John William Barnes, born Feb. 27, 1951, passed away Thursday, Aug. 18.
John was born on Feb. 27, 1951 at Claresholm to Charles and Jean Barnes. He was raised on the family farm and educated at Granum, Fort Macleod and later attended Lethbridge Community College where he took heavy duty mechanics.
John married Connie Paulson in 1970 and they have two sons, Paul and Dennis, and a daughter Theresa. They have lived on their farm east of Granum since they married. John was a loving husband for almost 41 years and his favourite activities always involved his children and grandchildren.
John was diagnosed with MS at the age of 39 and has presented a brave and cheerful face to all his family and friends. He continued to maintain an active interest in the farm and loved being kept involved by working with his son, Dennis, on the details of farming, as well as keeping his brain active by learning about stocks and investments.
John was diagnosed with cancer in May 2011 and continued to bravely fight his battles throughout this difficult journey. We were so overwhelmed that, even faced with so very many life challenges, his positive attitude always shone through and especially his courage during this final battle which peacefully ended on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
John is survived by his wife Connie; sons, Paul (Kathleen) and Dennis (Tammy); daughter Theresa (Walter) Ferguson; 12 grandchildren; one great grandson; his brothers Doug (Donna), Mel (Linda) and Tom (Anne) and their families.
John was predeceased by his father Charles, his mother Jean and a brother Rick.
John will be missed so very much, but we pray his courageous spirit lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He showed us how bravely life’s challenges should be faced and how full life could be even through adversity.
Family and friends were invited to pay their respects at Leyden’s Funeral Home, Claresholm, on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services were held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Fort Macleod, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ben Marino presiding. Interment followed at Granum Cemetery.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta-Northwest Territories Division, 200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, T2E 2P5, Phone: 1-800-661-2262, www.cancer.ca or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Lethbridge and District Chapter, 724 – 13th St. N., Lethbridge, T1H 2T1, Phone: 403-328-7002, www.mssociety.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to Leyden’s Funeral Home, Claresholm. Phone: 403-625-3212.