Arthur Winston Barker

ARTHUR WINSTON (WIN) BARKER (1930 - 2009) Born March 5, 1930 in Bradford, Yorkshire. Win died in his 80th year November 18, 2009 suddenly at his home in The Village by the Arboretum in Guelph, Ontario. Cherished by his wife Shirley Clarke-Barker. Son of Jonas Winston and Gladys Mary, Win was a brother to John and his wife Anne, predeceased by his brother Peter (wife Ann). Win attended Bradford Grammar School then proudly served in the H.M.S. Scots Guards regiment 1948 to 1950. In 1950, Win's sales position in the wool trade presented him with the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and during those early years in Toronto, he actively participated in the Kew Beach Bible Class. He went on to pursue a career in business and proudly presided at Transilwrap Canada from 1973 to 1995. While he loved his work and his family, Win's true passion was for music and theatre. He infused hymns and classics with his rich baritone voice, donned a top hat and entertained with Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Get Me To The Church On Time and many others as a life member of the Scarborough Choral Society and enchanted children, by giving voice to puppets on screen and behind the couch. Dividing his time between Ontario and Florida, he was a regular golfer in Guelph at Victoria Park West and in Florida at Riverbend Golf Club. He was an active member of the Choral Society of the Palm Beaches and a generous volunteer and choir member with the First Presbyterian Church of Tequesta, Florida. Win was a caring husband to Ruth for many years and proud father to his daughter Heather (and her husband Michel) and his son Paul (and his wife Catherine.) Loving Grandpa of Yvonne and Stephanie and Gummy Grandpa to Laurelle and John. In Guelph, he was a warm and welcoming step-father to Heather Clarke (and her husband Geoff) and magical Papa to Evan, Emma and Rachel. While all were familiar with Win's comic wit and antics, his grandchildren gave him free license to clown, sing silly songs and dispense countless gummy bears; he indulged them with delight. Cremation has taken place. An open house reception to celebrate Win's life will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Reid Hall in the Village by the Arboretum, Stone Road, Guelph between noon and 2 p.m. If desired, donations may be made to Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463 or The River Run Centre at 1-519-763-3000.