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Captain Joel Barnes Obituary
BERWICK - It is with great sadness to announce the Line of Duty Death of Captain Joel Barnes, 32, of Shapleigh. Capt. Joel Barnes succumbed to injuries Friday March 1, 2019, while fighting a fire in Berwick, Maine.
Captain Joel Barnes was born in Portland, Maine on Nov. 17, 1986 the son of Michael Barnes and Margaret Maleski Barnes.
Barnes was a 2005 graduate of Old Orchard Beach High School. In Berwick, where he had worked since 2016, he was a training officer and emergency medical services coordinator. He previously worked at South Berwick Rescue, York Ambulance, the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department and as a firefighter and paramedic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was a per diem firefighter in Acton.
He attended the Southern Maine Community College Paramedicine and Fire Science program and trained at Saco Valley Fire Academy and the Horry County Fire Department in South Carolina.
Joel was known for his wry wit. He enjoyed the outdoors and some of his favorite activities were camping, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. He particularly enjoyed time spent on family land passed down from several generations on a pond in Maine. He also enjoyed taking road trips both independently and with friends. His father will always fondly remember the trips they took to see Red Sox games at various stadiums. His mother will remember him as a dedicated and loving son who put his family first. He was a wonderful uncle to his nephew and niece. He was very creative in making up silly games to make his nephew laugh, and they often bonded while watching Scooby Doo cartoons, as well as enjoying tours of the fire department.
He recently bought a home with community lake access and he was enjoying making it his own.
Survivors include his mother Margaret Barnes of Old Orchard Beach; his father Michael Barnes and wife Deborah of Old Orchard Beach; a sister Kara Allaire and husband Daniel of Dover, New Hampshire and nephew and niece, Evan and Adrienne; as well as a number of aunts and uncles.
A private family service will be held for immediate family and close friends at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 10 at the Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home 36 Portland Ave., Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
A public memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Cross-Insurance Arena, 1 Civic Center Square, Portland, Maine 04101
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with a private graveside service.
Barnes' family has requested that any donations being made in his name go to the Berwick Volunteer Firefighters Association in his memory c/o Kennebunk Saving Bank, 2 School St., Berwick, ME 03901.
Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home, 36 Portland Ave., Old Orchard Beach are entrusted with his services.
For those wishing to post condolences please go to www.oobfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Captain Joel Barnes
Trish LaRose
March 12, 2019
I ddnt know Joel but my granddaughter saw him at Shapleigh Memorial School. She said he was so nice to the kids. I hope all family,friends and coworkers can share his memories and find peace.
Bev Johnson
March 12, 2019
I am very sorry for your families loss. Joel came on medical calls for my mom and was very polite and patient with her especially when she asked him to take off his boots. Berwick firefighters have an angel to watch over them on every call now, like they did every time he went on a call.
PF
March 12, 2019
Condolences to the Barnes family. May God grant you peace during your time of grief. Rm. 15:33
Becky Knox
March 11, 2019
I wanted to send my love, hugs and sincere condolences to all of you at Berwick fire from your neighbor here in York and to the Barnes family. I'm a big supporter of First Responders, I'm not a first Responder but I'm quite a bit like Joel was.
❤ First Responder Deaths are some of the worst, I never met Joel but feel like I lost a friend. I would of done the exact same thing Joel did
Linda Hendrix
March 11, 2019
I just want to thank Joel for his dedication & service as a firefighter. No one can do more than Joel has done. May his family and friends rejoice in their memories of Captain Joel Barnes. Rest In Peace my friend.
Charles Dubois
March 11, 2019
To Barnes Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Kandice Dubois
March 10, 2019
to Barnes Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained a special angel. i never met him but i heard stories from friends of mine that live in Berwick what a wonderful young man he was.
Mother of a son
March 10, 2019
Joel is flying with the angels. So sorry for your loss, but know that his life had meaning beyond what we can comprehend. Blessings.
Former Firefighter
March 10, 2019
No greater sacrifice than to give your life protecting one of your brothers. Rest in Peace and Thank you for your dedication and service to multiple departments.
S C
March 10, 2019
Just finished watching the very dignified and moving tribute to Captain Barnes. I wanted to post an inspirational quote here concerning heroic courage but then I remembered at Joel's funeral someone said he was the "quiet" type. So, I found a shorter to-the point quote that says it all:
Courage is knowing what not to fear.
Plato
Ursula Hilton
March 8, 2019
God Bless
Ursula Hilton
March 7, 2019
To the Barns Family.Sorry about your loss. I only met your son on a few occasions. But he was a great person. Which we will never see again. Berwick has lost a great person . As well as you a wonderful son, brother and uncle. And everyone else an all around great guy. But heaven has gained an angel. God bless you all. And thank you for sharing him with us.
March 7, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may your treasured memories and Almighty God bring peace and comfort to your broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3) "He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds."
Dorothy Metivier
March 7, 2019
Rest Easy , Hero, Rest Easy. Forever in our hearts. To your family, my prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Your son is a Hero. May his eternal flame shine on eternal.
Susan Swiger Johnston
March 6, 2019
To the family of Joel... I am so sorry for your loss. Joel was a great man. He was a patient here in our office and was always smiling, and very pleasant. His father said it best; "he died doing what he loved" Thank you for your service, Joel... May your light always shine over your loved ones. Rest in eternal slumber.
March 6, 2019
May God comfort and strengthen your family during this time of deep sorrow. God will remember those who pass on in death because they are precious in his eyes. John 6:40.
March 6, 2019
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time ( Hosea 13:14)
March 6, 2019
Thank you for your service.
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Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home36 Portland Avenue P.O. Box 303, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
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