Cornelius Barents

CORNELIUS BARENTS

Cor was born in Kalamazoo, MI on May 22, 1913, to Albert and Adlaide Barents, and passed away on Friday, March 12, 2004, at the age of 90. He was a descendent of Captain Willem Barents, a Dutch explorer, who discovered a large group of islands in the Arctic and named the Barents Sea. Cor lived in Fresno for the past 56 years and resided at San Joaquin Gardens for the past two years. He was preceded in death by his wives, Edna and Louise Dillard Barents, "Mom" to his children, and his stepson, Doug Swords. Cor was a career military man, receiving his commission through the ROTC program and entering the U.S. Army in 1939. He received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in 1962. He graduated from several service schools and the Harvard College of Business Administration. He retired with the rank of Colonel from the Army Reserves in 1973. He also was employed by FMC Corporation, Peerless Pump Division for many years retiring in 1978. Cor loved to travel, camp, restore and play pipe organs. He enjoyed music, trains and tinkering. He has a special place in his heart for his animals and leaves behind his beloved cat Terrance. His lodge affiliations were F&AM, Fort Knox, KY Scottish Rite, Tehran Temple, Fresno H12, and the Veterans Officers Association of the United States. He was also a member of American Theatre Organ Club, Fresno Philharmonic, and Neighborhood Watch, to name a few. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Joyce Swords Barents; his daughters, Phyliss of Michigan, Sallie of Madera, Carol Hauschel and Diana Brookman, both of Fresno; his son, Neil Barents of Fresno; his stepson, Terry Jack Swords of Nipomo; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At his request, he will be cremated and buried at Belmont Memorial Park. A private Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Ste. C-1, Fresno, CA 93711, or to the donor's favorite charity. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL202 No. Teilman, Fresno (559) 268-9292Lic. #11