Obituary of Robert H. Barron

Robert H. Barron, Q.C., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the age of 91.

Robert was born at home on Elbow Drive on November 29, 1916 and remained a proud Calgarian throughout his life. Robert’s father, Jacob, a lawyer, theatrical impresario and inventor, and his mother, an accomplished concert pianist and philanthropist, raised him in a culturally vibrant home. Robert had a brilliant and inquiring mind and excelled in all his pursuits. He achieved 100% in grade 12 math and physics. If it had not been for the Depression, he likely would have followed his love of the stars and become an astronomer.

Robert’s uncle, Samuel Helman, K.C., recognized his potential as a lawyer and assisted him in attending law school at the University of Alberta at the age of nineteen. Robert achieved the highest honours of his law school graduating class of 1938: the Chief Justice’s Gold Medal in Law, the Carswell Prize for Third-Year Law Students, and the National Trust Prize in Law. Edward Bredin, Q.C., surviving member of the Law Class, remained a lifelong friend.

Robert volunteered to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant from 1941 to 1945 where he served as a navigation instructor. He trained navigators from the Commonwealth, as well as France and Poland.

Robert’s impressive law career spanned 64 years. He commenced practice with his Uncle Sam’s firm, primarily as a civil litigator, representing clients at all levels of Court, including the Supreme Court of Canada on numerous occasions and the Privy Council in London (one of the last appeals allowed from Canada). One of his precedent setting cases was Bennett and White (Calgary) Ltd. v. Municipal Districts of Sugar City No. 5, in which, in May 1951, he appealed a Supreme Court of Canada decision to the Privy Council, and won. Another notable win, Bell v. Klein, in which he appeared at the B.C. Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada on dozens of occasions, is studied in law schools to the present day. Robert also believed strongly in the principle of pro bono work and never turned down a worthy cause for lack of funds. He also inspired three of his daughters to follow his footsteps in law.

Robert single-handedly took on the CPR to prevent the devastation of downtown Calgary by their plans to lay tracks along the banks of the Bow River. He was the first non-elected official to be invited to examine witnesses on the floor of the Provincial Legislature. He also lent support to his classmate Ruth Gorman in acting for the Hobema people in establishing their first nations’ rights. He was involved in numerous other civic causes, including daylight savings time, fluoridation and politics in general. He was also a member of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Society of Alberta Sceptics.

Robert was an ardent Zionist and proud of his Jewish heritage. He served his community in numerous capacities. Notably, he was President of the Calgary Hebrew School for many years and he was honorary director and legal counsel of the Chevra Kadisha of Calgary. He travelled to Israel on numerous occasions alone, with Cleo and with his entire family.

Robert’s family was most important to him. In May 1956, Robert when speaking at a Zionist convention in Calgary met a delegate from Junior Hadassah visiting from Edmonton, and fell instantly in love with his Cleoanne. Within a month, they were married. Their affair continued for 52 years.

Robert was an involved parent to his six beloved children. The family often travelled with all six children, at home and abroad. Robert, as an older father than most, was able to bless his six children with the benefit of his incredible wisdom and knowledge of the world. For 25 years he lived with his family at Pine Creek Ranch, where his son Daniel was his greatest helpmate and companion.

The greatest achievement of all, Robert saved for the last seven years of his life. After heart surgery, he suffered numerous setbacks. He persevered in order “to spend as many years as possible with my grandchildren.” His humility and self-sacrifice has strengthened all of his loving family. We are forever grateful to our most dearly beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cleoanne, his dear brother, Richard (Jean) Barron and his six loving children, Deborah, Elaine, Daniel, Tamara (Ben Karmel), and Jacqueline (Peter Ridout) and his seven loving grandchildren, Jeffrey, Gidon, Ariela, Noa, Elizabeth, Samuel and Amelia and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Jacob Bell Barron and Amelia Barron and his brother, William Barron.

Funeral Services will be held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel, (North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W.,) on Friday, May 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made directly to the Calgary Jewish Academy (6700 Kootenay Street, SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2V 1P7, telephone: (403)253-3992, email info@cja.ab.ca.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W., Telephone: 244-4717.