Obituary of William Joseph Barnaby
It is with very heavy hearts we tell you of the passing of William "Bill" Joseph Barnaby, age 82 of Halifax on, December 13, 2023.
Born in Halifax, Bill was the son of the late Hazel Francis (Woods) Redmond and the late Charles Francis Barnaby, and his much-loved stepfather, the late William Edward Redmond. Bill was also predeceased by his brother, Frank; and sister, Marilyn.
Bill was a member of the Royal Canadian Navy from 1965-1968, and, after that, he worked as a mason. Bill owned and operated Bill Barnaby Masonry Repairs, out of Mount Uniacke where he lived for many years. He was a mason, a roofer and also a steeplejack, cleaning and repairing the NS Power 113 Sisters Stacks in Tufts Cove, Dartmouth. Bill was an avid fan of the Halifax Mooseheads and held season tickets for many years. Watching the Toronto Blue Jays was a big part of his entertainment while sitting in his lazy boy chair cheering on his team with an Alexander Keith's beer in his hand. Many laughs and great times were had while playing cards with his sisters, kids, and grandkids. He loved dancing the two-step, going out to dinner, bowling, golfing, and watching Riley play hockey and Lily dancing and cooking meals for him. He spent many mornings taking Riley to Point Pleasant Park looking for dragons - poking under benches and buildings waiting for them to come out.
His annual trip to White Point Beach Resort with his wife was a favourite time for him. He would sit for hours watching and listening to the waves. Seeing the bunnies brought a big smile to his face.
Bill is survived by his wife, best friend and "Sweetie-Pie", Phyllis (Ramey) Barnaby of 30 years. His children, Wayne (Carla) Barnaby, Krista Spears, and John (Brittany) Spears. Papa Bill and Poppy will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Bill (Samantha) Barnaby, Mike (Courtney) Barnaby, Riley Spears, Lily Spears, Sophia Barnaby, Jackson Barnaby, and Kenden Currie; great grandchildren, Cohen and Cole Barnaby. Bill will also be missed by his brothers and sisters, Fredrick Barnaby, Fredericton; Marie Marshall (Al Grech), Oakville, Ontario; Patricia Holton, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Shirley Redmond, Bedford; and Donna Martin, Lower Sackville. Uncle Bill will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Lawen Group (Paramount Management) has been a part of his life for the past 13 years. Bill and his wife managed Vertu Suites making sure the tenants were top priority and considered them as part of their big family. Heartfelt thanks to the team members at Lawen Group who sent many comforting calls, messages, cards, treats and, also, those who came to visit while Bill was in hospital. Special thank you Peter Lawen, Arvin Kovacevic, Emily Myers, and Taryn Styles, all of you was there for us throughout the past four months and because of you Phyllis got to be by Bill's side until the very end. Words cannot explain how much this meant to us.
Forever grateful to Krista, Wayne, Donna, Shirley, Riley, Lily, John, Brittany, who were all by our side during the past two weeks There were visits from Peter, Arvin, Emily. Bill, Jackson, Sophia, Brian, Julie, Orve and Renee.
The many staff on 7A Victoria General Hospital, Palliative Care Unit are a very special group of people. Your care and compassion makes a difference to all patients who come to your unit. Heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
