After a short illness due to complications related to diabetes, Barney passed away at the Grace Hospital the evening of August 7th, 2020, at the age of 81.
Barney was born in Solsgirth, Manitoba to Keith and Christina Thompson on February 13th, 1939. Married to his devoted and loving wife, Donna, in 1982, together they enjoyed many years of travel throughout Canada and the USA. Barney was a thoughtful, kind and personable man who really enjoyed getting about, meeting people, and sharing stories to those who did not even know him. Most of his career was spent in sales but retired from the Heating & Air Conditioning industry. There was not a person or animal he did not like and was very popular in Quail Ridge Estates where he and Donna made their home after living in Charleswood for over 30 years. Barney was an avid reader and historian and sometimes read two or three newspapers a day, along with magazines, and his large collection of hard cover books. There was never a topic you could not discuss with him as he was always up to date on what was going on in the World plus local and current events. He loved watching TV, especially sports and his favorite, Coronation Street. Barney was an avid NHL fan of his Chicago Black Hawks and, of course, he loved taking great care of his red Dodge truck.
Barney was predeceased by his parents and two brothers in infancy. Besides his loving wife, Donna, he will be remembered with fondness by his Brother-in-Law, Fred Robinson and Sister-in-Law, Carolyn, in New Brunswick; loving and devoted Niece, Jenessa Robinson in Las Vegas, NV, Jenessa’s finance, Rick, and her three boys, Issiah, Jellal, and Darnell; Donna’s sister, Pauline Reynolds, in Ottawa, ON; as well as other extended family members in the Maritimes and other parts of Canada too numerous to mention. We cannot forget Barney’s favorite cat, Sammy, who will miss him dearly. As well, Barney was blessed with many close friends and co-workers who he kept in touch with over the years.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no service at Barney’s request.
A big “thank you” to Doctors George and Joshua and nursing staff at the Grace Hospital for their care during Barney’s hospital stay. Also, thank you to all our friends and neighbors who were so very kind in their thoughts and prayers during Barney’s illness. It will not be forgotten. Special thanks to Bill, Barb, and Theresa for their love and support to Donna during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Barney to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Canadian Diabetes, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
The following is a poem Barney kept in possession to be used after his passing:
Miss Me, But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free!
Miss me a little – but not for long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone;
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.
- Edgar Albert Guest
To love and be loved in return is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Rest in Peace, my Darling … love you forever!
Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.nbardal.mb.ca