Obituary of Neil Cameron Barker
NEIL CAMERON BARKER
Oct 10, 1957 – Dec 11, 2021
It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Neil Barker. Neil was the light in any dark room and he brought love and laughter to so many.
It is said that the pain one feels when being left by an acquaintance, friend or family member is a gift: It is a sign that the person is deeply missed. Neil left so many of us with memories that are bountiful and of course much pain.
Left to cherish his memory, his partner of 13 years, Elizabeth, son Cameron (Alana), grandsons Harvey and Nolan, son Jordan (Hayley), step-daughter Kelsey (Jake) & baby Frankie and stepson Tanner. Neil was brother to Warren (Val), Charlene (Larry), Karen, nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends around the world. He was predeceased by his mother and father Viola & Bill Barker. Neil loved his two sons immensely and was so proud of all their accomplishments. You would never have a conversation with Neil when he didn’t speak of his pride and admiration of Cam and Jordy and now their families as well.
Neil’s nickname “Steel Neil” was well earned as he could be tough as nails but then shared softness and tears with many of his friends and family. His friends felt comfortable asking for his assistance and Neil considered it a pleasure to do so. He would easily paint a friends house or cycle across mountains if asked. His dedication to the care and comfort of his parents was a testament to the man he was.
Neil grew up in Fort Garry, attended Vincent Massey High School and University of Manitoba. He joined the Winnipeg Police Department in 1979 providing dedicated police service to the citizens of Winnipeg, Manitoba for over 25 years. During his career, he served as a beat constable, Sargeant, detective, and homicide investigator. Later in his career, he served as the major crime’s coordinator. Neil held a Masters degree in criminal justice. He was an academy instructor and was assigned to the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. He served as a hostage negotiator for 14 yrs and was head of the Canadian Police College Interrogation Training Program.
As a highly skilled polygraph examiner, with advanced expertise in interviewing techniques, Neil was a dynamic speaker lecturing throughout North America. He began offering his instructional interrogation course for the Niagara Regional Police in 2008.
Neil opened a consulting business and developed a course which was delivered to all major police agencies in Canada, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canadian Foreign Affairs, Canadian Intelligence and Terrorism, and many others. Neil also taught the course in Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium, New Zealand, Ireland, Bermuda, France and many other foreign countries.
Neil was an amazing athlete. As a young man he played for the The Northend Flyers winning the Canadian Slow Pitch Championship in Halifax and the team was later inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. One of many accomplishments he was proud of.
Neil had a passion for hockey and played for numerous teams, finalizing his career playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons. Neil held yearly on ice hockey training courses in assisting future, past and current NHL players. Neil helped scout many junior players as well. Neil played regularly with the NRP police teams, and also trained youth in self defence skills specifically for on ice hockey combat. He loved being a protector of the weak. Neil coached Fort Garry / Riverview hockey and instructed at the Golden Horseshoe Hockey School in Niagara for 7 years. He was on the ice at least two days a week and loved skating with his two grandsons, Harvey and Nolan.
Neil played many other sports and did quite well in all he tackled (other than golf). He had a passion for running, fitness and boxing. He was a specimen at age 64, in a class above most.
Neil liked sweet drinks, odd named beers, classic rock, old style hockey, friends, his immediate family, Bobby Orr, the science of body language, and Special Olympics.
Neil spent his last 9 years in Port Dalhousie in Niagara where he enjoyed the community, the wineries and the people. He quickly became a very loved friend of many throughout Niagara including his dog Finley. There will be Celebration of Life events in Winnipeg and St Catharines in the new year with details to be posted when available.
George Darte Funeral Home, St Catharines, are providing interim arrangements. dartefuneralhome.com
Internment will take place at Thomson “In the Park” in Winnipeg at a future date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Special Olympics Canada at specialolympics.ca or Jump Start to support kids in sport and play at jumpstart.canadiantire.ca
Neil was a mentor, friend and the life of any party. To say he will be missed is a complete understatement. The light in our lives has gone out but we know he is in heaven bringing love and laughter to all who were there before him. Rest peacefully our dear friend….till we meet again.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Neil
Cameron
Barker 1957 2021..
Death notice for the town of: St- Catharines, Province: Ontario
Condolences to Cam, Jordy and all the family. Steel Neil gone way to soon, he was a great mentor and a friend and will be sadly missed. Godspeed Barks.
Smitty
Was one of my instructors when I went through the acadamy. I always took the time to listen when he would teach or share. Truly one of the best Rest well
I KNEW ALL THE BARKERS VERY WELL .COACHED WITH BROTHER WARREN. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO COACH WARREN’S BORTHER NEIL AT AGE 15. HE HAD A BRILLANT POLICE CAREER.
HE HAD THE SHEER JOY TO SEE SON CAM PLAY IN FOR NHL’S BLACK HAWKS.
REGRETTFULLY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND .
TO ALL WHO ATTEND,YOU HAVE MY BEST WISHES !
Grew up in Fort Garry where the legend of “Barks” began. He was as tough as they came but always had time for anyone who wanted chat. Neil was also a former Fort Garry Lion, a team I played on shortly after Neil and then also joined the Winnipeg Police where I spent many a time sharing a cold refreshment after one of our many hockey games. Always spoke so highly of his family and was always ready to back one up if and when needed. My condolences to the family.
Charlotte Warner
I was a young girl when Neil Steel came to our house to spend time with my brother. He was always kind to me. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace