, hiking, and horseback riding. Her home gardens were an oasis for her, which showcased her creativity. She was an avid member of the Hardy Hikers group on Orcas Island, hiking with them no matter the weather, time of year, or difficulty of the terrain. Her ashes will be scattered on one of those mountains.

One of her great loves was her horse “Dunster.” A serious equestrian, she trained and rode him almost every day.

Cindi is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Dr. Richard S. Gould; her parents, Dean and Jane Barr of Tucson, AZ; her brother Michael Oellig of Santa Fe, NM; her niece Kyra Oellig; her step-children whom she helped raise; Maile D’Arcy (Brett); Tamara Gould (Alex Thier); David Gould (Caroline) and eight grandchildren whom she enjoyed immensely. She leaves behind many dear friends in Ojai and Orcas Island. Family and friends will forever hold an image of Cindi as a healthy, sparkling, caring, and capable woman whom they admired and cherished.

Because of Cindi’s great love for animals, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Orcas Animal Protection Society, 84A Hope Lane, Eastsound, WA, 98245 or the SeaDoc Society, 942 Deer Harbor Rd, Eastsound, WA, 98245.

Days of remembrance and celebration will be held at the Gould home on Sept. 13, 2014 from 12 to 3 p.m. in Ojai and on Orcas Island towards the end of September. Please call Kathryn Bowes at 376-4474 for more information about the Orcas celebration.