Obituary of Gerald Francis Barker
Gerald (Gerry) Francis Barker passed peacefully with family by his side on July 10, 2023 at the age of 93. Gerry had a long life full of love, travel and good times. Born in Deer Lake March 8, 1930 and raised in Windsor, Newfoundland, where at a very young age he worked in the woods hauling pulp with the aid of his faithful horse team. Gerry wanted to see the world beyond NL so in 1951, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. Many of his 32 years in the service were spent overseas, including a tour of duty in Korea. Gerry was very proud to have recently been presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his many years of service to his country. At heart, Gerry was a builder like his Father before him and a field engineer in the Army, so there was nothing he couldn't build or "jerry rig". He had a lifelong love of the great outdoors; camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, cross country skiing, and hiking. Gerry was also an avid gardener well into his 80's and took great pride in placing home grown vegetables on the dinner table. In later years harvest time was replaced by decorating the yard for trick or treaters; he loved the little children and they loved him! He absolutely loved music and was quite the dancer; he even danced in his wheelchair in the last week of his life spent at Ridgewood Veterans Health in Saint John, NB.
Gerry leaves to mourn; his wife of 60 years Patsy (Smith), son Gerald 'Jerry' Barker, daughter Michele Flarow (Anthony), sister Louise Davis, granddaughter Mary Ellen Barker, grandsons Mike Burt, Jeff Barker, Craig Warford and Jason Warford, 15 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Glenda Warford, daughter in law Marjorie Barker, parents Robert and Mary Ellen (Power) Barker, siblings Robert, Elizabeth, William, Lawrence, Jack, Rita, Mary (Mame), and Agnes.
Gerry was much loved and will be fondly remembered by so many people; a testament to a life well lived. A Service will be held at Oromocto Pioneer Gardens, 10 Leger Street, Oromocto, on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at 3pm; followed by Happy Hour at the Oromocto Legion, Branch No. 93. Arrangements under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home (506-634-7424).
If you wish to honour Gerry's memory, donations to CARMA Cat Rescue Maritimes, any other animal rescue organization, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
