Rev. George Edward Barrett
Barrett, Rev. George Edward,
91, Dartmouth, NS. It is with sadness that the family
announces the passing of George Barrett, at Oakwood Terrace, Dartmouth
on July 17, 2019. Born in Sydney, NS he was the son of the late John
and Jessie Barrett.
George is survived by his
loving children Gene (Susan Price), Halifax/Bermuda; Ruth (Paul
Downing), Cow Bay; Kevin (Cathy Legacy), Saint John; brother Raymond
(Mildred) Toronto; grandchildren Brynle (Jackie Johnstone), Tessa
(Joel Jacquard), Mark (Marion Laurence), Kevin (Seema Lakhani),
Jennifer (Patrick Westhaver), Kellen (Kristen Smith), Marta (Alfred
Jones); and nine great grandchildren: Isaiah, Cameron, Atticus,
Lincoln, Gavin, Beatrice, Jack, Hudson, and Charlotte. He was
predeceased by father John, mother Jessica Sweetland, son Paul,
brother Lloyd, and wife Geraldine.
George studied for his
Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and the Humanities at Mount
Allison University, Sackville, NB where he met his wife Gerry who was
studying music. Following graduation, he attended Pine Hill Divinity
School and was ordained into the United Church of Canada in 1951. In
1971 he was awarded a Master of Divinity from Pine Hill. George and
Gerry served as missionaries in India from 1954-1959 where George was
Superintendent of a Christian leprosy home. It was an extraordinary
life experience. George and Gerry fulfilled their calling through
spiritual leadership, music, teaching, and working in the field with
the local Bhil people. Deep friendships were formed with other
missionaries in India that would last a
lifetime.
George also served in pastoral
charges in Glen Margaret, Pugwash, Ottawa (Ramsayville and Hawthorne
Meadows), Dartmouth, Jamaica (as missionaries), Fredericton, Moncton
and Stellarton. After retirement he served as part-time minister for
churches in Point de Bute and Jolicure.
Throughout his ministry George
was very active and involved in the life and work of his churches. A
beloved Minister of the people and spiritual leader, he is remembered
for his warmth, caring and compassion, and for many untold acts of
kindness. Through visitation and pastoral care, parishioners
everywhere fondly recall his dedication, guidance and generosity of
spirit. A powerful preacher, his messages were compelling as he drew
inspiration from the great theologians and philosophers as well as his
own experiences in the mission field. In the 1960s George was
profoundly affected by the philosophy of Jean Vanier and the
L’Arche movement. In many ways it reflected his own
ministry. As a missionary George thrived on immersing himself in the
local culture, eating with families, visiting the sick and the elderly
in their homes, and ministering to the poor and the outcast. This was
especially evident in the treatment of patients at the Christian
leprosy home. Unlike state run facilities, and despite the risks, the
residents were treated with respect through touch, compassion and
love.
Always involved in community
outreach and service on behalf of the church, he served on a number of
committees and boards, such as VON, AA, Ostomy Association and several
nursing homes, to name a few. He was nicknamed the
‘ecumenical’ minister because he was instrumental
in drawing together clergy from various denominations to work closely
in the community and for fellowship. One such instance resulted in
Dartmouth clergy meeting regularly to play tennis and badminton. This
went on for several years and a close friendship was enjoyed by
all.
A proud Cape Bretoner, George
enjoyed immensely going back to his roots. From their humble
beginnings in Whitney Pier his father, John went on to build their
first house on St. Peters Road. George worked summer jobs as a
teenager at the Sydney Steel plant and delivered ice by horse and
wagon. He thrived in the University setting playing sports and years
later would regale us with stories of hijinks involving roommates.
George’s first summer of preaching as a student was in
Marion Bridge, Cape Breton. Although memories of his first sermon he
said were cringe-worthy. George had an adventurous spirit. After he
and Gerry married their first vehicle was a motorcycle which he drove
around his four-point pastoral charge in Glen Margaret, NS. In India
he rode bicycles but graduated to his much beloved four-wheel
drive,‘Willys’ Jeep when his chevy sedan
wasn’t up to the challenges of dry stream beds in the bush.
He enjoyed hiking with fellow missionaries and on one occasion in the
Himalayan foothills became lost. Skittering down the hillsides they
arrived home hours later, bloody and covered in
leeches.
A huge presence, George was
loved for his sense of humor and welcoming smile which enveloped all
like a warm embrace. His greeting was a trademark vice-like hand-shake
with a consoling touch to the shoulder. Very friendly and out-going to
the end, George would raise his hand in salute and say
“hello” to anyone he came across. He looked for the best in
people and was a positive influence. A reflective man he loved a good
chat where he could philosophize about life. Although he was not
musically inclined, George was inspired by music. He loved the
classics and he and Gerry attended choral concerts and the symphony
regularly. On a Saturday afternoon he could be found, eyes closed, on
a couch somewhere in the house listening to the Metropolitan Opera
broadcasts on CBC. He particularly enjoyed Gerry’s piano
playing and accompaniment for others.
We will remember
George’s love for his wife and family, the joy he felt in
having us around and the pleasure in his voice when we would call.
There were many happy moments with Dad: jaunts to bowling and movies
when we were young; throwing the football and noisy games of baseball
with neighbouring kids in the back field at the cottage; races on the
sand bars; lobster boils on the beach with visiting friends; rides on
the mower with ‘Gramps’; kidding with
grandchildren wrapped around his neck; suppers around the table at the
cottage discussing the day’s events; hours of watching
hockey, baseball and soccer with the boys; trips across Gibson St. to
Joe’s Diner in Fredericton for their home cooking and those
fabulous ‘pies’; and the many walks he took with
his beloved Jamaican dog, Ringo. One favourite moment in
George’s life was meeting Bobby Orr in a Boston restaurant
following a Bruins game. A huge fan, they chatted for a long while and
he obtained an autograph from this humble and gracious man. A familiar
sight was to see George sitting on the deck of his cottage wearing his
favourite Jays cap, taking in the scenery or, chatting with a
neighbour. He’d see us in the distance and raise his hand
high in the air to wave. George, one of the loveliest and kindest of
men will be dearly missed by all who knew
him.
The family wishes to thank the
phenomenal staff of Oakwood Terrace for their exceptional care and
devotion to George. At heart, Oakwood is a large family and through
the staff we came to admire their hard work and dedication to the care
and well-being of the residents. George was truly loved by all and we
are grateful for the warmth, kindness and generosity shown to him over
the last five years.
Our heartfelt gratitude is
extended to Oakwood Chaplains, David Watt and Marlene Knowles, for
their love, support and spiritual guidance. A special friendship
developed between the three through their common connection to India
missions. References and stories of India were always popping up in
conversation.
Cremation and memorial
arrangements are through Fergusons Funeral Home, Moncton. A memorial
service for family to celebrate George’s life will take
place at Young’s Cove United Church, Young’s Cove,
NB on July 30th, 2019. Interment to follow at the Young’s
Cove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to
Pastoral Care at Oakwood Terrace, 10 Mount Hope Avenue, Dartmouth, NS,
B2Y 4K1. Donations may also be directed toward a new Palliative Care
room to be dedicated at Oakwood Terrace in memory of George and
Geraldine Barrett.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev George Edward Barrett 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick