Russell BARBER

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BARBER: Major General (Ret’d) Russell Barber passed away October 16, 2015 at Duncan, BC. He was born June 7, 1926 in Brandon to parents Will and Inez Barber and raised in Maryfield, SK. Russ is survived by wife, Joan and her family, son-in-law John Vanderkooy and family, sisters Lois Friesen, Victoria, Arvelle Slawson, Brandon and sisters-in-law Marnie Barber, Victoria and Edythe Barber, Melita, MB. He was predeceased by first wife, Shirley, daughter Kathy Vanderkooy and brothers Graeme and Murray Barber. Russ’s career began in 1945 in the R.C.A.F. as a Gunner serving in England for two years. After the war he trained as a radar technician and later as a radio navigator. He was with 414 Photo Squadron assigned to Photograph and create the first detailed maps of Northern Canada. A promotion to Chief of Staff, Colorado Springs, then to Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Programs North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs was his final assignment after 36 years service with the RCAF, taking his retirement in Duncan, BC. Memorial Service will be held in Duncan at First Memorial Funeral Service, 375 Brae Rd., Duncan, BC later in November.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 18, 2015