Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

RAY BARTON JR.

About

Temple University University of Utah

RAY BARTON Obituary

Ray Hunter Barton, Jr. "Our Beloved Doctor Ray" Ray Hunter Barton, Jr., beloved physician, admired leader and honored family patriarchhusband, father, grandfather, great, and great-great grandfather, brother and friendpassed away on Sept. 7, 2009 at the age of 91. Ray was born October 22, 1917 to Ray Hunter Barton and Emma Jones Barton in Beaver, Utah. Encouraged to play music at a very young age, Ray discovered his extraordinary talent through his violin. He was also a gifted singer and he played the piano effortlessly by ear. Ray used his musical talent to spread the Gospel message to many audiences. When he picked up his violin, a serene magic seemed to fill the air. It was truly the "Touch of the Master's Hand." Ray was First Chair violinist in the East High orchestra, and he also played in the University of Utah orchestra and sang in the University Male Quartet and the Utah Ambassadors. While serving an LDS mission to eastern Canada, his influence with three radio stations allowed him to produce weekly religious broadcasts featuring the violinalong with a spiritual message. Through their violins, Ray met the love of his life, Helen Grant Barton. They were married by Helen's uncle, President Heber J. Grant in the Salt Lake Temple on November 23, 1938. They were blessed with six devoted childrenthree boys and three girls. After graduating from the University of Utah, Ray pursued a medical degree from Temple University. He was an old-fashioned "country doctor" and made house calls to appreciative patients for many years. He was a medical doctor for over 45 years. In the military, he served as a Lt. in the Navy Medical Corps in World War II, and then as a Captain in the Army in the Korean War. His church callings include: Mission President in the Great Southwest British Mission in Bristol, England from 1965 to 1968, Bishop of the Eagle Gate 18th Ward, High Councilman, Co-Director (with his wife) of the Church-wide Family to Family Book of Mormon program, a speaker in the Church Education System, Jordan River Temple Supervisor, Temple Square Mission Host, Temple Square Concert Series Committee, Teacher trainer in several wards, and he served as secretary in the North America Southeast area presidency and as an assistant to Elder M. Russell Ballard. He conducted multiple choirsand he's probably conducting a heavenly angelic choir today. His civic contributions include: National President of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, Keynote speaker and coordinator of the American Medical Association and Granite Education Foundation's "Straight Talk" program where he has spoken to over 100,000 students, and President of Dinorator. Governor Michael O. Leavitt presented the "Governor's Points of Light" award in 2001 for exemplary Utah volunteers whose ongoing efforts impact their community. In 2006, Dr. Ray received the "Pioneers of Progress" award for outstanding Utahns. Ray set a standard of excellence and hard work, whether it was conducting his 250- member Mormon Choir of England in 1966 recording with Stanley Black's Orchestra in Londonto the delivering of over 2,000 babies. He was never ashamed to bear his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, without hesitation, no matter where he was. His family was most important to him. He and his wife, Helen, shared an incredible life together. They supported every baptism, blessing and family gathering. He has indelibly touched the lives of all that have been blessed to know him. His life exemplified service. We would like to thank the care-givers at Sunrise Senior Living and CareSource Hospice for most recently taking such good care of our father. Dr. Ray is survived by his loving and caring children; Catherine B. Pedersen (Robert), Grant E. Barton (Marilyn), Judith Ann Sabourin (Jon)), Ray H. Barton III, Bruce E. Barton (Jane), and Helen B. Peterson (Gary); as well as his sweet sister, Helen Barton Parker. He has 29 grandchildren, 62 great-grand children, and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Grant Barton on July 13, 2003; his parents, brother Blayney Barton, and grandchildren Jonny Sabourin Jr. and David Barton Pedersen. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the Cottonwood 13th Ward Chapel, 1830 East 6400 South, Holladay, Utah. Friends and family may call on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Drive, and at the Cottonwood 13th Ward on Monday, Sept. 14th from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to www.mem.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Sep. 12 to Sep. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for RAY BARTON

31 Entries

Rochelle Hatch

July 5, 2020

I want you to know that he is still touching hearts and lives through his talk in church, broadcast on KBYUTV :) I just had to know, after hearing his talk, more about this great man. God bless his family. What a great loss to his family when he crossed over.

