John C. Barrows

John "Jack" Clayton Barrows, 90, of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully on December 18, 2019, surrounded by loving family and friends, following a short illness. Born in Harford, CT, Jack was the son of the late Clayton Apgar and Louise (White) Barrows and resided most of his life within a one-mile radius of West Hartford Center. He graduated from Hall High School in 1949 and entered the United State Air Force Reserve. In an encounter he would later describe as "pure love at first sight," Jack met elementary school teacher Ann Farrell at the Barkhamsted Reservoir on a summer weekend. They soon married in 1956. Throughout the next six decades, Jack and Ann's marriage became an endless source of joy, grace and compassion. Over their time together Jack and Ann raised five sons, welcomed additional members to the family and never forgot the mantra to say "I Love You" to each other on every single day of their lives. Jack is survived by sons Steven and husband Martin Blair of Brooklyn, NY, Kenneth of Scarsdale, NY, Tom of Orange, VT, John and wife Dr. Kelly Krueger of Mountain Lakes, NJ; brother Daniel of West Hartford; sisters Shirley Price of Sacramento, CA, Suzanne Price of Denver, CO and Catherine Bencks of Williamsburg, VA; sisters-in-law Lois Barrows of Bloomfield, CT and Lee Barrows of Canton/West Simsbury CT; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and many close friends. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife Ann in 2018 and son William ("Bill") in 2006; two brothers, Robert and Lawrence; and two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Goodwin and Patricia Gates. While raising his family with Ann, Jack began a very successful sales career in multiple industries ranging from insurance, to building supplies and computer equipment. Jack hit his full stride as a salesperson with the Barrows Real Estate Company where he was a successful real estate agent, office manager, and office turn-around specialist working with his beloved brothers Bob and Larry. Jack later continued his sales career with The New Haven Savings Bank as an award-winning mortgage officer. An avid sportsman, Jack rode his bike to work long before it became fashionable. He played tennis almost daily for most of his life; it was not unusual to see Jack clearing snow off of tennis courts on a winter's day in order to play. He was a long-time member of the Hartford Tennis Club. In the late 1960's, Jack launched the annual West Hartford Tennis Open as a local tennis competition and oversaw it becoming the largest tennis open in the greater Hartford area. Always up for a challenge, Jack began windsurfing in his 50s and continued his passion for this demanding sport for more than two decades. He maintained his strength and robust physique well into his last years. A long-time Whaler season ticket holder, Jack was a Red Sox and UConn basketball fan. He was also an avid reader – rarely did you see him without a book. A ceremony of life and burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, Saturday January 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM. The family wishes to thank the St. Francis Hospital Palliative Care Team for their gracious medical care. Contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels – Hartford Healthcare at Home, 1290 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.