- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
IRWIN ROY BARKER
Born: Jun 13, 1952
Date of Passing: Jun 21, 2010
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIRWIN ROY BARKER It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Irwin Roy Barker. He passed away peacefully on June 21, 2010 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario with his loving wife Joanna and his siblings by his side. Irwin was an inspiration to many during his courageous three year journey with cancer. He was a brilliant comedian and comedy writer who worked for The Rick Mercer Report and previously for This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Irwin worked to raise awareness and money for cancer research after being diagnosed in 2007; he volunteered his time generously for cancer research initiatives. He was a multiple Gemini and Writers' Guild Award nominee. Irwin was born in Winnipeg on June 13, 1952 in Manitoba and is survived by his devoted wife, Joanna (McCracken); their love, dedication and commitment to each other was one of a kind. They had a special bond and it was a joy to watch them be together. Joanna's tireless care of Irwin is so greatly appreciated by all his family and friends. He is also survived by his children Michelle (Calvin Elliott), Jeremy (Tynisha) and Vanessa (Aaron Van Der Meulen). He adored his seven grandchildren: Delaney, Avery, Camryn, Gabriel, Zechariah, Michaiah, and Jaden and his loving parents Arthur and Hazel Barker. He is also survived by his siblings Myrna Baker, Valeri (Don Brown), Lorne (Tracy); his nieces Shari, Kim, Naomi, Malyssa and nephew Mark, Mathew, great-nephew Ben and great-niece Genevieve. He will be missed by many other extended family and friends. Irwin was a man of tremendous faith and showed immense courage and strength. Irwin often said that cancer had his body but not his spirit. He would not let cancer exceed its boundaries and destroy his spirit. He used his faith in God and his gift of humour as vital coping mechanisms in his personal fight against cancer. His first year of cancer treatment was the subject of an award-winning nationally televised documentary, That's My Time. The documentary explored the joys and the struggles of Irwin's journey as he demonstrated how humour helped to lead him through life's darkest times. There is no doubt that his passing will have a huge impact in the Canadian comedy community. He was a comedian's comedian, nicknamed The Professor and known for his clean and clever comedy. His love of comedy and the written word was deeply admired. He held a Masters Degree in Sociology and was a lecturer at the University of Manitoba and Alberta prior to his comedy career. He was beloved not only by the comedy community but by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. It is indeed a heartfelt loss for his family, friends and many fans. He will always be remembered as one of Canada's best comedians and his intelligent and clever comedy will live on forever. The Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 26, 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2010
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
-
My condolences to his wife, Joanna, his kids and extended family, friends and fans :( I, first, met Irwin whilst working at the Post Office in Winnipeg in the late 70's as well as attending the University of Winnipeg and I remember his low key, yet, humorous nature at work and university. I, also, had the privilege of taking snaps of Mr. Barker on stage at Winnipeg Concert Hall, if memory serves, and I believe he opened for another comedian, Bob Goldthwait in the late 80's. I, then, met up with Irwin when I moved to Vancouver's West End in 1992 where we, on occasion, would hook up for coffee :). One thing I do remember about Irwin's comedy is that "when a lot of comedians would be dropping "f-bombs" and using a lot of profanity, he, Irwin, would not". - Posted by: Jack Simpson (ex-coworker and good acquaintance ) on: Jul 29, 2024
-
Irwin is my all time favourite comedian. The first time I saw him live, I laughed so hard that I literally almost lost my dinner. It was the pink flamingo segment. I always admired that Irwin could be so funny without swearing. There is less laughter in the world with Irwin gone but we'll always have those wonderful, funny memories. 😁 - Posted by: Gregory (Fan) on: Dec 31, 2020
-
Always made an effort to hear Irwin whenever I could, knew that his humour would reflect culture in a classy, smart, ironic and true light. Made sure to make it to Halifax for a performance in year or so before his too-early death. He continues to inspire and I look forward to reading his last book, first novel, all in verse. What more joy could he have given us? - Posted by: Anna (fan of funnu) on: Jul 17, 2013
-
Just watched "That's My Time". I don't know what made me watch this Documentary. I didn't even know of Irwin Barker until today, although very familar with his past achievements of comedy writing. As it has been a challenging six years for me, many of his words brought peace to my heart. We always hear "things could be worse", and sometimes we do not recognize our own ignorance to appreciate life. Life is always simething we take for granted. If we only looked at our lives, loved ones and the gift of living in the present moment as Irwan Barker did batteling cancer, it would surely be a better world. I will never forget Irwin's comment in this documentary which was "hope is what lies between positive and reality" I'm very glad I was fortunate to not only come across his documentary, but of course to watch and learn from him.... Feb 5th 2013. - Posted by: Carol (An appreciated fan) on: Feb 05, 2013
-
last night i watched 'That's My Time' and feel compelled to acknowledge and honour a man i did not know but whose comedy has benefited my life with a little laughter and, in these times, a little laughter means a lot. thank you! - Posted by: brian (viewer of That's My Time) on: Jan 15, 2013