Buff Palmer Berg

September 25, 2009

I was sorry to see the passing of Dr. Barton in the Church News. What a wonderful man he was! I was good friends with his youngest daughter, Helen, at BYU. Dr. Barton allowed me to stay in his home in Cottonwood with Helen, for a time. Both he and his wife were so kind to me. He allowed me to borrow church books from his extensive library. My knowledge of the gospel was increased, as a result. I actually substituted for him when he was Gospel Doctrines teacher in his ward, while he went to Israel. (At 20 yrs. old, what was I thinking?) But that was so like Dr. Barton. He believed in the potential and goodness of people. He made you feel confident and valued. He had much more influence in my life than he will ever know. I have lost touch with Helen and would like to reconnect. (If anyone reading this knows how I can reach her, I would appreciate it.) Dr. Barton left a great legacy for his family and I extend my deepest sympathies to all of you. My life was blessed in knowing him.

Buff Palmer Berg

September 25, 2009

I just read in the Church News of the passing of Dr. Barton, earlier this month. What a great and kind man he was. I was good friends with his youngest daughter, Helen, at BYU. Dr. Barton and his wife allowed me to live at their home in Cottonwood with Helen, for a time. He allowed me to borrow books from his extensive church library and I was able to educate my self in the gospel to a greater degree. I actually substituted for him when he was Gospel Doctrines teacher in his Cottonwood ward, when he went to Israel. (I was 20 yrs. old at the time....what was I thinking?) He always saw the good in people. He had more influence on me than he will ever know. I've lost track of Helen and would love to reconnect, if anyone reading this knows how I can find her. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. What a wonderful legacy he left. I was blessed to know him.

Steven Blake

September 20, 2009

I only knew Ray III. I'm sorry for the loss of your father. I served with you in North Germany. You came from a good family. Haven't seen you since I left. Have thought of you and wish you well. Steven Blake

Evelyn Walkenhorst

September 15, 2009

Uncle Ray was the best! He set my broken foot, my broken arm, took out my tonsils, fixed my concussion, even delivered me! He was always full of love and energy. I remember him flying off our couch to give Aunt Helen a kiss in front of everyone at "study group." I will always appreciate the way he gave my friends and I a tour of Temple Square and their home across the street. Many fun memories at all their homes! As the years progressed, his love and concern for his wife's family was continually shown, as he took my Dad out to lunch many times in the last few years, even though their wives (who were sisters) were gone. What a sweet man! I look forward to an eternal reunion for all of us!
Evelyn Child Walkenhorst, Napa, California

Susan Kohler

September 14, 2009

Dr. Barton was such a wonderful man and a dear friend to my parents, Martha and Ferrin Whitaker.

I remember years ago when he went to visit my grandmother in her rest home, he spontaneously sat down at the organ and played and played much to the delight of all the patients there.

He accompanied my folks on a couple of cruises. During one cruise when a passenger died during a shore visit, Dr. Barton helped the bereaved family, who were strangers to him, make arrangements to transport the deceased to the USA.

And finally, he and his darling wife Helen played a violin duet at my father's funeral. I believe there is a great celebration going on on the other side welcoming Dr. Barton and his incredible talents home.

God bless his family.

Lane Summerhays

September 14, 2009

Ray was "one of kind!" We love him and will miss him.

Rulon Swensen

September 14, 2009

May God bless the Barton family.

I served under the direction of this wonderful man in the Great Southwest British Mission and will always remember him and his sweet companion for the care and love that they shared with me. The teachings and music of this good man will always remain with me.

I truly love President and Sister Barton and know that they are continuing the Lords work. I will always keep the memory of "My Mission President" in my mind and soul.

I shall look forward to meeting them again.

Robert Bennion

September 14, 2009

Best wishes to the family. He was of great service to all who he came in contact with. The rest of the family was of great service to the neighbors where they lived.

Jonathan Wearn

September 14, 2009

As a young lost disabled soldier fresh out of the army President Barton took me up and gave me a chance - I will never forget both he and Sister Barton for their faith, affection, and eternal understanding. I met them many years later in Salt Lake City - and, I must never forget the hope, challenge, example and inspiration they gave me which eventually allowed me to turn a difficult corner - To Ann, Helen-Gay, Ray and Bruce you all are remembered in my prayers......

