Obituary of Frederick Quilliam Barnes

August 19, 1926 – Hamilton, Ontario

June 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Fred Q. Barnes, beloved husband of Linda Spooner and father to Marcia, Lauren, Elliott, and Everett, passed away Friday June 23, 2023, at the age of 96 years. He was born on August 19, 1926, in Hamilton, Ontario to Frederick and Laura (Shepherdson) Barnes. 

Fred was a gifted student, earning his degree in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Geology from McMaster University.  Early in his career he worked for the Geological Survey of Canada mapping parts of Canada’s arctic before moving on to head the Blind River and then Calgary offices of David S. Robertson and Associates Limited, an international consulting and mining exploration firm.  As a child, he delivered papers to and collected money from the infamous Evelyn Dick, at fifteen, he saved a four-year-old from a neighbour’s burning house, and as a geologist working in the Canadian North, often under hazardous conditions, survived two helicopter crashes.  He never talked much about these experiences; you might say that Fred was a quiet man who lived a not so quiet life.

Fred travelled the world, stoking his interest in world history and politics.  An avid reader, he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his family, curious to hear their opinions and arguments on these and many other topics of discussion. Always at home in the outdoors, whether on land or water, he enjoyed blazing trails in remote wilderness as much as retreading well-traversed routes. He loved hunting, fishing, sailing and especially snorkeling, instilling in his children an appreciation for the wonders of nature and natural history, taking them on many adventures while always teaching about the various rocks and trees to be found along the way.  He especially enjoyed spending summers with family at the cottage near Blind River, Ontario.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Spooner; four children: Marcia Barnes (Mark Drummond), Lauren Meegan (Dan), Everett Barnes, and Elliott Barnes (Valerie Veenstra); seven grandchildren: Ben Drummond, Emma Meegan, Luka Meegan, Uma Barnes, Rio Barnes, Orrin Barnes, and Evelyn Barnes and great-granddaughter Zoey Drummond.  Fred was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters: Shirley Reid and Diane Reid, both of Hamilton ON.

Fred always had a love of gardening and a fascination with the Black Walnut trees of Southwestern Ontario, planting them where he saw a suitable spot for them to grow.

In living memory of Dr. Frederick Barnes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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