Geoffrey (Geoff) Barnes

Geoffrey (Geoff) Barnes, 84, passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, while adventuring in Greece.

He was the devoted husband of the late Sharon (nee Noll) Barnes and the loving son of the late William and Constance Barnes. Geoff is survived by his brother, Martin; his nephews, Simon and Richard, affectionately known as "the twins"; and many close friends. Geoff will also be remembered by extended family in both England and the United States, who cherished his visits and shared in his adventures.

Geoff was born in Preston, England, on June 22, 1940. He studied at the University of Leeds before becoming a renowned horticulturist, specializing in fungi. His deep passion for horticulture and expertise in the field led him to a distinguished career with Monsanto in 1984, where he combined his love of plants with his passion for travel and meeting new people. His work took him across the world, often with Sharon by his side.

It was at Monsanto that Geoff met Sharon. Geoff loved Sharon deeply and fully and carried her love with him in all that he did. Together, they traveled the world, returning with endless tales of adventures and souvenirs of their travels. Sharon also encouraged Geoff to return to rugby as a referee, a sport he had a long history with.

Geoff was an avid rugby player from a young age. He began playing at the Kirkham Grammar School and later joined his hometown's club, the Preston Grasshoppers. His dedication to rugby continued throughout his tenure as a referee and also as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Sabres Women's Rugby Club and the West "Allstars" Women's Teams. Even after retiring from coaching, he remained a beloved staple to all games, often traveling hundreds of miles in his gold van to support and cheer from the sidelines.

In addition to rugby, Geoff had a deep love for forming meaningful connections with others. His curiosity about people and culture led him to introduce his friends to various forms of art, from opera and classical music to theater and more. Geoff had a gift for engaging in meaningful conversations, and he sought to understand people and their lives on a deeper level. His enthusiasm for genuine connections remained a hallmark of his life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 2nd from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the St. Louis County American Legion Memorial Post 111, located at 7300 Lansdowne Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this GoFundMe, which will be used to purchase a memorial brick or tree in Geoff's name at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Your support would be greatly appreciated.