Norman Barron

Norman Ernest Barron passed away peacefully, at the age of 92, on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 at the Rainy River Health Centre in Rainy River, Ont.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce (nee Clink), and their five children, Garth (Anne) of Toronto, Ont., Wayne (Eleanor) of Barwick, Ont., Diane (Guy) Wolframe of Thunder Bay, Ont., Donna of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Doug (Yvonne) of Barwick, Ont.; as well as 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Also surviving is his sister, Millie McInnes (Dan) of London, Ont.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Gertrude Barron; and his three older brothers, Harold, Roy, and Murray.
Norman was born Jan. 10, 1924 in Macoun, Sask. During the Great Depression, when Norman was 13, his family moved to Ontario, settling on the family farm east of Barwick.
In recalling that experience, Norman always remarked that it was “like moving to Heaven.”
Norman first met Joyce while he was working at her grandfather’s farm north of Barwick. He served overseas with the Canadian army at the conclusion of WWII, and upon returning, he and Joyce were married in 1947.
Together they raised their five children on the family farm at Barwick.
Norman was one of those increasingly rare people who was skilled in many areas, from building design and construction to auto mechanics. There seemed to be no piece of machinery that he couldn’t repair.
When he was well into his 40s, Norman decided to upgrade his education by taking a drafting course in Thunder Bay, returning home on weekends to care for his family. This led to a move to Fort Frances in 1969, where he was employed as building inspector and zoning administrator.
In later years, he worked as a map draftsman for the Property Assessment Office.
Upon Norman’s retirement, he and Joyce moved back to the family farm near Barwick, where they spent many happy years. They purchased a motor home and made many trips throughout Canada and the U.S., including one memorable drive to the top of Mt. St. Helen’s.
Norman will be remembered as a man of integrity, gentleness, and humour. Even in his last years he retained his quick wit. He always was willing to lend a hand to help others; doing so without drawing attention to himself.
He had a deep faith in God that was lived out each day in practical ways; always demonstrating the spiritual fruits of patience, kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
He was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church and later Barwick Community Church, where he taught Sunday School and sometimes preached the morning sermon.
Even after moving to Fort Frances, Norman and Joyce continued to attend their home church in Barwick.
Norman will be greatly missed by his family and friends. But the sadness of his passing is tempered by the joy in realizing that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ for all eternity. He has finally “moved to Heaven”!
A celebration of Norman’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont,, with Pastor Mark Mast officiating.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Gideons International in Canada, Barwick Community Church, or Psalm 99.5 FM in International Falls, Mn. c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)