Reginald E. Barney

Reginald E. Barney

Canaan, NH - Reginald E. Barney, 98, of Canaan, NH passed away peacefully at home November 24, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born March 30, 1927, to Lester and Gladys Barney on the Grafton, NH family homestead dairy farm and was the 6th generation of Barneys that had been settled by Aaron and his son, Jabez Barney in 1774.

He graduated from Canaan High School and married Eleanor (Niles) June 4, 1955. Together they raised 4 children. When the farm was sold in 1971, he apprenticed and later purchased what is now the Barney Insurance Agency in Canaan, retiring in 1996. He was a life-long active member of Canaan Assembly of God Church serving as former board member, treasurer, Royal Ranger leader and Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Mascoma Valley Regional School Board, Grafton Town selectman, and active in the Canaan Lions Club as a member serving as former President and District Secretary. He also was on the Canaan Historic Museum Committee, The Friends Of Canaan Village, and volunteer driver for the Canaan Meals on Wheels program. He volunteered his time and service to the Rails to Trails Canaan Depot Park which was later named after him in his honor. He was a loyal New England sports fan, closely following the Patriots, the Celtics, and especially his beloved Red Sox. He was an avid train/rail fan, going on many ride excursions and he "chased" freight trains constantly. His other interests included working on dozens of jigsaw puzzles and trips to the Maine coast, but he absolutely loved his family and gatherings with them.

He was predeceased by his wife Ellie in 2004, they were married 48 years; and one sister, Ruth Flokstra of Springfield, MO. He is survived by his sister Miriam Bennett of Forest, VA and his four children; Janet (Tim) Earwood, Springfield, MO; Dale (Bobbi) Barney of Canaan, NH; Joyce (Ian Dowdeswell) of Surrey, England; Dean Barney of Grafton, NH. Ten grandchildren: Bruce, Justin (Danielle), Jillian, Alayne (Alex), Jordan (Paulina), Jocelyn, Heather, Kaitlin (Brandon), Elizabeth and Marcus and seven great grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held at Canaan Assembly of God on Saturday, November 29th at 11 AM with reception directly after in the church vestry. There will be no calling hours and private burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Canaan Assembly of God Church, Canaan Senior Citizen Center or the Canaan Lions Club. An online guest book is available to leave Reginald's family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.