OBITUARY

Dr. Patrick Theophilus Barnes

June 15, 1941 – January 8, 2021

Dr. Patrick Theophilus Barnes (retired) breathed his last breath, on Friday, January 8th, 2021, at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Patrick was born on June 15, 1941 in Bo, Sierra Leone, West Africa, to Joseph Crispin Barnes, and Magaya Lydia Barnes (both deceased). Patrick was the second oldest of 14 siblings, whose surviving members are now living in various places around the world, including Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

In 1961 Patrick came to Canada to attend medical school at the University of Ottawa, on a full scholarship. He did 2 years of pre-med, followed by 4 years of medical school, completing a full Bachelor of Arts degree during the summers of medical school. He graduated from the School of Medicine in 1969, and was accepted as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1974. His time in Ottawa was not only fruitful on the professional front, he also met his “Goco” (sweetheart), Maude Bernadette Laurie King there in 1966. Maude and Patrick were married on September 26, 1970. They would go on to have 3 children, Rodney, Leslie, and Milton.

In 1976, Patrick got his first “big break” as a physician when he was invited to join the staff at Notre-Dame Hospital in Hearst, Ontario. During his time in Hearst Patrick’s French language skills were an invaluable asset as a physician, this excellence in patient care was recognized with the distinction of being awarded the "key to the city”. A 30-year career as a general surgeon followed, not only in Hearst, but at Lennox & Addington County General Hospital in Napanee, Ontario, and his most notable and lengthy tenure at York Central Hospital (now MacKenzie Health Centre) in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Among his many accomplishments in medicine, Patrick was among the pioneers of laparoscopic surgery in Ontario. Patrick retired from full-time surgery in 2006, but continued working as an endoscopist at various clinics before fully retiring in 2010.

Patrick’s 3 children were the pride of his life. He loved to boast of their accomplishments and successes, whether big or small, and attend as many of their extra-curricular activities as his demanding schedule as a surgeon would allow. A great believer in pursuing one’s dreams, Patrick never pressured his kids to follow in his footsteps career-wise, but expected them to strive for excellence in whatever activity, career path, or personal passion they chose to pursue. His own passion for the medical field did, however, inspire his middle child Leslie, to take up the “family business” and become an accomplished surgeon in her own right.

Since their early days in Ottawa, Patrick and Maude were fixtures in the growing Sierra Leonean community in Ontario. Over the years they became respected elders in that community and often helped many newcomers get settled and adjust to life in Canada. With his charm, humour, warm smile, and infectious laugh, Patrick was often the life of any social event he attended. His children also fondly remember the lavish and fun-filled parties Patrick and Maude would host in their homes, events rich in food, music, dancing, and laughter.

Patrick was a man of faith. He was raised in the Evangelical tradition. His faith journey took a dramatic leap forward in 1985 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. From then on, he joined Maude in active church life. He served as an usher and communion server at Agincourt Pentecostal Church in Scarborough, Ontario for many years. Not surprisingly, he became a popular member of the ushering team, where he impressed and inspired with his warm, caring demeanor, and humble servanthood. As well, he was twice nominated for the Board of Deacons, and he and Maude hosted one of the church’s Home Bible Study groups. After their time at Agincourt Pentecostal Church, Patrick and Maude attended Above All Christian Gathering in the west-end of Toronto for several years, before joining the congregation of their current church, Toronto International Celebration Church, near their home in North York. I n March of 2006, Patrick was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident. He was treated for a brain injury at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, followed by a period of convalescence at a rehabilitation facility. His family was grateful that he survived this significant trauma, despite developing mild dementia as a result of the brain injury.

Over the next 14 years, Patrick was thrilled to celebrate the marriages of all three of his children and experience the joy of participating in the lives of his grandchildren. On September 26th, 2020 Patrick and Maude celebrated the incredible milestone of 50 years of marriage; one distinguished by faith, commitment, love, family, friends, hope, and joy.

In December of 2020, he became ill and was found to have contracted COVID-19. He was admitted to Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto on December 21st, 2020, where he was treated. His health improved somewhat over a two-week period, however, further complications resulted in a progressive decline. The family was able to connect with him through virtual meets to see and speak with him, and to convey their love. He passed away peacefully, with his wife Maude and, his youngest son at his side. Husband, Father, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, Surgeon, Christian, Friend; Patrick Barnes was dearly loved, highly respected, and will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic a private funeral service will be held for the family on Sunday January 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1W3. Please join the family virtually through the livestream link; http://ipickart.ca/stream/Barnes/

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Dr. Patrick Theophilus Barnes

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GEORGE ROBERTS

January 19, 2021

We will miss you, Pat. Your gentle soul, your modest demeanour, and your generous nature. We will always remember your calming presence at large social gatherings and your elegant touch in the more intimate settings at your home and ours. Rest in peace. George & Tunus Tregson Roberts.

Token Akpan

January 18, 2021

Dear Adopted Father,

I am so sorry that I waited so long to come and let you know that I am doing ok. Please, forgive me. I will miss you very much. You opened your home and hands to me and my family. You showed us what love is and I learned humility from you. May you continue to shine in the presence of Our heavenly Father as you shone here on earth. And to my Adopted Mom, my brothers, sister Rodney, Milton, and Leslie and your families, please be comforted in the Arms of the The Lord and our Saviour Jesus Christ. May His presence never leave you as you navigate through this time. We the Akpan’s appreciate you so much and you are certainly in our prayers. 🌹Papa, see you soon🌹

Token and Family.

