so many amazing memories of times on the farm...  Such an amazing caring, strong woman...  Love to all.


I will always fondly remember summers spent at the farm with Aunt Vivian & Uncle Percy.   

An era has certainly passed.  Mrs. Barker has left this world to meet her Saviour in person.  
I'm sure I'm not the only one who used to feel as though she were their second mother.  There is a term from the Bible, "Mother in Israel" (Judges 5:7) which I believe describes Mrs. Barker.  Like Biblical Deborah, Mrs. Barker was a dedicated wife, mother to many, and a spiritual judge, prophetess, and warrior.  Our world will not be the same without her.  Let us rise up and follow our Lord with similar devotion and Joy!  
She would be pleased.

Dear Sharon and family;
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your loved one.  Vivian was a special lady in our congregation for many years and we treasure every memory that we shared together.   We are sorry that we are unable to be with  you  today to celebrate Vivian's home going.  
Pastor Cam and Hanna Willson
Evangel Family Church
Acton, Ontario

Dear Sharon
When I think of Mrs Barker I cannot help but feel so very blessed because of her influence on my life.  I know that as a toddler when I was diagnosed with leukaemia her prayers, joined with the other ladies from church, were fervent and effective in my healing.
She lead so faithfully in our Crusader children’s club, week after week, year after year! It was there that memorizing scripture was instilled in us, earning badges for accomplishments and being valued as precious to God. I have fond memories of our yearly hike to Rolling Hills Farm.  
As a teen and into adulthood, I realized that people readily turned to her with their concerns and would be rewarded with  her wisdom and prayers.
I remember once when Mrs Barker prayed over me on a Sunday evening altar time and her words were of blessing, a hope and a future when my heart was telling me the opposite. I treasured her love and caring.
As as young adult, Mrs Barker encouraged Nancy Gilbert and I to take leadership roles in the Women’s group. I felt far too inadequate to even think about doing such a thing, but she was ‘mentoring’ us before that word was even popular!
I still remember some of her ‘nuggets’ from the Bible. She would find a treasure in a little verse and it would just stick in my heart!
We exchanged Christmas letters for many years until she was no longer able to send them. Every time she wrote, her words were an encouragement and a reminder that she was still praying for us. What an incredible blessing!!
I also want to thank you, Sharon, for taking care of her these many years and for being her girl. You had such a special place in her heart.
It blesses my heart to think of the reunion she must be enjoying in heaven with so many friends and loved ones who have gone before.
I’m reminded of the Crusader’s closing prayer and it seems even more appropriate now:
May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen!
With much love, Melody




Sharon, there are just so many memories about the Barkers. First of all they lived right up the road from us and as young kids we were always welcome there with big smiles from both Percy and Vivian. However, as you know they were always called Brother and Sister Barker..!!   No way did we kids call them ‘Perce and Viv’..!!  

How many times did I see Mr. Barker on his knees praying- both at church and at home.  His influence on me was tremendous.  

And Mrs. Barker was just a saint as far as I could tell.  Never heard her raise her voice or even appear mad at anyone.  She was our Crusader leader for a while and I always remember that she looked so sharp in uniform and was such a great teacher.  

The really nice thing now is that not only are they physically resting in the same ground in Rockwood with my parents, but they are together in heaven having a great old time.   

I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there this week.  God bless you Sharon for taking such great care of ‘Sister Barker’ in her senior years..!! 

Sharon.  I have such fond memories of of your folks.  I can still hear their laughter as I think of them.  Percy, as he ruthlessly played Sorry and took great delight in sending his opponents (me included) back to the start, was great fun.   I remember being promoted to his Sunday-school class at age 13.  He called us men.  No one had ever called me a man before. 
It was nice to be treated grown up even though I wasn't much of a man.  I use that now as a school-bus driver and call the highschool students men and women.  Their comments express their appreciation for not being treated like children.
Vivian!  Yes Vivian with her gracious words of kindness, wisdom and understanding was an encouragement to me especially in my hard times.  Coffee, good coffee, at her apartment on Elizabeth St.  Good times at Crusaders learning life skills that mattered and prepared me for what was ahead.  
Once she was talking about sin as if she might have sinned in the last few days and had to ask forgiveness.  I remember thinking "What on earth could Mrs. Barker have done that would be a sin?"  My mind was a blank.  (and still is.  I just heard her laugh at that.)  
There's a saying that haunts me.  "Sometimes I open my mouth and my mother comes out."  Haunts me because it happens all too often.  But we should be so blessed as to open our mouths and have Vivian or Percy come out.
I'm working Wednesday morning and won't be able to make it to the service but I'll be with you in spirit.  Celebrate a life well lived.
Ian Pasmore 519-831-7630

To the family of Vivian:

I am a volunteer at Columbia forest long term care center for many years and had the special opportunity to spend time with her whenever I came in.  She was always at the nurses station sitting by the sofa.  Vera Hawley and her were always together.   I would like to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of your family member.   Will keep you in my prayers as you go through these difficult days.   I will think about her every day.   

OBITUARY

Vivian Florence Barker

January 19, 1919 – June 8, 2019

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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