A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away suddenly on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Cathy (Moore) for over 30 years. Father of Robyn (Rob) McKenzie, Brenda (Bob McFarlane) Barr, Scott (Julie) Barr, Brent (Sheila) Barr, and Jason (Jennifer) Barr. He deeply loved his 13 grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. Ashley, Stephen, Ethan and Keanna McKenzie; Nicholas, Bryanna and Everett Nyhof; Jordan, Carson, and Connor Barr; Erik Barr; McKay and Matty Barr; and his four great grandchildren Robbie, Lilly, Emilia, and Adelaide. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Lynn (Bob) MacMaster; and David (Linda) Barr; Mary Barr and David Moore. He is predeceased by his parents Murray and Ruth Barr (1995), his first wife Lillian Anne “Nan” (McKay) (1984), and brother Robert Barr (2013).
Hugh was born and educated in London. He received his MD (Cum Laude) from UWO in 1959. He was active in school affairs, intramural sports, and Delta Upsilon Fraternity. His father was a founding member of DU and three of his grandsons were also members at Western.
He embarked on a demanding postgraduate Neurosurgical training program in Toronto, London, England, and London, Ontario, where his mentor and subsequent colleague was Dr. Charles Drake. He successfully completed his FRCS(C) in Neurosurgery in 1966 and for 36 years was a consultant and practicing neurosurgeon at Victoria, St. Joseph’s and University Hospitals in London.
The profession was challenging but rewarding. Long hours of work and time away from his family were counter balanced by the knowledge and satisfaction, that the vast majority of patients were cured of their symptoms and could return to a normal life. He valued the companionship and expertise of his colleagues in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and the other health care professionals and staff at LHSC.
Hugh will forever be remembered for his love of family and friends. As well as being a respected surgeon, he was also humble and compassionate towards his patients, the residents in training, and the hospital staff in general. He cherished family time at the cottage in Grand Bend, and family holidays including skiing with his children and grandchildren.
Upon retirement in 2001, he and Cathy moved permanently to Grand Bend. He enjoyed the smaller community, the outdoor life, Lake Huron, but especially the friendships he and Cathy developed. He switched from tennis to golf with considerable passion, but his enthusiasm far exceeded his ability, which caused him significant frustration.
He unselfishly devoted his time as a member of the Board of the GBCHC, followed by the Board of Community Living of South Huron. He was a member of the Grand Bend Probus Club and an former member of the Grand Bend Rotary Club.
A private family graveside service will be held at the Pinery Cemetery in Grand Bend on Tuesday, December 14th at 1 PM with Reverend Susan Moore officiating.
Though the service is private, a recording of the service will be made available to view on Wednesday, December 15th at www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy please consider a memorial donation to Salvation Army, or Jessica’s House.
Offer Condolence for the family of BARR: Hugh Wallace King M. D. FRCS(C) of Grand Bend, formerly of London
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of BARR Hugh Wallace King D FRCSC of Grand Bend formerly of London 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Exeter, Province: Ontario
My deepest condolences to Dr. Barr’s family. I had the privilege working with Dr. Barr during my residency years at UWO. I enjoyed and respected him as a teacher and mentor. He was alwsys a gentleman and a fine physician and surgeon who impacted many through his personal and professional life.
Our condolences Cathy to you and your family. We have such wonderful memories of our golfing trips down south that you and Hugh so capably put together. May your wonderful memories help to overshadow your grief. Thinking of all!
Bob and Sherie