Obituary of Mr. Jack Barnes

To paraphrase the pilot poet John Magee of the RCAF in World War II wrote in his famous poem just before he died in an aircraft crash in England on Dec. 11, 1941, Jack has “slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out his hand and touched the face of God” after 100 years of a life full of experiences and accomplishments of flying, becoming an engineer (U of T Engineering, class of 1950), a Dickensian, sailing, travelling, opera lover, curling champion, investor and a Barbershop singer where he made it to the stage of Massey Hall with his fellow Barbershopers. Jack passed away peacefully on August 26 at his home in Scarborough. One highlight of Jack’s life were the 4 ½ years he served in the RCAF during WWII, where he started as an instrument mechanic in England from 1941 to 1943. Then in 1943 was selected for aircrew and returned to Canada and earned his pilot’s wings at Camp Borden, Ont. and immediately returned to England to finish out the war as a Lancaster pilot. During his years in England he made many close English friends who he visited often whenever he was in London as well as visits after the war. Jack and his wife Marguerite spent 15 happy years wintering in Florida making friends and learning to square dance and play Bridge, while Jack also took on the role of President of their condominium association. Jack and Marguerite also had a special interest in sponsoring foster children in several countries that they supported generously for many years and took a strong interest in the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. Jack, like many others, had some struggles as he got older, such as diabetes and prostate cancer, where he accepted the challenge and like many events of his life managed to overcome them and continue to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life. The culmination of which was the celebration of his 100th Birthday in 2019, where he was surrounded by his family and friends at a banquet hall where everyone celebrated Jack’s life while dining and being entertained by a Vegas style dance troupe. Jack joins his beloved wife Marguerite and leaves his two step children Heather and David (Sandy) and his four grandchildren, Michael Rudd (Jaclyn), Ryan Rudd (Jaclyn), Andrew Bell (Catherine) and Bradley Bell (Stephanie) and great grandchildren Kody, Conner, Noah, Dylan, Brianna, Brooke, Evan and Madilyn. The grandchildren will always be left with the wonderful memories of their time at the family cottage with their Grandma and Grandpa in Muskoka, swimming, skiing and fishing. Special thanks to Jack’s caregivers Aby, Divina, Liza and many others who helped make his life so comfortable. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. "High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth Adn danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Suneard I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the logn, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never lark, or even eagle flew - And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God." By John Magee To experience a piece of the life that Jack lived, copy the link below to see his digital autobiography. Click Jack’s photo of the title page to open the interactive book. http://blur.by/1iMEFmi