With great sadness we announce the passing of Harry Barnes, known as “Barnesy” to many. A stoic Newfoundlander, he leaves a very large and inclusive group of family and friends to mourn his loss: his loving wife of 55 years, Joan; daughter Laurie (John); Katie (Jason); Sheila (Howard); Madeline; Vera (Austin); Donna (John); and all those special people who just belonged in his life.
Harry was extremely proud of his 18 years in the Canadian Armed Forces – he loved the challenges and most of all the relationships that extended into retirement following his service with the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the Canadian Airborne Regiment, and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). He was deployed on two peacekeeping tours in Cyprus and one in Egypt. Reunions, luncheons and dinners, he would be found sharing stories and memories of his many exploits, including “jumping out of those perfectly safe aircraft”, climbing Monte Bianco in Italy, and exercises from Alaska to Jamaica. Remembrance Day would see him laying the Airborne wreath at the Langford service.
Following his military retirement in 1984, Harry served for 18 years as a Correctional Officer with VIRCC retiring in 2002.
A Boston Bruins fan from an early age, Harry’s love of hockey knew no boundaries. He was a passionate organizer who cared and loved promoting the game for all ages. And you know he really liked his Bruins’ teams to win.
A Celebration of Harry’s Life will be held at the Chief and Petty Officers Mess, 1575 Lyall Street, Victoria, BC on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, at 1:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Barnes” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
31 Responses
Dear Joan,
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a good guy. The years have sure flown since those good ones on 4 South.
John and Lorraine
I have known Harry for as long as I can remember. He was an important influence on my life because he ignited my love of hockey. I don’t know if I ever met anyone who loved the “game” more that Harry!!
But more importantly Harry was a friend that you could count on, he was generous with his time, loved his family and his friends without judgement.
Old timers hockey would not be what it is Victoria without Harry and his contributions.
I will miss him and his big smile when I walk into the dressing room with him standing by the beer cooler.
Our sincerest condolences to family and friends from all members of the Calgary Branch of the PPCLI Association. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember him. VP.
Harry and I first met in December 1973 at Camp Shams just outside of Cairo, while UNEF II was just ramping up after the Yom Kippur War. I was from 1 PPCLI and Harry was from 3 PPCLI. As the youngest soldier in the Canadian Contingent, (only a few months after turning 18), even though he was “rough around the edges”, Harry became a solid mentor for me. We met up through the years at reunions, and like Harry, as he was one of many who had encouraged me to do so, I eventually served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment.
May his memory be a blessing. Yehi zchru broch יהי זכרו ברוך
We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to Joan and Laurie on Harry’s passing. We were shocked to read of this yesterday when we received the notification from the QOR Association. Harry will be missed so much. Over the past fifty years we’ve spent many happy times with Harry and Joan not only at their home or our home but during numerous hockey tournaments most especially the ones in Santa Rosa, California. These memories will remain with us forever. We also had a very close bond with them because of our youngest son Troy and their daughter Laurie having so many things in common, which we still to this day often talk about. As well their kindness and help during Raymond’s serious health issues will never be forgotten. We’ll always be so thankful for the many phone calls that Joan made on behalf of both of them to check on things with us while Raymond was in the Vancouver General Hospital in 2010 for an extended period of time. Their friendship went way above and beyond what anyone could ever have hoped for. Thus we’ve been extremely blessed to have had them in our lives. Now we’ll continue to remain close to Joan and Laurie.
The Chenier Family,
Raymond, Diane, Timothy, & Troy
Our deepest condolences to the Barnes Family in Harry’s passing on behalf of the PPCLI Association. May he rest in peace. We will remember him. VP
Jason Zdyb
National Vice President – Western Canada
PPCLIL Association
So sorry .
Me and Harry/ Joan etc became fast friends . He told me his accomplishments . He told me his fears . One night he taught me how to properly cut a parachute cord so you could open the back up . When I was in Mexico I happened to see a tall guy with a waxed moustache . I said “Canadian paratrooper”? He looked at me bored and said “look at the tattoos. My bad . After a few drinks I asked where he served . The one that stood out was Cyprus . I asked “ know a guy named Harry Barnes “? He looked at me and said “why?” Angry like . Then I said Harry my friend “ . Then he said “prove it “ . I texted Harry and Laurie, they got back in minutes . Joe D , introduced me to the Padre , and a couple of others . He would recount how tough Harry was . Always backed up his friends in a bar or hockey fight . Joe d said he could make a 32 calibre “Sing” . I will miss him .
Condolences to the family from all members of the Edmonton and E-Member Branches of the PPCLI Association. Once a Patricia Always a Patricia. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. may he Rest in Peace VP.
Condolences to the family , I had the honour of working with Harry and playing hockey with his creation the Barnes Bruins. He was always a joy to be around. He will be missed.
For My Uncle
Funny uncle,
full of light and laughter,
you always found a way
to make us smile.
With a toss of change across the lawn,
you turned an ordinary day into an adventure.
Your pockets held small treasures,
and your nieces and nephew raced through the grass,
laughing as we gathered every last one.
Those coins are long gone,
but the memories remain—
worth more than anything you could have carried.
Your laughter still echoes
through family stories,
your kindness lives on in our hearts,
and your love will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, Uncle.
Thank you for filling our lives
with joy, generosity, and moments
we will treasure forever.