Fredrick William Barr
April 28, 1923 - October 10, 2012
It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to our beloved Fredrick William Barr. Predeceased by his parents, Adam and Geneva Barr; his siblings, Ada, E.J. (Red), Glenn and Gordon, as well as brother-in-law, Peter Balon and sister-in-law, Sandra Brown. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gerry; daughters, Glenda and Janice; son, Randy (Tammy); as well as his precious grandchildren: Tyson, Connor, Griffen and Makena; also sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Alpha, Margaret, and Shirley Barr, and Chuck, Allan and Sharon Brown, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Fred was born in Caithness, BC, and grew up with his family in the east Kootenays. He spent some time living with his grandparents in Jaffray, helping out after his grandfather had a stroke. Fred had many fond memories of these early days. After the war started, his father, a WWl veteran, signed up again and came to Nanaimo as a Recruiting Sergeant. The rest of the family moved from Moyie to Chase River in 1941. In 1944, he enlisted in the army and served in England, coming home in 1946. He took his leaves in Northern Ireland, enjoying time with his father’s family there. His father had died in 1945, and after Fred’s discharge from the army, he supervised his brothers in renovating their home. He acquired the nickname “The Colonel” at this time.
In the late ‘50s, Fred started a bulldozing and trucking business with his brother Gordon, which lasted a few years. After the partnership was dissolved Fred ran his own business for many years. He specialized in the bulldozing end, and was known for his attention to detail and doing good work. He was a frequent volunteer on projects, helping out with bulldozing, moving buildings, trucking, and carpentry work. His hobby was work, and he was always ready to lend a hand where it was needed, not expecting anything in return. He slowed down his business in the 80s, when his daughter, Janice, took over the dump truck. He was very proud of her skills. Fred and Gerry were able to do some traveling, and they particularly enjoyed many visits to the family farm “Tannybrake” in Northern Ireland.
Fred, with some help, built their home on Brannen Lake; they moved there in the early 90s. They had beef cattle, and Fred had a great deal to keep busy with at “The Farm.” His grandchildren brought new light to his life. His neighbours benefited from having a helpful neighbour with a bulldozer, as he lent a hand with his machine.
Fred had grown up in a musical home with frequent celebrations, and he loved to have friends and family gathered around. He liked to play the piano and work on scrapbooks and photo albums when he spent time in the house.
Please join the family in commemorating Fred’s life on Saturday, October 20th at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Paul’s roof fund, or the charity of your choice, would be appreciated.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
250-753-2032