1930 – 2013
Beloved husband of Pauline, Tom died peacefully on January 8th, in Victoria BC. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Valerie and Stephanie, and by his grandson Tavian. He will also be missed by Pauline’s daughter Eve, her husband Kurt, and by their daughter Holly. Tom’s many nieces and nephews will miss his jokes and his great love of family. His abundant friends across Canada and around the world will miss his easy laughter and endlessly cheerful outlook.
Tom was born in Calgary, Alberta, on January 6, 1930 to Frances and Lemuel Barnes. He was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom adored him. He used to say his siblings treated him “somewhat like a pet,” showering him with affection. An avid fisherman, Tom spent idyllic days in his youth with his great friend Vic, pulling fat trout from Alberta’s icy mountain streams. After graduating from UBC, Tom went on to practice architecture as a career, winning awards for his designs. Houses he designed still adorn the streets of several Calgary neighbourhoods.
In Victoria, Tom enjoyed a life filled with love and joy; peace and fresh ocean air. Always a keen environmentalist, Tom campaigned to save delicate BC ecosystems and old-growth rainforests. He danced well, and was a long-time member of the Saanich International Folk Dancers. He also loved Morris Dancing and could often be spotted at public venues, dressed in white, covered in ribbons and jingle-bells, waving a big stick and crashing about with his Holly Tree colleagues.
He enjoyed simple, uncomplicated joys. For Tom, eating a banana split was a transcendent experience, which he was always keen to share with family and friends. He sang goofy comic songs, which he composed in abundance. He could recite poetry he learned as a youngster, railway timetables he learned as a student, and ribald verse he learned, let us assume, as an adult. Even as his memory failed, Tom still loved to talk about trains. He would light up most however, when asked about his grandson, his daughters or his wife. That he adored them all is inarguable.
Thanks must be given to the staff at Hart House and to Dr. Eugene Leduc, for their sensitive and expert care of Tom during the last year of his life. Thanks must also be given to Pauline, for providing Tom with more than a quarter-century of the happiest years of his life; chock-full of love, laughter and companionship.
A happy celebration of Tom’s life will be held at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Wednesday, January 16th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Tom’s name to an environmental charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Ruth ILNYTZKY
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Judith (Barnes) & Glen Baxter Pauline, I’m just hearing this from Frances, I’m sure the celebration yesterday was one of joy and I’m sad that this marks the closure of the root-connection to the Barnes of Kings County New Brunswick. Stephanie I will send this off to Wanda in Lunenburg, if it hadn’t been for your accidental meeting in Calgary, I would never have had the pleasure for meeting any of the western cousins. Pauline, visits with you and Tom, on both coasts were nothing but great fun… DNA runs deep, Wanda found a connection between Tom’s girls posture and gait that aren’t evident in her sisters and I found a kindred-spirit in Tom.
May the blessing of light be on you
– light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire,
so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it.
And may light shine out of the two eyes of you,
like a candle set in the windows of a house,
bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm.
And may the blessing of the rain be on you,
may it beat upon your spirit and wash it fair and clean,
and leave there a shining pool where the blue Heaven shines,
and sometimes a star.
And may the blessing of the earth be on you,
soft under your feet as you pass along the roads,
soft under you as you lie out on it,
tired at the end of the day;
and may it rest easy over you when, at last, you lie out under it.
May it rest so lightly over you
that your soul may be out from under it quickly;
up and off and on its way to God.
And now may the Lord bless you,
and bless you kindly.
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Bob Owens A sad day for all.
Tom was a great uncle a great person and a dear friend.
He will be sadly missed.Tomcat thanks for everything
Bobcat
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Barbara, Scott and Nick Judson We all have such happy memories of the times we spent in Tom’s company – so much laughter and great food! Thank heavens you were in his life Pauline – you were the perfect complement. We are thinking of you.
Barbara and Scott
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Jane Ogle Hastings Though I only knew Tom through band for these last four years, I always enjoyed his happy presence at rehearsals and concerts — he showed his pleasure so well! Pauline, you have been such a gift and stalwart support — know you are in our thoughts and always available for a chat. Love, Jane
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Renee and Siobhan Collins We were very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
Tom’s stories were always entertaining and enjoyed by all of us. The Canada Day Celebrations were always great fun and especially the watermelon seed spitting competition!
The Easter egg hunting and egg salad sandwiches one Easter Sunday were a real treat that are still fondly remembered by Aisling and Calum.
As a neighbor, Tom was someone Paul and I could always rely on, which enhanced our experiences in the Strata.
We are thinking of you and your family at this time, hoping that your many wonderful memories are bringing you solace.Sincerely, Renee and Siobhan Collins
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Petra Allen Dear Pauline, So sorry to hear about Tom. I remember him playing his drum at the Gypsy Celts gatherings. He always had a smile.
Sending you comfort.
Petra
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Marcia Farquhar Pauline, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Although it has been quite a while since Tom joined you for a music gathering at my home, I remember so well his lovely smile and cheerful disposition.
With sincere sympathy, Marcia
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Paula and Alan Greene Dear Pauline,
You and Tom were a dynamic duo and your music will play on….
Congratulations on a blessed life together! Our condolences for your loss.
Love,
Alan and Paula
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Kate Roberts Dear Pauline,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. I am glad you had so many happy years together which will leave you with many happy memories.
My sincere sympathy to you and the family,
Kate
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Liz ( Williams ) Howell Sincere sympathy to Pauline, Stepanie, Valerie and families. So sorry that Uncle Tom had to endure Alzheimer’s Disease.
He had a good sense of humor and enjoyed people. He made up nicknames for most of the people in the family. Mine was ” Pootsie” because of my fat cheeks when I was a baby.
He enjoyed dance, music, geneology, train history and campaigning for the environment.
Good on Ya, Uncle Tom!
Love from: Liz, Darrel, Lindsay and Janna Howell (Aldgate)
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Kathy I imagine that Peach Fuzz and Fred Bill gave Uncle Tom a big hug… Taffy Wooms
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Rita Harvey Our prayers and thoughts to all the Barnes clan.
I have many lovely memories of Morris events.
Tom was the most chivalous and outgoing person one could have the honour of knowing.
Our sincere sympathy and love..an honour to know Tom and to know of the family.
RIta and David Harvey..
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Frances Harrop Thinking of all the nicknames Tom had for everyone in the family, loved the one he had for Nana (Peach fuzz). His respect and love for the natural world reflected in his paintings and his support of organizations that supported the environment. His sense of fun was a constant, sharing his house and holding wonderful Christmas concerts for the family,
Remembering the joy filled wedding of Tom and Pauline – such frolicking and good fun. Tom was an avid chronicler of the family history, his travels following family roots and branches, curiosity and adventuring were both a driving force.
Rastus
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Susie (Harrop) Shaw Stephanie, Valerie and Tavian: Your dad/granddad will now be in some good company – his beloved brothers and sisters. My thoughts are with you. Susie
Pauline I was very sorry to see that your dear Tom passed away. He was a lovely man and always so friendly and kind when we meet up and he always had a great big smile! He will be missed. Lots of hugs and kisses. Love Ruth Ilnytzky