Obituary of Thomas Barker

Thomas Barker
April 23, 1940 – March 1, 2026

The man known as Thomas, Tom, Tim and Pop. He answered them all with a kind heart. He was a hardworking   husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away peacefully enjoying the comforts of home on March 1st, 2026, at 85 years of age. 

Leaving to mourn his loving wife Myra of 52 years; daughter Annmargaret (Jerry) Lyver; stepsons Craig and Gary Laing; grandchildren: Robinson, Alison (Zack) Hayes, Jordan, Kayla, Aaron, and Rachel; great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Elliott, Eden and Maverick. 

Survived by brothers: William, Alfred ( Sheila ), Gerard ( Mary ), Peter ( Mary ), Jude (Janet); sisters: Maureen ( Roderick ), Mary ( Tom ); brother-in-law: Kevin LeRoux; sisters-in-law: Dianna Barker, Cathy Barker, Jeannie Barker, Christine (Lawrence) Roberts, Irene (Clifford) Reid, Marion(Kenneth ) Hoddinott, Doreen Blouin, Janet (Samuel) Butt; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Hannah (Anne Hinks); brothers: Edward, Aloysius, Robert, and Kevin; sisters: Sandra Young and Loretta LeRoux; brother-in-Law: Ronald Laing. 

A man of great pride in his family, loved to tell "yarns" . They were meant to entertain. His soul loved to be deep in the woods. He spent many of his younger years in the back of St. Judes near Guide Lake. He would tell stories of making a cabin, hunting and living off the land. This is where the Indian would come out and he would pass on teachings that his daughter uses today. His grandchildren have the lasting memories of him walking the hallway saying Santy Claus was here! Most of the community will remember him for his business Barkers Taxi and selling Christmas trees.  He also worked with the Government sector (Agriculture, Forestry and Dept of Transportation) for many years. 

The family would like to thank the gracious care he received on the Palliative care unit. The Doctors, Nurses and other staff for their kindness and compassion. He was known for the love of peanut butter cups, fudge and candy. Which he shared with everyone.

Ceremonial Cedar Cleansing and cremation has taken place; No formal services at this time. There will be a funeral service at a later date.  Donations accepted by family. 

Please feel free to light a candle at home to his honor his spiritual journey. May the ancestors guide you along the red path and provide the comfort you seek.

Msit No'kmaq

Death Is Nothing At All

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.

All is well.

Written by Henry Scott Holland