In memory of

Timothy Harold Barnes

April 17, 1944 -  March 8, 2023

Timothy Harold Barnes passed away on March 8, while in hospital, surrounded by family and friends. For the past year he had bravely battled infection in his leg, but he was unable to fight a newly emerging health crisis. His departure was sudden, unexpected, but ultimately peaceful. He was 78 years old.

Tim’s parents were Harold and Lorna from the London, Ontario area, who found romance in a time of war. Later, the family would move around as Harold climbed the corporate ladder at Dominion of Canada Insurance. Some of Tim’s fondest memories were when they lived in Calgary - from discovering dinosaur bones on back trails to winning a marksmanship award to finding that first and bestest of best friends. And if you heard him speak of the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, you would find yourself quickly adding it to your bucket list of destinations.

Finishing high school in Toronto, with remarkable scores in the departmental exams, Tim attended his beloved Trinity College at the University of Toronto. He made a name for himself there, as an advisor, scholar and social host, while working hard to pay his own way. Some of his most meaningful relationships were forged there, as well as a life-long pursuit of academic interests often in history, politics, philosophy, and religion. There was nothing he loved more than an intellectual discussion on topics abstract and erudite.

Professionally, Tim searched for a place where he could truly shine, taking on a variety of roles, but his greatest successes were in a management position with the Addiction Research Foundation, the Ministry of the Environment, and latterly in a legal capacity writing briefs for various levels of courts. He was also a former Freemason and Past Master of Friendship Lodge, as well as a Past Patron of the Eastern Star Ontario Chapter.

Tim struggled with his health for decades, beginning with a devastating car accident in his thirties, but it was in the last decade that the challenges became increasingly acute and confining. Throughout it all, however, he maintained a positive attitude, soldiered through pain and discomfort, and relished every moment of personal contact, particularly with family and friends both new and old. “Tell me something,” he would say, “what’s happening in your life???!” And it didn’t mattered how mundane, he appreciated every morsel of information and every nugget of experience.

Tim Barnes is survived by his son Chris, ex-wife Karen Caldwell, ex-partner Anne Thomson, sister Carol Walker, and extended family and friends. A memorial will be held April 15 at the Ajax Legion. Please contact Tim’s son Chris (postofficecb@gmail.com) to receive details once finalized, or check the funeral details section. If you have photos you wish to upload, feel free to do so here.

The family wishes to thank the health care workers both private and public who have helped Tim, at Lakeridge Hospital (Ajax) and at home. There were moments when your mere presence was a kindness.

Guestbook 

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Paul D (Family friend)

Entered March 14, 2023 from Yokohama, Japan

Tim was a funny, kind, gregarious and truly generous man. I recall that when I moved to Toronto from Ottawa after University he let me stay with Chris and himself for a couple of months until we found out own place.

Some of the best memories of my life were of those experiences with the Barnes' at Yonge and College.

I'm grateful you are resting in the same hallowed ground as my own Father. I won't forget you.

Lori Ferguson (Relative)

Entered March 14, 2023

Barnes Family and Relatives
Sorry to hear about the passing of Tim
Tim was a wonderful man. Many fond memories of Tim. Growing up and visiting Tim Karen and Chris along with the family dogs. Wonderful times we had and great memories. As well as later in life when we would meet him in downtown Toronto at his his workplace and go out for a walk in the park have a bite to eat. He loved life and he love the social interaction with people.
Will miss his smile and his hearty laugh.
Tim will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
With caring thoughts
Walter Ferguson & Lori Ferguson(Byron)

David Martin (Old friend)

Entered March 26, 2023 from Toronto

When in trouble
When in doubt
Run in circles
Jump and shout

Leslie (Friend)

Entered March 27, 2023 from Kawartha Lakes

I met Tim virtually in a computer gaming environment a few years ago. Tim was an avid talker, great communicator and had a playful vivid imagination. His enthusiasm was impossible to ignore and instead drew a person in with the promise of chuckles and often belly laughs. He had a sense of humor like no other. He often talked of the novels he craved to write, places in the world he had visited and longed to see, and shared details of his research on subjects that interested him. Tim talked lovingly about his family and friends. He was a true testament and brilliant example of how to live in kindness as a habit and way of life. He would help anyone in whatever way he could. Most valuable was his empathy and sharing of wise quotes and simply and often just listening.
Tim, you shall be missed, forever appreciated and adored. Blessed are those his life touched through the years.
Leslie

Photos 

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