REV. JOHN GARFIELD BARBER

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REV. JOHN GARFIELD BARBER On May 21, 2006, Reverend Garfield Barber passed away peacefully in Pincher Creek, Alberta with his son Mark by his side. Garfield was born in Emo, Ontario on March 22, 1922. Garfield attended United College, in Winnipeg where he studied Arts and Theology. After a period of serious illness that interrupted his university studies he graduated from the faculty of Theology in 1952. He was ordained as a minister with the United Church of Canada on June 4, 1952. After ordination, Garfield commenced his ministry in Waskada, Manitoba where he remained until he was called to Young United in Winnipeg. In 1957 Garfield married June Smith and shortly afterwards they moved to Edmonton where Garfield was minister at Westminster United Church. Garfield and his family returned to Manitoba in the early 1960's at which time he commenced his ministry at Transcona United where he served until 1968. Thereafter he continued his ministry at Oxford United in River Heights until 1981. After he left Oxford United Church he continued his ministry in the United Church of Canada with many other congregations including: Shaughnessy Heights and Robertson in Winnipeg; Maple Creek, Saskatchewan; and Elkhorn, Oak River, Rossburn and Sanford in Manitoba. Garfield retired from the ministry in 1994. After retirement he lived for a short period of time on his farm near Rapid City, Manitoba. He then returned to Winnipeg where he continued to live until failing health gave rise to a move to Pincher Creek, Alberta where he lived with his eldest son Mark and his wife Gerri, and grandchildren, Chad, Dylon, Braden, and Brittney until he went into an assisted living care facility in Lethbridge. During his years, Garfield enjoyed family, reading, tennis, golf and curling. Throughout his life he was keenly interested in theology, current events and politics. He possessed a strong love for the game of curling and he played in the Men's Chaplain League at the Granite Club and the Men's League at the Valour Road club. In addition to his recreational activities, Garfield was involved in community service work with the Kiwanis Club, the United Way, Meals on Wheels, Fred Douglas Lodge and a church home for girls. He also served as chaplain at the Granite Curling club and with the Fort Garry Horse Militia. During his later years Garfield could be found daily at the Viscount Gort where he relished the opportunity to partake in his noon meal (more often than not, with his good friend, Chris Goodfellow) and to visit with the friendly restaurant staff whose company he greatly valued and enjoyed. Garfield is fondly remembered by his nephew John and his wife Collette, and their daughters, Kera and Sondra. Garfield will always be remembered as a kind, wise, caring and loving man with a delightful sense of humour. Garfield was predeceased by his two brothers, Stuart and Alex Barber and is survived by his four children, Mark, Betty, Mary and Bruce, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law, Joyce and Patricia. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held at St. Andrews River Heights United Church on May 26, 2006.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 11, 2006