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.