Joseph Barnicke

JOSEPH JOHN BARNICKE

C.M., O.Ont.

Passed away peacefully, at home and with his family at his side, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in his 93rd year. Joe was predeceased by his wife Justina (nee Carroll), his daughter Justina Anne Barnicke, his brothers Nick, John, Bill, Steve and Peter, and sisters Kay and Mary. Joe is survived by four children, Peter (Vicki), Paul (Jeanine), Carroll (Richard Armstrong) and Andrew; grandchildren Michael (Kristen), Libby (Patrick), Tori, JJ, Derek, Edward, Madelaine, Annabel, Jack, Justina, Carter and Stuart and great-grandchildren; Georgia, Alexandra, Adelaide and Taylor.

Joe was born in Cudworth, Saskatchewan. When his family moved to a farm in Oakville he attended Oakville public and high schools. After being injured in a football game he was diagnosed with a form of cancer in his leg and the doctor said amputation was indicated. After ten days of intercessory prayer at Martyrs' Shrine in Midland with family his affliction was gone.

After high school Joe became an RCAF flying instructor for the remaining years of the war stationed at Centralia, Camp Borden, Trenton and Kingston. After the war he attended U of T's fast track business course for veterans. Upon graduation he joined the O'Keefe Brewing Company as regional sales manager for southwestern Ontario. Then chairman E.P. Taylor took notice that an O'Keefe product boycott was not taking hold in Joe's region. Joe went on to work closely with Mr. Taylor and George Black in settling the boycott and a later union strike. Joe moved to real estate brokerage by joining Gibson Brothers in 1957. In 1959 he founded J.J. Barnicke Limited which went on to become one of the most successful commercial and industrial real estate brokerage companies in Canada.

As a director of Wimpey plc he and Justina had fond memories visiting England, including attending at Wimbledon and Ascot. On weekends Joseph very much enjoyed his time at Port Carling with family, friends and business associates. Joe was active in both the federal and Ontario PC parties for over 30 years with his longtime friend John Craig Eaton.

Joe is well known for philanthropic activities, having served successively as Toronto, Ontario and Canadian campaign chairs for the Canadian Cancer Society. He later donated a wing at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto in his wife's name. He was also the prime donor for the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery at Hart House at the University of Toronto. He was a Director of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and Chairman of St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation. In recognition of his many contributions of time and lead funding, the University of St. Michael's College dedicated the Joseph and Justina Barnicke Catholic Chaplaincy at St. Michael's. He was also one of the lead organizers of Pope John Paul II's 1984 visit to Toronto. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, Joe was the founder and, until last year, the main organizer of the annual Cardinal's Dinner for Catholic Charities and, for many years, served on the Archdiocesan Finance Council.

Joe has received many honours recognizing his public service. In 1989, he was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada. He was also awarded Member of the Order of Ontario; Knight Grand Cross with Star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great; Degrees of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from the University of Toronto and Assumption University, Doctor of Sacred Letters (honoris causa) from the University of St. Michael's College; the Award of Merit from the City of Toronto; and the Human Relations Award from the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.

The family is forever grateful to Dr. Li and the Virtual Wellness team for their exceptional care. Many thanks to the 14th floor staff at Toronto General Hospital and all those at Toronto Rehab who helped him get home. A special thank you to his caregivers, Sonia, Janet, Trudy, Trisha and Loretta, as the family would have been lost without them.

The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, and from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 78 Clifton Road, on Friday, May 22 at 10:30 a.m.

In memory of Joe, donations may be made to the Jesuits in English Canada at 43 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto M5S 2C3 or online at (www.jesuits.ca).

Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com