John William Barber

John is the son of a Second World War Veteran and was quickly brought into the Legion world. His father taught him music (specifically, the trumpet) and he was soon blowing the Bugle for the November 11th Services, the Installation of Officers, Honours and Awards. Word quickly got out about the young bugler and he soon started performing duties at various Legions.

He furthered his music at Mount Royal College and acquired a grade 10 in music history when he taught kids in the community. He was accepted into the original Calgary Stampede Show Band representing the City of Calgary at various events including the 1971 Grey Cup in Vancouver and the 1975 Grey Cup in Calgary.

(Comrade) John Barber has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 238 for 50 years. He was one of the first registered voting associate members in Canada. He fulfilled several positions as follows:

1999: Appointed Sports Officer

2000: 3rd Vice President

2001, 2002: 1st Vice President

2003: President

2004, 2005: Past President

2007, 2008: 1st First Vice President

2010, 2100: President

2011: Past President

John was always very active in the Poppy Campaign, in 2010, he began helping at Market Mall and area, taking on the Captain role in 2013, holding that position til this day.

He received several awards including; Certificate of Appreciation and Honorary Member from Ladies Auxiliary, Legion Certificate of Appreciation for past volunteering for various functions such as bingos, Stampede and Poppies and Certificate of Merit for his outstanding work on membership and time helping around the Branch whenever needed.

John was an extremely passionate NFL fan favoring the Philadelphia Eagles. He managed a weekly pool of 22 to 25 people for the last 25 years or so. He also enjoyed Canadian sports including hockey (Flames), football (Stampeders), curling, and golf. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing shuffleboard, darts, curling and golfing.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife Bev of 44 years; sisters May Allen and Margaret Barber (Albert Aker); brother-in-law Alan Kazakoff; nephews Brett, Ron, Michael, William and Paul; nieces Belinda, Doreen, Mary, Terry and Lee-Ann and various great nieces and great nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother and father; sister Janet Allbury; nieces Donna Cochrane and Lee-Anne Allbury; mother and fathers-in-law; sisters-in-law Claudette Kazakoff and Sandy Kazakoff and various aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Bowness Branch #238, 138 Bowness Center NW, Calgary, Alberta on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Bowness Branch #238 via; Cash Drop off or mail cheque to: 138 Bowness Center NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 5M5