Keep Calm and Carry On
Douglas Gordon Barrett was a man who wore many hats throughout his life. He was the family patriarch, a soldier, a social worker, an orator, a police officer, a humanitarian, a prolific writer & piano player, a mechanic (although he couldn’t work a remote to save his life), but above all else, he was a loving husband, a guiding father, and a cherished Grampy and Super (great) Grampy.
Dad was born Nov 2 1924, on the kitchen table at Woodcote Farm, South Stoke, Crowmarsh, England, to Mrs. Gladys and Captain Charles Barrett. Doug spent his younger years growing up and working on the family farm alongside his 3 older brothers and sister: Brian, Tony, Denis, and Joan. He attended Lambourn School and St. Bartholomew’s Grammar School in Newbury.
When the war broke out, all the Barrett boys enlisted, and Dad served in the Royal Artillery, British Army from 1944 till 1948 in Europe and North Africa. At the end of Dad’s service he held the rank of Captain. He drove tanks during the war and years later blamed them for his claustrophobia. Afterwards, he joined the Malaysian Police force from 1949 to 1952. Upon his return to England, he worked as a mechanic and raced motorcycles before starting a career in Social Work as a Child Welfare Officer.
On July 5th 1952 Douglas married our mother June Patricia Hoult, and so this Barrett family was created. Soon came Donna and Paul before immigrating to Canada. Dad continued his work in social services in Brantford, and then Keswick as a protection worker, before the arrival of Elizabeth. Shortly after, they moved to Ottawa where Douglas accepted the position of Regional Director of the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society. Life long friendships were forged during these years, and this time was often looked back upon as one of their happiest. It was here in Ottawa that Rebecca was born. It was also during this time that Douglas was an active member of The Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.
In 1966 Dad accepted the position of Director of Children’s Aid Society in St. Thomas and off they moved again. Ian, their second son arrived shortly thereafter, completing the Barrett Clan.
Douglas’s last employment position was as Director of Student Services at Fanshawe College. He took this position in 1976 and retired after 14 yrs. Dad left his mark as a compassionate, ethical, tenacious and unwavering advocate wherever he worked; he always garnered great respect from his clients, peers and colleagues.
Through out the years Dad continued his education at McMaster University with a BA Honors degree in Psychology and Sociology, followed by a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. His quest for knowledge was a lifelong passion.
During their retirement, Mum and Dad were patrons of the arts and travelled extensively, cultivating friendships worldwide, all while nurturing a loving family. Dad was a deeply involved Rotarian, and as president, lived their motto, “ a life of service above self”. He volunteered endlessly with the Rotary Music Festival, Tour Of Homes, and has delivered more Christmas poinsettias than Santa did presents. Dad was also active on countless boards and charities; Bereaved Families, Y.O.U, Cardiac Institute, St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, to name a few. He was continuously giving back to his community.
Mum and Dad held strong for 64 years of marriage, creating a legacy of children; Donna (Bob), Paul (Michelle), Libby (Mark), Ian (Lisa), as well as 10 grandkids: Shawn, Rachel, Audrey, Pearl, Lillian, Emma, Charlotte, Madeline, Aidan and Teagan as well as 5 great grandkids, Brayden, Jack, Simon, Hannah and Oliver. Dad was predeceased by his beloved daughter Becky in 1988. Doug so loved his many nieces and nephews back in England. He had a special bond with his niece Sue and husband Paul and was “Grampy Canada” to their children, Jake and Alfie.
Dad will be sorely missed, but will always be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, generosity, quick wit, charm and his ability to make the best damn porridge this side of the pond. Our Poppy “shuffled off this mortal coil” as he would say, the morning of Feb. 19, 2017, on his own terms.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 23 at Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
The funeral service will be Friday, Feb. 24th at Trinity Anglican Church, 55 Southwick Street, St. Thomas at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow.
Flowers respectfully declined. If desired, a memorial donation to the Rotary Club of St. Thomas would be appreciated.
Personal online condolences can be made at www.shawnjacksonfuneralhome.com

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Douglas Gordon Barrett – November 2, 1924 – February 19, 2017 (age 92).source

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