Lyle Shamo

September 14, 2009

The legacy of President Ray H. Barton Jr. is strong and very much alive. Since arriving to preside over the England London South Mission, seldom a day goes by that we do not run into someone who remembers this great man. Everyone has a story to tell and everyone gets tears in their eyes as they communicate their love for THE mission president of the Great Southwest British Mission. The choirs he led, the basketball teams he organized, the people he taught here in this land are influenced by his example. They include bishops, stake presidents, patriarchs, mission presidents, temple presidents, counselors in temple presidencies, temple sealers, missionaries, and many, many more. This land is in mourning at the passing of a giant but we are confident that from time to time, he shall come home to his beloved England as an angel missionary. Spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and building the Kingdom of God is what this man was all about. Thank you for EVERYTHING, President Barton. We shall bask in your shadow.

President and Sister Lyle E. Shamo
England London South Mission

G. & M. Dye

September 14, 2009

Best Wishes to Jared and his family.
We are sorry for your loss.
Please replace your sorrow with great memories.

With love and fondness,

Gordon and Michelle Dye

September 13, 2009

Dr Barton Dilivered me in 1964. He was my family dr till I grew up... my parents thouth of his as the the best dr you ever knew... My dad has passed and when the rest of my family finds out of Dr. Barton Passing they will all be teribly sad... Hugs and great memories to all his family and and friend... he will be missed and will be in our memories fprever... condoles to his family, Hugg Sandy

Wilford Cannon

September 13, 2009

Ray Barton is one of the truly great men I have know in my life. It has been a blessing to have him as a friend and neighbor for the last several years. Ray's presence always added to what ever occasion or event he attended whether by thought, testimony or music. He came early to our daughters wedding reception, his gift to them (a violin serenade) was a highlight of the evening and a memory of personal generosity that will never be forgotten. Our love to Ray and Helen's family with gratitude for all they meant to our family.

Donna Wilson

September 13, 2009

I met the Bartons when I married into the Southwest British Mission family. My husband and the other missionaries esteemed this wonderful man and were drawn to him always. Sister Barton was honored as the consummate "mission mom". For many, many years the missionaries HAD to get together at conference time to be with the Bartons.
President Barton molded these young boys into strong men who had testimonies and were ready to shoulder their priesthood responsibilities.

Personally, I was touched by the love of this great man, although well-advanced in years, who made the great and loving effort to attend my husband's funeral to pay his respects to one of his missionaries and to comfort our family.

Harold & Shauna Bell

September 13, 2009

President Barton has been a great example to us. He was Elder Bell's first mission president, and our first physician when we married. A great great man. We will miss him.

Alyssa Wilson

September 13, 2009

Ray Barton was my father's (Roger Wilson) mission president in England. My father spoke very highly of his beloved President and Sister Barton. Their example and encouragement was a huge influence on him. As a young child, I had an opportunity to meet the Bartons and remember their kindess and encouragement for me as I was learning to play the violin. They were both wonderful people who we esteem highly in our family. My condolences to your entire extended family as you mourn the loss of this great man.

Suzanne Adamson

September 13, 2009

We were sad to hear of the passing of "Uncle Ray". Ray Barton is the reason my family exists. My Mom and Dad adopted myself Suzanne (Boyce) Adamson, Brother Art Boyce, and Sister Janet (Boyce) Pack. Dr. Barton helped my parents with our adoption. After that time he was our family Doctor until retirement. Tonsils, broken bones, colds. He would come down the office hall singing and sometimes playing his violin. It was never Dr. Barton to the children; Uncle Ray is what we called him. He blessed our family and we became part of his family. He never forgot about us and we will never forget the wonderful man he was. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us. Our sympathies to your family.
Boyce Family
Erda, Utah
~
Suzanne Adamson,
Tooele, Utah

Christopher DeSantis

September 13, 2009

I am saddened by the passing of Dr. Ray Barton, but hold in memory the honor of having known this amazing servant of the Lord. His book has an honored place in my library, and I know he rejoices now in glorious reunion with loved ones gone before. My deepest condolences to his family, in the hopes that the bitterness of passing is quickly supplanted by the sweetness of memory.

