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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BARNES, Victor William - Age 86, formerly of Kingston, Kings Co. It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Victor William Barnes while surrounded by his family, following a valiant 40 year battle with cancer, on Sunday, January 31, 2021, in Annapolis Royal Nursing Home. He was born on May 12, 1934, to the late William and Alma (Burridge) Barnes in Toronto. Victor enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1953, at age 19 and continued with a prodigious career spanning over 30 years. Serving on 16 ships and several shore postings until his honorable release in 1983, holding the position of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class. He was a sonar man by trade and had the distinction of serving several years on Sea Kings before the arrival of Navigators & Air Observers to the Sea King fleet. Victor was a Royal Canadian Legion member since 1975 and held most branch offices. He served as Poppy Chairman, Sergeant-at-Arms, Service Officer and had been appointed Branch Chaplain for a number of years. Victor was awarded the Doucette Award for the most outstanding member of Branch No. 98 where he served as Branch No. 98 President 1991 - 1993 inclusive. He was the recipient of the Legion Meritorious Service Medal, and Palm Leaf. Victor also served as Zone Commander of Zone 8 for several terms before being elected 2nd Vice President of Nova Scotia Command in 1999. He progressed through the chairs at Command and served as President of Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command 2003 - 2005. The highlight of his Legion service was an official visit to Nunavut with his wife Bernadette. Victor also served on the Veterans Council at Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton and travelled the Province promoting the "Call To Remembrance" program, a competition that started for school children in the Zone and since has gone National. He met his wife the former Bernadette Roma, on a post to Halifax and frequently stated it was love at first sight. Victor had a love for life and Bernadette that was surpassed by none. He was an avid gardener while living in Kingston having vast vegetable and flower gardens including apple, pear and peach trees. Victor shared his bounty with all. He also enjoyed birdwatching with numerous feeders on the property. Victor took great pleasure in taking Bernadette for drives to discover the beauty of the Valley stopping at some of their favorite spots for picnics on route. He donated his time to Valley communities thru various groups including Meals on Wheels delivering food to shut-ins. Victor was predeceased by his parents; his twin sister, Joan; brother, Bob; and sister, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette; sisters, Heather and Marian; and daughters and their husbands, Shelly and Doug Pohl and Debbie and Tom Weltz; grandson, Alexander Weltz; and nephew, Douglas Clarke whom he loved as a son as well as numerous nieces, nephews and valued friends and family, in particular Joseph and Edna Murchie and Vivian Paris, friends for over 68 years. A service will take place at a later date in Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 98, Kingston. Interment will take place in St. Anslem's Parish Cemetery, West Chezzetcook. Sincere thanks go out to the Annapolis Royal Nursing Home Staff and Dr. Buchholz for their dedication and exceptional care. A special thank you to Marilyn Frances for being an angel sent from Heaven watching out and taking care of Victor in his last years. She truly has been a Godsend and is a permanent part of our family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448.
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