Wallacia Barnes

January 17, 2021

Rest in Peace gentle soul, rest in the loving arms of The Almighty, my sweet Uncle. ❤️

Me and my family are forever indebted to you, you gave us an opportunity to make a life in Canada. We are eternally grateful! 🙏

We will remember your kind, warm heart, your laugh, your smile, your caring and loving ways. We are so proud of you, and all that you stood for, a man of pride and love and dignity, who was loved by all. Our memories of you will remain tucked in our heart forever.

Our deepest condolence to his devoted wife and soulmate Aunty Maude, his loving 3 children, Rodney, Leslie, Milton and all his siblings. May the force of God be with you all, place a shield of protection around all of you and keep you safe. ❤️🕯️🌹
Wallacia, Ayo, Wallace Jr., Crispin, Ms. Mary

Jacqueline Bundu

January 17, 2021

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted."Matthew 5 vs 4.
Aunty Maude, and the entire Barnes family please accept my sincere condolences following the death of Uncle Patrick.
I met Uncle Patrick and Aunty Maude when I joined my husband in Canada in 1998. Uncle Patrick's younger sister Etta a dear friend and at that time my cousin-in-law, asked them to welcome me, and they did, very warmly.
Dr Barnes, was a product of The Bo School in Sierra Leone and a proud alumni, as was my late dad, Dr Kawa. When they met in Toronto it was with great camaraderie, asking each other for their  Bo School number, and lapsing into their native tongue, Mende. Dr Barnes and Aunty Maude made these visits special, with their lavish generosity, entertaining and sharing stories of Sierra Leone in the sixties.
Dr Barnes a man of commendable achievements, an impeccable character, but notably gracious and humble. A star of Southern Sierra Leone, whose treasure was his beloved family and especially Aunty Maude.
Uncle Patrick, you were an excellent example of how one should live and an inspiration to many. May you rest in perfect peace and light perpetually shine upon you.

Donovan Ashley

January 17, 2021

One of the coolest Dads I knew growing up. He was easy going and calm. I remember when I used to see him coming in the door from work with a happy-to-be-home look on his face. RIP Mr. Barnes 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Abdulrahman Bundu

January 17, 2021

I was privileged to have met Dr. Barnes and his wife, Mrs. Barnes sometime around the late eighties when a group of of us young men in our twenties were invited to attend a house warming party at their palatial home in the Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill. We were mostly new arrivals in Canada at the time living in a block of apartment buildings around the Caledonia and Lawrence area we used to refer to as the Salone parliament.
Somehow Dr. Barnes found out about us and he asked a Sierra Leonean brother named Dauda Massaquoi to invite us to the party.
Dr. Barnes and wife were warm and welcoming even though they never met anyone of us before or knew our backgrounds. He was just happy to meet this group of young Sierra Leoneans. Dr. Barnes never asked what we did for a living, our ethnicities or background. We left that night very proud of the achievements of one of our own country men and hoped that we may also have the opportunity to make it in Canada.
Dr. Barnes was a role model. He was kind, humble and highly regarded by the community. His counsel was always sought. Dr. Barnes loved to entertain and deeply cared about the Sierra Leone community. I remember when Captain Yayah Kanu who was a minister in the military government and regarded as a war hero during the rebel war came on a conference in Toronto; Dr. Barnes got wind of the visit and he hastily arranged to meet with the minister at his home in Richmond Hill with a group of community members. Food was ordered and a large bucket of KFC was among the treats. We sat on their immaculate white leather couch in the living room munching on fried chicken and me thinking about the possibility of making a mess on their beautiful couch.
Over the years, my family and Dr. Barnes and his wife became a bit closer due to family connections with my wife.

May his soul rest in peace. And we pray that the Almighty God will give the courage and strength to his family to cope with the loss.

Rosetta Springer

January 17, 2021

I have loved Maude and Pat forever. I remember Pat teaching us how to dance in 1968
In Ottawa.
This is a warm, loving couple always kind and compassionate towards all of us in the Sierra Leonean diaspora in Ontario.
Pat was so kind and thoughtful towards myself and my mother when she visited Toronto- we spoke about his wonderful bedside manner. We had long conversations when he used to drive me home. I will love him and miss him forever.
❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🎶❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾

Yvette Kamara Stuart

January 17, 2021

Maude, my sincere condolences to you & your family on the loss of your husband. I pray God consoles you all, that fond memories of him remain evergreen & ease your loss. May his soul rest in well deserved eternal peace!

Ken and Princess Hamilton

January 17, 2021

We were sad to learn of the passing of Dr Patrick Barnes. Since the first time we met Patrick and Maude we had a fond love for Patrick. Patrick's gentle smile and kind words were always touching. Rest in peace 🙏🕊️ Patrick. You will be missed.
Maude and family; God will comfort you all.

Emmanuel Swaray

January 17, 2021

We're saddened to hear of your passing Uncle Patrick. We won't even attempt to fill the void you've left. We take comfort in knowing that you're now safe in the arms of your Saviour whom you came to know and serve.
Rest in Peace.

FROM THE FAMILY