Obituary of John Edward Barrett

John passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, a few days shy of his 69th birthday. John was born in Greenwich, England on September 29, 1936. He was educated at St. Joseph’s Academy where he excelled in his studies, track and field and rugby. In 1952 he met Barbara, his future wife of forty-eight years, at a track meet in Frankfurt where they represented their London schools. In 1966 John and family immigrated to Canada. After working for United Aircraft in Montreal and North West Industries in Edmonton, he commenced his twenty-eight year career with the ATCO Group in Calgary. In 1986 he was appointed President of ATCO Metal. John retired on December 31, 2001 as President and Founder of ATCO Noise Management, recognized as a global market leader in industrial noise control solutions. John approached his personal life with the same vision, dedication and leadership. He was an avid gardener and golfer who loved classical music and jazz. John was inspirational, supportive and patient with family and friends. He was involved with Junior Achievement, served as past President of Dive Calgary, a devoted Stamps fan and strong supporter of the Calgary Flames. John had occasion to travel extensively all over the world, but his happiest times were with his family, in the backyard, where he would barbeque, or ordering pay per view boxing bouts on Saturday nights where three generations would gladly gather. John will be sadly missed by his wife Barbara; daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Don Cairns; son and daughter-in-law Neil and Eryn Barrett; son Greg Barrett and Aime; grandchildren: Lucas, Kate, Connor, (baby due in January) and Dalyce; as well as extended family, friends and colleagues. John is also survived by and was very close to his brother Tom and sister-in-law Joan; their children, Debbie (Ryan) and Martin; his sisters-in-law, Ann Lucas and Pam (Norman) Hickman; numerous nieces; nephews; family and friends who reside in England. John was predeceased by his parents Len and Ena Barrett; in-laws Stan and Gladys Lucas; brother and sister-in-law Hugh and JosÚ Innocent; niece Jacinta and her spouse Peter. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #100, 2421 – 37 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Y7 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca/en/give. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr Robert Burn who provided exceptional care to both John and his family. Thank you to the staff of the Calgary Health Region Home Care team, particularly, Allison Potter RN, BScN, Community Care Coordinator, palliative care team, who provided unwavering support to each family member and kept John as comfortable as possible in his last days. In living memory of John Barrett, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044