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Robert Barber

March 14, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Barber on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on March 18, 1933, Robert was survived by his brother Doug (Cairn) and pre-deceased by his parents (Percy and Edith).

Robert was a loving husband to Carolyn, with whom he shared over 63 years of marriage since December 30, 1961. Together, they built a wonderful family, raising four children, Brent (Diana), Jennifer, Greg (Gail) and Rebecca (Tom). He later found great joy in being a grandfather to Ashley (Todd), Emily (Chris), Olivia (Nicholas), Sydney (Jacob), Cole, Ben, Tim, Andrew and Kate. He was also a great-grandfather to Ella, Ruby, Bria, Remi and Hugh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Robert dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher and principal in London, Ontario. His passion for learning, kindness, and dedication to his students and staff left a lasting impact on many. He enjoyed traveling, golfing at Sunningdale and watching the London Knights.

Since September 2022, Robert had been residing at Southbridge Long-Term Care, where he received compassionate care. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Southbridge’s Willow Suite for their kindness and support. After being hospitalized on February 23 due to complications from Parkinson’s, he passed peacefully.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In remembrance of Robert, donations to a Parkinson’s research or support organization would be greatly appreciated.

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Dear Carolyn & Family, We are saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. Our memories from Riverside and Sunningdale are happy ones. We hope that your many memories of times past will sustain and comfort you. Sincerely, Kathryn & Bill Kiel

~ Kathryn & Bill Kiel

Becky, Tom and family we are saddened to hear of your Dad's, father in law, grandpa's passing. May his memory and love continue bring happiness and joy to you all. Sending our condolences from New Zealand.

~ Robert and Connie Atkinson

To Carolyn and family, Carol and I were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Although through life's ups and downs we had not been able to get together for several years for at least our annual New Years dinners with classmates. Have always enjoyed Bob's presence in our lives over many years, going back to 1959 or so on McClary Ave. Hopefully your many memories of him will help to get through this difficult time.

~ Carol & Ted Aziz

We were so sorry to learn of Bob's passing in the London paper. He was such a nice man and we enjoyed visiting with him at reunions, although it has been quite a while since we have seen him. Another branch gone from our family tree. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Marion, Gord, Dan, Sharon and famiies

~ Marion (Campbell) Henderson

My sincere sympathy goes to Carolyn and the family. I have many happy memories of Bob, before he was married, and then he and Carolyn socializing with our parents as I was growing up. Anne Tufts Baverstock

~ Anne Tufts Baverstock

I express my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.

~ Gael Floyd

Sorry to read of Bob's passing. Taught with Bob at Lorne Ave. He was my mentor in my early years of teaching. A true professional. The best

~ William Billington

I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will come to life again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29.

~ Gayle Ellis

It is with great sadness that Maxine and I learned today of the passing of our good friend Bob Barber. Bob was a highly respected educator and colleague. He could always be counted on to put students and staff first during his exemplary career. The Northridge community in particular will be saddened at his passing. He was a longtime member of Sunningdale golf and country club and many of us who regularly played with him have missed those wonderful times together over the last several years. Bob had a prodigious memory and could recount scores from virtually any round that he played, as well as past shots from everywhere on the golf course. He kept all his scorecards. Always a gentleman, Bob not only did things right, he did the right thing. His was a life well lived. Our deepest condolences to Carolyn and family. Kent and Maxine Clark.

~ Kent and Maxine Clark

I have fond memories of Bob when I was music director at Riverside United Church. A true gentleman! My deepest sympathy..

~ Neila LAWSON

Mr Barber was principal at Byron Northview when I started kindergarten in 1976. I vividly remember his stylish clothes : suits and highly polished shoes. In first grade I found a nickel on the playground so took it to the office. The secretary taped it to a note saying I'd found it. A few days later he had me sit in the big chair in his office and told me he was proud of the honesty I'd shown and gave me back the nixkle with a note attached. I still have it and will always treasure it.

~ Rachel Cree

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Parkinson Society Southern Ontario

Parkinson Canada

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