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John Barnes Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Barnes
Beth Reiners
February 17, 2006
Hi Dad,
It will be 9 months since your passing...time has helped slightly, but sadness overwhelms me quite a bit. Went to visit Mom in Arizona, that was very tough...we went through all your pictures and sent back some things to remind us of you. Had a really hard time walking by the old condo, looks so plain and empty. You and Mom always had the porch and the house looking so nice. You would be proud of Mom, she has really done a nice job on the house. You wouldn't believe it...she has learned to use your computer and e-mail, how great is that?! Really miss you so much! Everything about Scottsdale reminded me of you, great memories with us and the kids. You'd love our new house...always had you to talk about houses and such, no one to do that with now. No offense, but my siblings just aren't into anything like we were, art, photos, water, sand, etc. Mom gave me a beautiful portrait that you did in Art school, can't wait to frame it and hang it up in the new house, it is so unique and shows your wonderful talent in art. Can't say it enough...I miss you Dad...
I love you,
Beth
Beth Reiners
January 11, 2006
Hi Dad,
You've really been on my mind today...I ordered your keepsake urn, had "My Loving Father" and "Jack Barnes 11/11/41-5/19/05" engraved on it. It's a beautiful black marble tiny urn, in a heart shaped box. I thought it was time to do this...I really miss you. I know you would love seeing the house we're building...it reminds me of you and the house you & Mom built. I'm going to visit Mom in two weeks, I'll be really sad to see all of your clothes and personal items. We're making a scrapbook of you...haven't been able to start it yet, too sad. I really miss you, I know you are in a better place, just can't seem to forget the sadness though.
I love you,
Beth
Elizabeth Reiners
December 20, 2005
Dear Dad,
Yesterday marked 7 months since your passing, and not a day goes by without me thinking of you. I miss you terribly, especially with Christmas coming up. I know how much you hate cold weather, good thing you have perfect weather where you are at, because it is very cold here. We have an angel hanging from our tree this year as a memory to you and how much we love and miss you. The girls had the old video tapes of past family gatherings, they loved watching and thinking of you. I couldn't bear to watch them yet, too soon. I'm sad...I miss you...
Love always,
Beth
Beth Reiners
November 25, 2005
Dear Dad,
Happy Thanksgiving to you...it is the 1st holiday without you here and I miss you so very much. You we're always the one to make the famous pumpkin pies and carve the turkey. Oh how life has changed for me and our family. Please visit me more often, in my dreams.
I miss you and love you~
Beth
Brian,Jill, Travis, Wyatt Wolf
November 11, 2005
Beth and family,
May god always look over you and your family I didn't know your dad i did have the pleasure of meeting him at school what a nice man. My heart goes out to you and your family. always remember he is always watching over you. when you feel sad just look up at the brightest star in the sky and that will be your dad winking at you. I am always here for you. love always and gods blessings to you your friends. Brian, Jill,Travis, &Wyatt
Coleen Collins
November 11, 2005
All of my love and support are with you all. I am here whenever you may need me. Your friend.
Tom Scanlan
November 11, 2005
Dear, John and family
I have plenty of positive memories of time with Jack, it saddens me there will not be more.
Wisconsin fishing trips and the numerous times we both wanted to toss him in the lake.
Snow mobile trips and the times Jack needed to stop for a candy bar.
Numerous card games with him in attendance or wishing he was.
The numerous odd jobs at Chicago office or Barrington home always a laugh.
Your Dad was an entertaining man and I will miss him, god bless.
Michael Guilfoil
November 11, 2005
Dear Jack-
You really made your mark here on Earth,I'm sure the same goes for your place in Heaven. I think of you often, with fond memories and a heavy heart. As the good book says, the Lord loves a good fisherman!
All my Love- Mike
Beth Reiners
November 11, 2005
Dear Dad,
Today is your 1st birthday in Heaven. Six months have passed since you had to leave us and start your journey to heaven. There are no words to write to express the pain we all feel from your absense, but comfort is knowing you are with God.
Time will continue to pass, the seasons will change, but there will always be a memory no matter where we are, with you in our hearts.
We know we will be together again when God calls us home.
You are so very missed and you are loved forever.
