Otto Phillip Baron

With a heart-ache we write this obituary for Barrie (Otto) Baron.

Barrie enjoyed an exceptional 90 ½ years of living before passing peacefully at home on August 24th, 2012 with Joan, his loving wife of 69 years, holding his hand.

Barrie was born in Stony Plain and moved to Vernon as a young teenager. He joined the BC Dragoons, was stationed at the Vernon Army Camp and continued serving in the Reserves. On July 12th, 1943 he married Joan Shute from Larkin, and within a few years built their home in the VLA area of East Vernon. In 1946, Barrie was proud to have been employed by the City of Vernon, and became familiar with many areas and aspects of the city, retiring 31 years later, in 1977. He began as a laborer, was asked to drive the first front end loader purchased by the City, and ended his career as a foreman. Barrie retired early. He and Joan enjoyed years fishing from their cabin at Mable Lake and at various ‘hot spots’ throughout BC, and for several winters, travelling to Yuma, Arizona. His great pleasures were spent visiting with his family and his large circle of friends, gardening, camping and being the ‘go-to’ handy-guy. He enjoyed driving trucks, cars, boats, RVs, motorhomes, motorcycles and, in later years, his motorized scooters.

Barrie is loved and missed by his family: devoted wife Joan; daughters Cia Barker (Rand) and Shellay Braam (Henry); Jeff’s wife Treena Murray; grandchildren: Rob Murray (Nicole) and Marney Wurban (Darcy); great grandchildren: Paige, Erin, Hailey, Gabrielle, and Bruce; sisters: Nora Schmidt, Martha Miller, and Shirley Mulholland; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Philip; brothers Elmer (and Ruth) and Alfred (and Jean); brothers-in-law Dan Schmidt and Bud Mulholland; son-in-law Jack Harms; and grandson Jeff Murray.

The family thanks the staff at Carrington Residence for their constant considerations and kindnesses, Dawn Gillies of Needle Masters, and Dr. Picken, for the exceptional and very special care she provided.

Barrie will be remembered as a friendly, honest, hard-working and happy family man who enjoyed wonderful people and adventures throughout his life; may he rest in peace.

Although there is no service, condolence messages are welcome by e-mailing: c_harms@shaw.ca