Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Captain William “Bill” Barr, 90 years of age, at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice in Cobourg on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Sarah “Sadie” Barr for 54 years. Loving grandfather and father of Siobhan Barr (Richard Wagner) and Sarah Anne Barr.
Bill had a life that few people experience. While raised in Dumbarton, Scotland, he was born in Liverpool, England; a fact that he was singularly proud of. At 16, he joined the Merchant Navy and not only discovered a deep love of the ocean, but also, as an only child, the brotherhood of his crew members. His abilities were evident from the start and Bill steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest Captain within the history of Jebsen’s, the shipping company where he spent the majority of this career.
While Bill traveled the world, his favorite place was Newfoundland and Labrador where, over many trips, he developed life-long friendships.
Bill received further promotions which led to a management position in Montreal in 1979. Sadie and the girls joined him in 1980, settling into life in the West Island of Montreal, where new friends became family. Billy and Sadie eventually moved to Cobourg in 2006 where they continued to enlarge their circle of cherished friends. Bill was active with many groups in Cobourg, enjoying curling, golfing and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. Within the past few years, Bill also developed a deep interest in improving sheltered housing options within the community and volunteered with the Northumberland Sleeping Cabins Collective.
Throughout Bill’s life, his love of his family is what he cherished most, which was evident to anyone he spoke with. That undying love will be carried on by all of this family (near and far) by whom he will be dearly missed.
A Requiem Mass will be held at St Michael’s Catholic Church (Corner of University Ave and Division St) on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 1pm followed by a reception at the Columbus Community Centre (Corner of Spencer St. E. and Darcy St.).
The Barr Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brighton Retirement Living, his invaluable personal care team, Dr. Mark Essak, and the staff of Ed’s House for their care and support. Those wishing may make a memorial donation to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice or the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation in memory of Bill.
2025
Death notice for the town of: Cobourg, Province: Ontario
death notice Captain William Robert Bill
Barr 2025
obituaries notice Captain William Robert Bill
Barr 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Captain William Robert Bill
Barr 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