In Memory of Jack Barnes from his loving daughter Beth
Elizabeth Reiners
September 19, 2005
Dear Dad,
Today marks four months since you passed away. It doesn't get any easier...in fact it gets worse. Sometimes I think you're watching but don't feel your presence as much as I'd like to. The girls and I speak of you often, usually a funny story which brings tears and a smile to our faces. Sometimes it is hard to visit your memorial stone, other times I feel strong and it comes easily. I struggle with the fact that we didn't catch your cancer earlier. Why did we not know? Did you know something was wrong? Why didn't you complain? And why were you taken from us only 6 weeks into your diagnosis. I do know God had a very special plan for you...just hope it has something to do with the ocean, fishing, Mexico, cool cars, seafood, Wisconsin, and the list can go on of all your favorite things. I know you are up there with Ginko and Buckley, Bruce and Larry, hope you are all having a wonderful time. We miss you dearly...it hurts so very much that I will never get to hold your hand again. I miss so many things about you...your funny sayings and ways, your perfect tan skin, your Polo cologne, and seeing you play with Sophie and Lily. I'm so sad they never had a real chance to make tons of memories with you. So very sad. Please come to me more often in my dreams, I really need that from you.
I love you Dad,
Beth
Sophie Reiners
August 11, 2005
Dear Poppy Jack,
I miss you sooooo much. And I think about you every day. I love you soooo much.
Love your grandaughter,
Sophie
john barnes
July 28, 2005
Dad,
A day does not go by where your thought is not in my mind. Everyday I'm reminded of you with a picture of Jen and I at my desk, message left on my machine saying you'll be out the next day, the last letter you left me and each trip to Wisconsin fishing.
Sure I'm sad, but give me the strength to move forward in my life without you with my wonderful wife and daughter. Hopefully a son in the future.....
I miss you more than words can tell and never before have I wondered what heaven might be like, but I know the first person greeting me at the door will be you.
Your Son John
Beth Reiners
July 17, 2005
Dear Dad,
July 19th marks two months since you have passed away. We miss you more than ever, still can't seem to come to grips with the fact that you are gone. The girls and I talk about you every day, how much we miss you, and how certain things remind us of you. The girls took an Undersea drawing class, of course it was so much about you and your love of diving, snorkeling and fish! Mom is having a really tough time without you...we can only help so much. Thank you for teaching us the love of the camera...we have so many great memories in photos to help remind us of you. We miss you tons and think of you everyday!
Your loving daughter,
Beth
Tom Madden
June 27, 2005
The Barnes Family,
I am sorry to hear about your families loss. When ever I saw your Dad he made everyone feel so welcome around him. He will be missed.
Elizabeth Reiners
June 19, 2005
Dear Dad,
Today marks exactly one month since you passed away. Today is also Father's Day - I miss you so much. I will always remember all the great times we had on Father's Day, taking you out to dinner, buying you Polo shirts, anything we thought you would like. In the last few years, it was sending you money to go out to dinner with Mom in Arizona. I'm trying to make the best of a very sad day for me...you are so missed! You were a great Father, so silly, cutting jokes, and making us laugh, and of course no Father's Day would be complete without your daily nap! I love you with all my heart...Happy Father's Day!
Love,
Beth
Maria Maude
June 8, 2005
Beth & Family-
Jack will always be remembered in my heart for his fun sense of humor and his generous heart. Growing up in Barrington Hills with you and your family was always a fun time. Fun memories from Jack, are him letting us use the Vett, the fun times in the pool, and Jamacia, to name a few! You will be missed. Watch over your family. We could all use a guardian angel.
Carla Litton
June 7, 2005
Jack:
I sure hope you know how much a person like you meant to a person like me! What you did for me in the years I was employed at JBA, have benchmarked the type of person I am today. The kind, generous and positive person you were to me some 20 years ago, have guided me both personally and professionally. And for that I shall always love you and will never forget you.
A part of your spirit will live on in me forever!
