Obituary of Herbert John Barnes

BARNES, Herbert Passed away 17, October 2010 at the age of 86. Herbert was born and educated in England where he is survived by his brother Frank and sisters Edna, Brenda and Pat. He is survived also by his wife, Ellarene, his sons, Martin (Karen) and Gerald (Ryoko), his daughter Hazel Turner (Kifah) and step-son, Joffre LaFontaine (Carrie). He is predeceased by his first wife Amelia "Millie" (1987), daughters Frances Sternbaurer (1986) and Amelia "Millie" Robinson (2007) and brother Derek in 2001. Grandfather of Wendy, Debbie, Kim, Lori-Ann, Jamie-Lynn, Jeff, Matthew, Erin, Victoria, Lauren, Evan, Haley, Maxwell, Madelynn, great-grandfather of 13 and great-great grandfather of 3. Herbert was a World War II veteran who, after surviving the London Blitz, served in the Royal Air Force from 1941-1946. At age 17 he joined the Royal Air Force where he was trained as a wireless operator and air gunner. After a short spell on Wellington Bombers he was transferred to Ferry Command in Montreal where he and his crew ferried Canadian and American built aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean to England and West Africa. Following this, he took a paratroop course and was engaged in taking troops and supplies into Europe supplying the invasion forces there and returning with wounded personnel. Then he transported troops via North Africa and the Middle East to India. After the war Herbert returned to England and married Amelia Woodard (n"e Keating) and spent seven years on the Metropolitan police Force in London, England. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 and joined the Windsor Police Service retiring as an Inspector in 1986. He also served as a Flying Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve, and served as an officer in both the Windsor Regiment (RCAC) and the 21 Windsor Service Battalion (Army Reserves). Herb was an active member of the Military Institute of Windsor and was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for 23 years. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian legion Branch 94 and the Air Force Club of Windsor. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place. A celebration of his life will be held in the Chiefs' and P.O.s' Mess at H.M.C.S. Hunter at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 29th, 2010. Arrangements entrusted to the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (MAIN CHAPEL), 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E. (519-253-7234). Donations in Herbert's memory may be made to the 10 Friends Diner and Hospice of Windsor. Thanks to CCAC, Hospice of Windsor, Com Care and Bayshore; also to Dr. Springer and Liz at the Cancer Clinic, and Dr. Marier at Canadian Clinic for Integrative Medicine. Online condolences and cherished memories, may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com