Dr. Patrick Theophilus Barnes

Patrick was born on June 15, 1941 in Bo, Sierra Leone, West Africa, to Joseph Crispin Barnes, and Magaya Lydia Barnes (both deceased). Patrick was the second oldest of 14 siblings, whose surviving members are now living in various places around the world, including Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

In 1961 Patrick came to Canada to attend medical school at the University of Ottawa, on a full scholarship. He did 2 years of pre-med, followed by 4 years of medical school, completing a full Bachelor of Arts degree during the summers of medical school. He graduated from the School of Medicine in 1969, and was accepted as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1974.

His time in Ottawa was not only fruitful on the professional front, he also met his “Goco” (sweetheart), Maude Bernadette Laurie King there in 1966. Maude and Patrick were married on September 26, 1970. They would go on to have 3 children, Rodney, Leslie, and Milton.

In 1976, Patrick got his first “big break” as a physician when he was invited to join the staff at Notre-Dame Hospital in Hearst, Ontario. During his time in Hearst Patrick’s French language skills were an invaluable asset as a physician, this excellence in patient care was recognized with the distinction of being awarded the "key to the city”. A 30-year career as a general surgeon followed, not only in Hearst, but at Lennox & Addington County General Hospital in Napanee, Ontario, and his most notable and lengthy tenure at York Central Hospital (now MacKenzie Health Centre) in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Among his many accomplishments in medicine, Patrick was among the pioneers of laparoscopic surgery in Ontario. Patrick retired from full-time surgery in 2006, but continued working as an endoscopist at various clinics before fully retiring in 2010.

Patrick’s 3 children were the pride of his life. He loved to boast of their accomplishments and successes, whether big or small, and attend as many of their extra-curricular activities as his demanding schedule as a surgeon would allow. A great believer in pursuing one’s dreams, Patrick never pressured his kids to follow in his footsteps career-wise, but expected them to strive for excellence in whatever activity, career path, or personal passion they chose to pursue. His own passion for the medical field did, however, inspire his middle child Leslie, to take up the “family business” and become an accomplished surgeon in her own right.

Since their early days in Ottawa, Patrick and Maude were fixtures in the growing Sierra Leonean community in Ontario. Over the years they became respected elders in that community and often helped many newcomers get settled and adjust to life in Canada. With his charm, humour, warm smile, and infectious laugh, Patrick was often the life of any social event he attended. His children also fondly remember the lavish and fun-filled parties Patrick and Maude would host in their homes, events rich in food, music, dancing, and laughter.

Patrick was a man of faith. He was raised in the Evangelical tradition. His faith journey took a dramatic leap forward in 1985 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. From then on, he joined Maude in active church life. He served as an usher and communion server at Agincourt Pentecostal Church in Scarborough, Ontario for many years. Not surprisingly, he became a popular member of the ushering team, where he impressed and inspired with his warm, caring demeanor, and humble servanthood. As well, he was twice nominated for the Board of Deacons, and he and Maude hosted one of the church’s Home Bible Study groups. After their time at Agincourt Pentecostal Church, Patrick and Maude attended Above All Christian Gathering in the west-end of Toronto for several years, before joining the congregation of their current church, Toronto International Celebration Church, near their home in North York.

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n March of 2006, Patrick was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident. He was treated for a brain injury at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, followed by a period of convalescence at a rehabilitation facility. His family was grateful that he survived this significant trauma, despite developing mild dementia as a result of the brain injury.

Over the next 14 years, Patrick was thrilled to celebrate the marriages of all three of his children and experience the joy of participating in the lives of his grandchildren. On September 26th, 2020 Patrick and Maude celebrated the incredible milestone of 50 years of marriage; one distinguished by faith, commitment, love, family, friends, hope, and joy.

In December of 2020, he became ill and was found to have contracted COVID-19. He was admitted to Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto on December 21st, 2020, where he was treated. His health improved somewhat over a two-week period, however, further complications resulted in a progressive decline. The family was able to connect with him through virtual meets to see and speak with him, and to convey their love. He passed away peacefully, with his wife Maude and, his youngest son at his side.

Husband, Father, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, Surgeon, Christian, Friend; Patrick Barnes was dearly loved, highly respected, and will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic a private funeral service will be held for the family on Sunday January 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1W3. Please join the family virtually through the livestream link; http://ipickart.ca/stream/Barnes/