JOHN RONALD BARNES

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JOHN RONALD BARNES It is with deep sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of our dearly beloved husband, father and son, John Ronald Barnes, on February 27, 2005, at the age of 56. Ron will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 32 years, Helen; daughter Christine; son Christopher; parents Ann and Paul; brothers, Andrew, James and the late David; father and mother-in-law Charles and the late Doris (Riley); sister-in-law Heather and children, Shane and Alexander. Ron was born July 5, 1948, in Montreal, QC. Ron graduated from the College du Vieux in Montreal in 1970. He first worked as a city planner in Montreal West. He then joined the Department of National Defence in 1970 and did his basic training for one year in Chiliwack and was then posted to CFB Petawawa. He started as a Lieutenant, working as a Construction Engineering Officer. It was here that he met Helen (a teacher working on the base) in January 1972. They then married on July 5, 1972. A year later in 1973 Ron was posted to CFB Cold Lake and was in charge of the infrastructure of the Air Force base. Three years later he was posted to CFS Dana, SK, where Christine was born. He then moved to St. Hubert, QC, for two years where Christopher was born in 1981. When Christopher was two weeks old, they then moved to CFB Moose Jaw. During Ron's posting, he designed a beautiful landscape for the entrance to the base. Ron returned to the army setting of CFB Gage Town and stayed there for three years. CFB Ottawa was his next posting where he was head of the Construction Engineering Section and attended a French course and Staff College in Toronto. After being promoted to Lt. Colonel, he was then posted to Headquarters Central Command Winnipeg, MB. His dream was fulfilled when he was transferred to 1CEU Field Unit CFB Winnipeg. Ron retired from the military after 25 years of service and was employed by Red River College as Facilities Manager. He then accepted a position as Director of Buildings for Winnipeg School Division No. 1. In 2002 he returned to Red River College and took on the position of Project Manager for the Downtown Campus. Among his many interests were landscaping and gardening, glass cutting, cross country skiing, walking their family dog, Skippy, as well as various sports such as hockey and football. He loved sharing his time with family and friends. Visitation is planned for Thursday, March 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Thomson In the Park Funeral Home at 1291 McGillivray Blvd. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4 at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, 274 Campbell St. Ron's family wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the support and kindness of the King family as well as all family and friends. In lieu of flowers Ron's family encourages donations to be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Boys' and Girls' Club or the Winnipeg Harvest. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd. 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2005