ARTHUR CHARLES BARKER

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• I was saddened to hear of Art's passing. My husband Gary had a lot of respect for Art and was always amazed by his accomplishments. He considered him a true friend. Gary was always touched by Art's phone calls and remembrances and his references to him as "my boy". Our visits at our cottages "in northern paradise" were always special and have been missed. I'm sure Art and Gary are reminiscing and enjoying their reunion. Please accept my thoughts and prayers for you Beryl, and your family. Jackie - Posted by: jackie macfarlane (friend) on: Mar 12, 2022

• My youngest memory of my Dad is his whistling. I would sit on the front step and wait for him to come home from work and would hear him before I saw him. Dad loved the outdoors and an adventure was always in the offing. He loved boating, whether it was pulling my sister and I on water-skis behind an 18 foot aluminum boat or loading us in kayaks and canoes to set off across Big Whiteshell lake for a portage into Crow Duck. Many days were spent in thegarage building the cabin cruiser "Eager Eve". To this day the smell of fiberglass and epoxy takes me back to Dad mixing the red epoxy for the cabin top and the excitement of the project being finished. Like Father like daughter he passed on this love of boating. My husband Chris and I embarked on a 2 year cruise down the U.S. eastern seaboard ending in Cuba and the Bahamas. Dad & Beryl (aka Mom) followed our trip vicariously, eagerly awaiting Chris's email sends. Their home was always open when the sailors returned to Canada. Upon our move to B.C. Dad & Mom traveled West often to visit us and Colleen's family on the Island. The Pacific Northwest is currently our cruising ground and over the years we have often hit an idealic anchorage and remarked "Dad would love this". So we will continue to remember him when we are out on the water and say a fond farewll. Brown sugar shortbread are on the Christmas baking list. - Posted by: Penny Goodfellow (Act's daughter) on: Feb 10, 2022

• To Beryl, Penny, Colleen, David & Derrick; Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad and reflective time. Art lived a full and eventful life and we must not be too sad for the loss, but take solace in the times and experiences we shared with him. I met Art back in 2000 as I was dating his daughter, Penny. He looked me up and down with the scrutiny of a father who wanted to make sure I was 'appropriate boyfriend material' and I must have made the grade as it was, as they say, the start of a wonderful relationship. Over the years we spent many times visiting with 'Mom & Dad' and we will always cherish the times they spent staying with us in BC. Art's wanderlust is well known, as is his 'tendency' to 'retain things'. When Art & Beryl returned from Australia and New Zealand, Art was proudly wearing the 'Outback hat' shown in the picture. When we went to Australia years later he asked me to get him another one. After much searching we found the exact replacement and brought it home. I expected it would be pressed into service shortly, but he kept wearing the old one until it was threadbare. There was something about having that spare new one 'on ice', that pleased him. For the times and the memories we made over the years, I say thanks Dad. You went long and you fought the good fight, rest in peace, Art. - Posted by: Chris Goodfellow (Son in law) on: Feb 09, 2022

• Dad was always a good napper. If wearing a hat he would pull it over his eyes and have a quick sleep. I joined him on more than one occasion. I am my father's daughter and also have the ability to fall asleep for a quick 20 minutes waking up refreshed and off to our next or current project. I see dad in all of us four children. - Posted by: Colleen (Daughter) on: Feb 09, 2022

• Both Diane and I feel we have lost a dear and close member of our family. Having been Art and Beryl's neighbors for almost 18 years we shall miss the sight of Art, always on the move, patrolling his property, tackling projects large and small with an enthusiasm matched only by his expertise in everything. As these latter years stole his strength to do the things he wanted to do, they couldn't stop his determination to try; often to Beryl's dismay! Art was a joy to talk to, humbly imparting asked for advice and always willing to help or assist. We jokingly once said to him while he was looking for a specific tool needed in the moment that he must have one of every tool made! He laughed and said "And probably two of each as well". Being neighbors we were in a position to see the wonderful and selfless care that Beryl gave Art during his final journey. Their devotion to each other is a love story that books and movies are made of and an inspiration to all. Condolences to Beryl, their families and many friends. Gary and Diane Walker - Posted by: Gary Walker (friend and neighbor) on: Feb 07, 2022

• Art was a dear neighbour when I lived on Elm Drive. Always had interesting conversations, and lots of fun stories, of their travels and escapades. I love the picture of him, in his hat, as that’s how I will remember him. Thinking of you at this time Beryl, he will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Shirlee Sochasky (Neighbor ) on: Feb 06, 2022

• Aunty Beryl, Colleen, Penny, David and Derek: I was so sad to hear of Uncle Art's passing. I do miss seeing everyone and wish you all comfort during such a sad time. I know you all have special memories with him and that will get you through the tough times. I will always remember the times spent with him and his whistling. He would whistle beautifully walking around the house or to music he was listening to. He always reminded me of Roger Whitaker whistling on his albums. Special times in Anola canoeing and fishing at the pond and remembering when everyone would get together when we were younger. Anola was the gathering place for all the family reunions. There's was always time for tea and cookies mid-day and when we lived with you Aunty Beryl and Uncle Art when we first moved to Manitoba, I remember making toast one morning for breakfast and giving Uncle Art his toast. He looked at me and said "What's wrong with the rest of it." I didn't know what he meant but apparently he liked the butter spread to every corner of the toast and I missed a few spots - lol I am thinking of you all and will cherish all the wonderful memories over the years. We were all so blessed to have him as long as we did. Love Pam, Russell and boys (Aaron and Adam) - Posted by: Pam Brasier-Daniel (Niece) on: Feb 05, 2022

• Dear Beryl, Maggie (Doug), Ann, Lindsey (Adam) and extended family, David and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies on Art’s passing. The beautiful obituary pays such tribute to Art’s adventurous spirit and many talents. He was a special man who will be missed. Love Janice and David Low - Posted by: Janice Low (Lindsey’s in laws) on: Feb 05, 2022

• To Penny Colleen David and Derek, So sorry for your loss. I will always remember your dad as as kind quiet man. Back then all the kids called him uncle Art. I was always amazed to see him riding his touring bike that had one gear and no brakes. Regards Michael - Posted by: Michael Lupyrypa (Family neighbour from Wynten cresent days) on: Feb 05, 2022