David B Wirthlin

September 13, 2009

To the Barton Family, Anne and I send our love at the passing of your great father. He was a stalwart in medicine and in the Church. I had the privilege of working with him at the LDS Hosptal for many years. He was always a dedicated and committed physician and put his patients first above all else. Sincerely, Dave Wirthlin

Mark Child

September 13, 2009

I am saddened to know that Uncle Ray is gone but smile as I think of the many sweet memories that include this wonderful man. Uncle Ray was always such a positive influence on me and I am a better man because of him. Not very many years ago, we attended a wedding in the Salt Lake Temple and Uncle Ray came and met us in the marriage waiting room. Ray and my dad compared the features of their respective walkers and Uncle Ray decided that Dad's walker was much "snazzier" than his. But then Uncle Ray proceeded to teach us about the Plan of Salvation and the importance of our families.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark & Deb Child and family

Norma Larsen

September 13, 2009

To the Barton family,
I grew up in Garden Park Ward of Bonneville Stake and knew the Barton family. I grew up on Michigan Ave.
I send my sympathy to all of you. I can relate with your loss.
Thank our Heavenly Father for the Plan of Salvation.
I remember Catherine and Grant very well.
My prayers are with you during this hard time.
hugs to all,
Norma Strang Larsen

John and Pat Bevan

September 13, 2009

Dear Grant and Marilyn,

Please accept our love and sympathy at this difficult time in your lives as you bid a temporary farewell to your beloved Father. We did not know Ray Barton, but we did meet him once at a missionary gathering, and we remember the great love and admiration you had for him. His was a life well lived, and you should have no regrets. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort.
With Love, John and Pat Bevan

Jared Sabourin

September 12, 2009

I am shocked and saddened and utterly devastated by Goompa's passing, but I know he is in a better place and he is at peace now, and he is not suffering anymore. He is with Nana now, and they are both together in Heaven, and reunited and happy. I am so grateful to have known and been related to this remarkable man. I am so grateful to him for all the help he has given me over the years. I am very grateful and honored to be his grandson. Rest In Peace, Goompa. I Love you very much. Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown me over the years. I will miss you very much, but I know you are in a better place. Thank you for all your love and support. Until we meet again, I Love you. Love always, Jared Sabourin (Salt Lake City, Utah)

September 12, 2009

I loved the Bartons. Always entertaining the youth in the ward. Many fond memories. Melanie Geertsen Parker

September 12, 2009

So sorry to hear of the passing of our great friend, Doc Barton. We loved him so and were so greatful for his mentoring of our children, especially Corey, Curtis and Jeff. All our love to you all, especially to Catherine and Bob and all your family. Love to all, Cecil and Kathy Burk and our family!

Dan & RoLana Marshall

September 12, 2009

My mission to England changed my life for the better, and Pres. Barton played a large part in those changes. Second day on my mission I told Pres. Barton, "I believe the LDS Church is true, but I don't KNOW that it is true. He gave me a scripture, John 7:17, that said, If you do my will, you will know of the doctrine. Then he said that if I would keep the mission rules and work hard, I would come to Know that the Church is true. He was right.
Elder Dan Marshall

September 12, 2009

Dear Cathie and family,
How sorry I am to hear of your father's passing. I hope he did not suffer in his remaining years. Your mother and dad were such a fine example to me of a beautiful family. Our prayers and condolences go out to you at this time and we send our love.
Carole Christiansen Beesley

September 12, 2009

A bright light has been moved from Earth to Heaven.
Goompa, we love and will miss you.
Hugs and Kisses,
The (Sabourin) Frank Family

Rebecca Burton

September 12, 2009

Dear Cathie:
I just read the obituary on your dear father and it brought back such a flood of memories I can't believe it. What a long, beautiful, successful life he had! I loved your dad. He was so kind and loving, just like your mom. They were exemplary parents and human beings... the best kind. Their crown in heaven is assured. I lost mom last year. She was 96... I know what it's like to lose your beloved parent. I send all my love to you and your wonderful family.
Love, Becky

Richard Turley

September 12, 2009

What fond memories we have of Ray & Helen. We too will miss him, but he and Helen undoubtedly will be teamed up again in the world of spirits utilizing their musical talents and enthusiasm. What an example Ray was to all who had the privilege of his association. Both Ray & Helen were a blessing to us and thousands of others as well.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results