Eric Allan BARTON

1938 - 2021

ERIC ALLAN BARTON CM Eric Allan Barton (1938) died peacefully on September 17, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, a man of faith, and a visionary pioneer for the betterment of humanity at home and abroad. Eric was the elder of two children of David and Eleanor Barton of Toronto. He is survived by his brother Warren, his devoted wife Susan Comfort Barton, his children Jay (Karen), Scott (Stephanie, Beth), Tori (Cameron), Jeff (Erin); and his grandchildren (Jasper, Will, Jack, Willow, Ruth Ryley, Henry, Max, Poppy, Paddy, Finn). Eric is predeceased by his beloved wife Ruthie Barton. His early years were spent in Toronto where he attended Upper Canada College and played football, hockey, cricket and was a McHugh's Steward and Herbert Mason Medalist. Eric later graduated from the University of Toronto (Trinity College and Wycliffe College). His early summers were spent at Pioneer Camp where Eric found his Christian faith and his calling for service, both of which would guide his life path. Eric met Ruthie while he was at UCC and she was attending Havergal College. They were engaged at Camp Ahmek and married at the UCC chapel in June 1963. Together they raised their 4 children and spent happy family years building bonds and memories in Henry Farm, Algonquin Park and Muskoka. For someone who literally wrote the book on career management, it is notable that Eric's own career path was non-linear. His career had three chapters with a single uniting theme - helping those in need. In the commercial world, Eric worked with KPMG and Miller Dallas to create the practice of Executive Outplacement in support of senior leaders facing challenging career transitions. Empathy, insight, and the ability to help others find their true calling enabled him to impact the lives and families of many in their time of greatest need. In education, Eric returned to UCC in 1988 as Principal. Of his many achievements leading the school, he most cherished the establishment of a community service program at the College which included global service trips to Haiti, Jamaica, and beyond. Although such programs are expected today, they were extraordinary in the 1980's. To this day, the Annual Barton Lecture focuses on ensuring that 'students and faculty appreciate the need for community service'. The family sends their gratitude to the many former students who have shared their stories of the enduring impact these trips have had in shaping their world view. In service, Eric spent 30 years on missions to Haiti, Africa, and India leading efforts to alleviate poverty, reduce disease - primarily leprosy, and offer dignity and opportunity to those he reached. He was the Executive Director of the Toronto City Mission, Director of CARE International and Director of World Vision. Eric's spiritual home was India, and the Little Flower Leprosy Colony in North Bihar. 'Blessed is he who considers the poor' (PSALM 41:1). In the years that followed his life with Ruthie, Eric found Susan Comfort. They married and spent many special years together living between Niagara on the Lake and Florida. Eric and Susan shared a close connection that extended to Susan's boys Robin (Paula), Jamie, John (Debbie), and Tim (Kelly), and their children Katie, Sammy, Molly, Alex, Colin and Olivia. Although he accomplished many things, Eric did not succeed in the transition from the analogue to the digital world - nor did he try. He remained a foe of computers and the 'inter-web' until the end. He overcame this obstacle by ignoring the time limits of voicemail and providing fulsome updates to those who needed them (and some who did not). Most of these overtures would begin with the standard (and chilling) challenge 'what have you done to change the world today?' and end with his battle cry 'drive the body!'. In Eric's case he did plenty to change the world and he was recognized for his many achievements. Eric was named to the Order of Canada in 1995 and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for significant achievement and remarkable service. Perhaps his greatest achievement was the fact that his children have all pursued a form of service including front line street work, teaching, social work, and outplacement/coaching. The family sends gratitude and blessings to the amazing care team, led by Susan, who honoured Eric's wishes to remain at home until the end. At Eric's request there will be no formal service (this should not be a surprise). For those who wish, a donation to Sanctuary Toronto or the Yonge Street Mission is appreciated.