Obituary
Bob passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2021. He is survived by his life partner Kim Killam Brown. Born in Saint John, Bob enjoyed a full and wonderful life.
A graduate of UDA, his early career was an electronics technician with NBTel, then later as an electrician and partner with Gardner Electric. An avid sportsman, Bob was an accomplished skier both on the water, and the winter slopes. In the 60’s he enthusiastically experimented with uniskis (an early predecessor of the snowboard). He was an award-winning member of the Canadian Ski Patrol, and a favourite ski instructor at the Poley Mountain ski school which he directed.
A private pilot, he never missed an opportunity to fly. Also, an experienced scuba diver who qualified as a Dive Master and Rescue Diver, he enjoyed many days exploring the reefs in the BVI’s.
An accomplished sailor, Bob raced at the RKYC for over 45 years, and when not racing his own boat Panache, he was always a welcome crew member. An excellent helmsman, he participated in many offshore races including Marblehead to Halifax, Portland to Yarmouth, Halifax to Saint John, and Chester Race week. He made numerous boat deliveries to and from the Caribbean and other ports in Eastern Canada and the United States. He was well known for his mechanical abilities and always getting the boats to their destination. Only once did the US Coast Guard have to pick him up with a helicopter, after the boat he was helping to deliver, lost its rudder off Bermuda. Many boaters were very thankful to see Bob and the Mary O coming to their assistance when they had problems. After retiring from Gardner, he used his many skills to help bring the RKYC into the twenty-first century. Between project manager assignments to rebuild the Clubhouse and Marina in 1990, and the construction of a Travel Lift in 2017, he designed and built a hydraulic trailer and pile driver. Bob was Commodore of the RKYC in 1996 and 1997.
As Babe Ruth ones said, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”
Bob is also survived by his only son Andrew Barnes of Saint John, NB, stepchildren Katy Brown (Justin) and Colton Brown, grand-children Ava and Ben, father-in-law Hal Killam, and mother-in-law Carolyn Killam, all of Saint John, NB. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home. Due to the ongoing pandemic, services will be held at a later date, with a Celebration of Life being held this summer. For those who wish, remembrances to Alzheimer’s Canada would be appreciated.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert “Bob” Frederick Barnes, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert Bob Frederick Barnes July 4 1947 February 15 2021 (age 73)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick