September 18, 1930 – January 24, 2025
BARKER, John Thomas Fitzgerald (Gerry) – It’s with heavy hearts that his household shares that Gerry handed away at Roberta Place Lengthy Time period Care Residence in Barrie, ON on January 24, 2025 in his ninety fifth 12 months.
As a younger man, Gerry spent a number of years as a proud member of the Queen’s York Rangers, 1st American Regiment, the place he attained the rank of lieutenant. He remained linked to his regimental brothers all through his life.
Following in his household’s footsteps, Gerry was a lifelong journalist. He labored for The Ontario Chronicle, first as a photographer/reporter, the place he travelled extensively overlaying the information, together with Hurricane Hazel, and travelling with entertainers similar to The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross & the Supremes. In 1969, he bought a weekly newspaper in Bradford, Ontario, and was an energetic member of each the OCNA (Ontario Neighborhood Newspaper Affiliation) and the OWNA (Ontario Weekly Newspapers Affiliation) the place he served as President for a time period. He completed his profession again at The Ontario Chronicle as Assistant Managing Editor.
Gerry believed in group service, and was a member of the Lions Membership, serving as President in 1980-1981. He was keen about Canadian navy historical past, notably World Warfare II. He was very proud to have been invited to talk at his grandchildren’s elementary college on the topic. Impressed by an expensive pal, he grew to become obsessive about navy plane and constructed a powerful assortment of mannequin conflict planes. His different ardour was politics, actively campaigning for his chosen candidates. Conversations with Gerry about each Canadian and American politics have been vigorous and informative. His love for and curiosity in folks knowledgeable each facet of his life. The truth is, after solely 5 brief months at Roberta Place, he grew to become a favorite resident, recognized for his tales and his sense of humour. Regardless of his well being challenges, he continued to be curious and care about these round him.
Gerry is survived by his beloved spouse, Barbara, his adoring youngsters, Lori (Ken), Lesley (Acheson) and Jonathan, treasured grandchildren Rachel, Joshua, Deven, Aynsley and Magnus, and great-granddaughters Hunter and Dakota. He’s additionally survived by his loving step-daughter, Lauryne, liked step-grandchildren Craig, Amanda (Peter), Taylor (Alex), Brianna, and Justin (Alana), and step-great-grandchildren Alex, Zoe, Aiden and Kerri. He’s pre-deceased by his mother and father, Dorothy and Frank, his first spouse, Nona, brother Peter, sister-in-law Pat and step-daughters Kerridy and Tyytler.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will likely be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk Avenue, Guelph.
Preparations entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Ontario Chronicle Contemporary Air Fund, the Canadian Lung Affiliation or a charity of your selecting can be appreciated.
A tree will likely be planted in reminiscence of John (Gerry) T. F. Barker within the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
