Nov. 1st, 1927 – Oct.9th, 2012
Dad was born and raised on a farm in Chinook, Alberta. He grew up playing baseball, chasing down gophers, and driving the local “school bus” for the rest of the farm kids. He pursued a career as a professional engineer and worked in the Calgary area. He married our mom, Donnie Morrison, in l951 and they subsequently had us, Jim and Kathy. Our family moved from Calgary in 1965 to Victoria, BC. During his career dad was involved in many interesting structural design projects including stadiums, bridges, pulp mills, and even a water treatment plant in Tanzania. Our family moved to Vancouver in 1968 where mom, Jim, and Kathy all attended university. Dad used to tell people that three quarters of his family were in “mental institutions”!
Sadly mom died in 1979. Dad continued to enjoy his passions for gardening, sailing, woodworking, writing, and was always involved in his church community. After retiring in 1983 he taught for WUSC in Harare, Zimbabwe for two years. He loved that experience! He married Julia Proudfoot in 1990 and they moved to Qualicum Beach in 1997. He spent some of his time as a volunteer at the Salvation Army in Parksville and much of this time at St. Marks helping with maintenance, fairs, and a multitude of odd jobs.
In the days before he died, Dad expressed his gratitude for the life he had lived. We too are grateful for that life and that he passed gently. We are also grateful for the expertise and gentle care of the 4th floor hospital staff at Nanaimo Regional hospital. He will be remembered by his family and many dear friends scattered around this beautiful world.
A private service will be held for the immediate family. St. Mark’s will hold a celebration of Barney’s presence in their midst on October 27th at 2:00pm. All friends and family welcome.
In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the Salvation Army in Parksville.