Edward Thomas Barnes

Born on February 1, 1924 in Climax, Saskatchewan, Ed was the only son of William and Florence Barnes and brother to Betty, Winifred, Jean and Dorothy. The Barnes family lived together in Climax in the early years, but after the passing of their mother in 1929, the children were separated, with Jean and Dorothy being raised by different families in the Climax area. In November 1936, Ed moved to New Westminster, BC with his father and two older sisters, Betty and Winnie. Through the years the family kept in touch with one another and visited each other, but it wasn’t until 1995 that all five siblings were reunited under one roof.

Ed began working in 1938, doing odd jobs for the local shoemaker after school. He had to quit school in 1940, at the age of 16, and went to work for the Alaska Pine Company, where he worked in the wooden box plant. While continuing to work, Ed finished high school and was accepted into UBC, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Ed first worked for Crown Zellerbach in Ocean Falls during the summers of 1948 and 1949 while attending the University of British Columbia. After his graduation, he was hired on there as a Chemical Engineer.

Ocean Falls was a remote town on the BC coast, accessible only by boat twice a week or by floatplane in an emergency. It was also the place where Ed met the love of his life, Norma. She was working as a dietary aide at the Ocean Falls General Hospital. The town’s bowling league brought them together despite the fact that they were on opposing teams. December 4, 1950 was not only the date of the first game they played against each other, but also the beginning of a whirlwind courtship. They were quickly engaged, marrying only six months later on June 14, 1951 at a ceremony in Norma’s hometown of Grand Forks.

They honeymooned in Penticton, the first of many trips they would take together, before returning to Ocean Falls. They set up house together, and in August 1952, they welcomed their first daughter, Coreen, to their family. Their son Thomas followed a year later.

In 1955, Ed was promoted to Assistant Technical Control Supervisor and a year later, in the same capacity, he was transferred to Elk Falls in Campbell River. Ed became Technical Control Supervisor in 1957. It was in Campbell River that their family expanded once more with the births of Gordon in April 1957 and Sharilyn in November 1958.

The transfer to Campbell River was the first of many relocations in Ed’s successful career. He was transferred to Camas, Washington in 1964 to assume the position of Supervisor of Coating and Sizing. In 1969, Ed was hired as Technical Superintendent for Prince George Pulp and Paper, eventually being promoted to Manager of Technology and Environment. In 1981, Ed became Corporate Manager of Technical Services and Environment. In 1984, Ed moved to the Canfor head office in Vancouver, where he became Director of Technical Sales Development. Retiring in 1989, Ed continued to work as a consultant for several years.

During his career, Ed was active in a number of professional associations. He was a long-time member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association and the Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia. Ed was a member of the Environment Council of the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association. He served on the Environment Committee and on the Industrial Health Research Advisory Committee of the Council of Forest Industries of British Columbia.

Despite his busy career, Ed always found time for others and served his community wherever he was living. He served as a school board trustee in Campbell River. He was president of the Little League in Camas. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Prince George Regional Hospital, and served as its Chairman for two terms.

His real focus though was his family. He was a generous, kind and constant father to his four children, and a supportive and loving husband to his wife, Norma. He took great pride in his home as well and could often be seen around the house, his tool box at his side, tinkering, fixing and making improvements. His love of technology also meant that the Barneses were usually the first family in town to own the latest gadgets, whether it was a colour TV or a microwave.

Ed was also a proud grandfather who delighted in his six grandchildren: Jessica, Sarah, Jennifer, Morgan, Brett and Drew. He was a very hands-on grandfather who never shied away from bedtime stories, kite flying, assembling toys or giving bike-riding or swimming lessons. Ed became a great-grandfather with the arrival of Zayden in 2009.

Ed also had a special place in his heart for his dog, Pascha. His beloved Yorkshire Terrier was rather spoiled. She could usually be found in his arms or in his lap, and whenever he went out to eat, he always brought her home a little treat in a Tupperware container that he kept in his pocket for that very purpose.

Ed was also an avid traveler, and he was not exaggerating when he said he had been to every continent except Antarctica. Throughout his career, business trips took him all over the globe. With Norma at his side, he also traveled extensively for pleasure. They went everywhere from Egypt to Bali and made many lifelong friends in the process.

Ed tried his hand at many sports over the years but will be remembered most for his enjoyment of golf and hockey. Ed was a loyal supporter of the Vancouver Canucks and began the mysteriously named OMG Hockey Pool, which has expanded over the years to include 60 family and friends. An avid golfer, he organized and played in many golf tournaments over the years. He played golf regularly until the age of 81.

His beloved wife Norma predeceased him in 2003. Soon after, he began his long and brave battle with dementia. Ed passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Little Mountain Place, surrounded by family. Ed will be remembered as a devoted family man, a good friend and a dedicated member of his profession and community.

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BARNES, Edward Thomas Edward Thomas Barnes passed away peacefully on May 20, 2011 at Little Mountain Place, surrounded by family, after a long battle with dementia. Born on February 1, 1924 in Climax, Saskatchewan, Ed was the only son of William and Florence Barnes, and brother to Betty, Winifred, Jean and Dorothy. Ed was a kind and generous father to his four children and a supportive and loving husband to his beloved Norma, who predeceased him in 2003. He will be lovingly remembered by his surviving sister Jean and his children: Coreen (Bryan); Thomas (Patti); Gordon (Leanne); and Sharilyn. A proud grandfather, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren: Jessica; Sarah; Jennifer; Morgan; Brett and Drew and his great-grandson Zayden. Ed was dedicated to his career as a chemical engineer. He was a good friend and served his community wherever he was living, as a school board trustee in Campbell River, as President of the Little League in Camas, and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Prince George Regional Hospital. Ed and Norma were avid travelers, literally traveling the world for business and pleasure. Ed was a loyal supporter of the Vancouver Canucks and an enthusiastic golfer. Ed's family would like to express heartfelt thanks to his caregivers at Little Mountain. Dr. Earl Hutchinson and Monica, we thank you for the respect and care you showed to our father, and for the guidance and words of encouragement given to us. The family also wishes to thank Richard Duggan for the extraordinary compassion, kindness and attention he showed to our father. A memorial service will be held at Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home, 306 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2 p.m. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC, #300 - 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 1E2. Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family by visiting www.mountpleasantfuneral.com Those we love don't go away They walk beside us every day No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts, you are always there. We love you and miss you, Dad and Mom.