Amy Moreno
June 2, 2005
Mary Lou, Beth, John, Kelli, Lisa & family....sometimes life on earth is not as long as we would like it to be but luckily Jack's life was a full and happy one. I realize it is hard not to be sad as your family is so close. I also know that you all will forever have fun and fond memories of the many things you have all done together over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Amy
Elizabeth Reiners
June 2, 2005
Dear Dad,
It has been two weeks since you have passed away. I can hardly believe it. I miss you so much! I keep trying to remember that you suffered enough here on earth and you have gone on to a much better place. Mom says the kitties miss you and are still looking for you. Mom is trying to be strong, but going thru your Polos is just too much for her. We will take good care of her for you.
I love you and miss you deeply,
Your loving daughter, Beth
Patti Jasinski
May 28, 2005
To the family of John Barnes,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. What a fantastic guy!! You were all so truly bleesed to share life with him. May you all find strength to find peace in the days to come and always.
All of our love,
Tim and Patti Jasinski
Emily Smith
May 25, 2005
Lisa and family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I always felt welcome in your families home and Mr. Barnes was always welcoming me. Even though he is gone I know that he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Culotta
May 24, 2005
I remember going to Lisa's house when we all lived in Barrington, IL. Mr. Barnes was such a GREAT guy. He was fun to be around and always had such a great sense of humor when I would hang out over at their home. May God bless the entire family and my thoughts and prayers are with ya'll.
Susan O'Leary
May 23, 2005
I was dining at Bijan a few months ago with a friend. I told him I used to work across the street for a great guy, a guy who invited me back to freelance after I had quit. (Yes! I had gone off half cocked!) Jack was generous and fair, creative and smart; he demanded our best and always stood behind us. He was a good man and I'm glad I knew him. Love to his famly - he must be so proud of you all.
John & Jo Smolenski
May 23, 2005
Dear Mary Lou and family. John and I were very sorry to hear about Jack. Toni has kept us informed over the years. May the Lord give you the strength and peace to guide you thru now and always
Bless you
Thrasher Family
May 23, 2005
We are so sorry to hear about Jack's passing.He will always be remembered for all the great stories and jokes he told and was part of.He was a very generous and well liked uncle to our family.Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Lou,John,Beth,Kelly and Lisa, just as you supported us a few months back with our loss.
Lisa Barnes Adrian Purdy
May 22, 2005
Jack was a great person to be around because of his ability to tell some great stories. Lisa and Jack shared some great times fishing in Wisconsin and off-roading in the Arizona desert. Eventhough I only knew Jack for the past 5 years he was like a father to me and we shared some time before he passed mostly talking about the adventures he had taken in his Jeep all-around the desert and in the mountians. We both know that he is in a lot better place now and to let him know that he will be missed and not forgotten by us and all of the people he has worked with. We love you Jack!
Lisa Barnes
Adrian Purdy
Pat Smith
May 22, 2005
My deepest condolences to the Barnes Family. You are in my prayers. Pat Smith, Ahwatukee, Az.
Mark Reiners
May 22, 2005
Right from the start, Jack made me feel like part of the family. I loved listening to his stories and we always had great converstions. I have very fond memories of our visits to Arizona. I really appreciate what he did for his children - taking them on beautiful vacations and giving them the opportunity for an excellent education. My family will miss you - miss you as a father-in-law, as a dad, and as a grandpa. But you are in a better place now, and we look forward to sharing in your stories and your laughter again when we join you in heaven.
Sophie Reiners
May 22, 2005
My Grandpa was loving, nice, and very funny. He always made me laugh. I was very sad when I heard he died. He looked very happy when I saw him last.I loved him very much. He was my buddy. I was his first grandchild and he spoiled me.I will miss him so much. I know he is in Heaven and has no pain. Love, Sophie age,9
Elizabeth Reiners
May 22, 2005
Our Dad fought a three month battle with cancer, and he did so with great dignity. He tried hard to come to Illinois for John's wedding and sadly he was in the hospital during the wedding. Yet, alot of his friends and family whom he had not seen in a great while were able to sit with him and enjoy his company. Although Dad's passing was a great shock to us all (he was to return to Az. that very same day)we take solice in knowing that he knew how very much appreciated, respected and loved he was by so many lives he had touched in a very short time. We love you Dad, we were so blessed to have you in our lives.
Always and forever,
Your loving daughter,
Beth
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