William BARTON Obituary
C.M., B.A., LL.D.
December 10, 1917 - November 8, 2013
William Hickson Barton passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario.
He was predeceased by his wife, Jeanie (nee Robinson), his son, Scott Donald Robinson Barton and his siblings Helen (Barton) Clarke and Margaret (Barton) Doherty.
Dr. Barton was the eldest of three children born to Norah Marion Hickson and Ernest James Barton in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Mr. Barton is survived by numerous west coast and east coast nieces and nephews: Patrick Clarke (Vancouver, BC), Kelley (Clarke) Crawford (Vancouver, BC), Deborah (Clarke) Dempster (Kamloops, BC), Shannon (Clarke) von Kaldenberg (Victoria, BC), William (Bill) Clarke (Seattle, WA)) and Terrence Doherty (Quesnel, BC), Holly (Doherty) Brown (Vernon, BC), Lawrence Doherty (100 Mile House, BC), Michael Doherty (Quesnel, BC), Shelly (Doherty) Everton (Fort McMurray, AB), Tracey (Doherty) Hitchcock (Fort McMurray, AB) and Ian Robinson (Elmwood, NB), Jeanie Hicks (Ottawa, ON), Leslie Robinson (Burnaby, BC), Lynda (Robinson) Davidson (Ottawa, ON), Brian Robinson (Kanata, ON) and Jennifer Robinson (Montreal, QC).
Mr. Barton dedicated his life to international peace and security and to the betterment of Canada. He served first as an officer in the Canadian Army during the Second World War and then as a distinguished diplomat whose career spanned more than three decades. In retirement, Mr. Barton was a sought-after international affairs expert and active philanthropist supporting the education of future generations of diplomats. Mr. Barton represented Canada in Vienna, Geneva and New York. He held leadership roles with the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and represented Canada on the UN Security Council. Mr. Barton received the Order of Canada in 1994.
The family extends thanks to the staff at the Montfort Hospital, the New Edinburgh Square, At Home Hospice and Retire At Home for their support.
Friends are invited to visit at the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Central Chapel, 315 McLeod Street, (at O'Connor) Ottawa on Friday, November 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 16 from 1:30 p.m until time of Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2:30 p.m.
Interment will take place at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Mahole Morapeli
March 17, 2026
Today, Carleton University's Graduate Studies Department selected me as the recipient of the William Barton Graduate Travel Bursary. It is an honour and a privilege not only to have been selected, but also to be writing this message while seated in the Jeanie and William Barton Resource Centre. This generous award will aid me in pursuing my research on international civil aviation security and conflict-zone risk mitigation, and I am beyond grateful that my work will be sponsored by the legacy of a man as accomplished and inspiring as Mr. Barton. I acknowledge it has been over 12 years since his passing, but I wish for his loved ones to know that he has touched the life of a student seeking to make the world a safer place in their own special way.
February 4, 2014
I knew and came to like Bill Barton enormously, when we were both at CCAF Ottawa. His unfailing wit, diplomacy, charm and understated wisdom, never failed to impress. When one met him and inquired as to how he was, his stock answer was, "All the better for seeing you!". There was a front-page article in the Globe & Mail some years ago, which stated, clearly, that Bill was the best ambassador Canada ever sent to the UN. I shall miss Bill, his penchant for VMoRs, and the wonderful way he told of his amazing life and experiences.
Peter Armstrong
Joe Montuoro
November 15, 2013
My condolenses to the family. Mr. Barton became one of my very first clients in 1997. He was a gentle kind man whom I have the utmost respect. I have learned much from him in the last 16 years.
November 14, 2013
Bill was for many of us who followed,in my case, much later into Canada's diplomatic service, a great inspiration. He personified the best of what Canada had to offer, all those years ago, in multilateral forums and its then effective diplomacy. He was a friend ,mentor and a marvelous person to work for and with for many years. We will all miss him. Condolences to the family. Charles Svoboda, Alicante, Spain
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
November 13, 2013
<3
November 13, 2013
A man I met by chance years ago, yet I've never forgotten the few occasional minutes of contact I had with him. Wisdom and kindness he had, as well as humility. Always hard to find.
Hubert Gratton
Mark Girvan
November 12, 2013
A life well lived should be celebrated, and it is quite clear to me that Mr. Barton's life is quite something to celebrate. My condolences to his family and friends. ~ a Carleton University student.
Dane Rowlands
November 12, 2013
Dr. Barton is an inspiration for those seeking to promote international peace. His career in diplomacy and international affairs was one of exceptional service. While his wisdom will be missed, memories of him will be cherished by the many people inspired by his life of service and generosity.
November 12, 2013
My deepest condolences are extended to Jeanie Hicks (former Principal, OCTC School) on the loss of her dear Uncle Bill. Our thoughts are with you Jeanie.
Many regards,
Leslie (Walker) and staff from OCTC School
Tery, Kate and family Howard
November 12, 2013
Dear Bill, We will all miss your wise perspective, your humour and your gracious interest in what was happening in our lives. I will especially miss the way your smile would set your eyes twinkling during interesting discussions. God speed.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2
Make a Donation
in William BARTON's name
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William BARTON's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
