Obituary of Lemuel George Barnes

Lem Barnes, beloved husband of Katherine Grace passed away peacefully on Monday, January 7, 2008. Lem was born in Calgary and attended Crescent Heights High School. At the age of twenty-two, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in Europe and Malta during World War II as a spitfire pilot. On his return home from England, he went on to study civil engineering at the University of Alberta. Upon graduation, he worked briefly as an engineer in Ottawa and after the birth of his second child, came home to Calgary to be closer to his family. He then started to work at Burns and Dutton where he ultimately achieved the position of Chief Engineer of Heavy Construction. In 1959, he formed a partnership with his university friend Ian Campbell. They spent many years doing the work that they both enjoyed, completing many of Calgary’s major construction projects. He was also a skilled curler in his younger years and golfed throughout his life. Lem shared his love of the game of golf with his family and friends at the Earl Grey Golf Club. He had a lifelong passion for literature, theatre and music. He believed in education and actively encouraged and supported his grandchildren in their pursuits, taking pride in their accomplishments. Lem lived life with integrity and care for others, setting an example by his actions. He strongly believed in the potential of all individuals. One defining contribution that exemplified his generous spirit was building, through determination, commitment and expertise, a camp at Gull Lake for people with disabilities named in honour of him. They lived in Victoria for the past four years, where Lem often remarked that “he was pursuing the even tenor of his days”, he and Katherine were able to enjoy the natural beauty of the city. Recently returning to Calgary, his family felt blessed by time spent together. He was a remarkable man. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Katherine, his five children, Debbie, Harold, Sharon MacGregor (Ian), George (Nancy) and Tom (Menchie); eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, his remaining siblings, Mary, Kay and Tom and other extended family. He was predeceased by his mother Frances, father Lemuel, brother Jack, and sister Winnie. Our family wishes to thank Dr. Steve Watson for guiding and supporting us through this difficult time. We also extend our thanks to the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre for their care. The date and location of a Memorial in Celebration of Lem’s Life will be announced at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Lemuel Barnes, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.