John Thomas Barrett

John Thomas Barrett passed away quietly on Sunday, September 21st, 2014, his 88th birthday, after a courageous battle with cancer.  John was born on September 21st, 1926 at the family farm south of Coderre, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Carey) Barrett.  He attended school at Wood Valley School, and spent much of his youth working on the farm and breaking horses with his dad, who was a very skilled horseman.  He loved to tell us stories of the many escapades he shared with his siblings as they grew up, especially his two older brothers, Pete and Jim.  In 1945 he started farming with his uncle, Calvin Carey, on the N ½ of 12-13-4 W3, which he continued to farm for the next 34 years, first with his uncle Cal and brother Pete, then on his own.  He was thrilled to start using a tractor instead of horses to work the land!  On October 4th, 1950 he married his lifetime love, Kathleen Elnora McKee, who shared his passion for horses and cattle, and they continued to farm in the Remount and Coderre districts.  They had three children: Christina, Ann and Colin, who passed away at two years old after a brave struggle to survive.  John and Elnora lived in various communities, following her teaching positions, then they settled in his hometown of Coderre in 1962.  They were always faithful cheerleaders at the girls’ piano recitals and basketball tournaments, and he was especially proud to teach them to drive the combine at harvest!  In 1979 John and Elnora retired to the Boharm district, where they enjoyed 12 wonderful years living their dream, raising Red Angus cattle and Canadian Rustic ponies.  They were always together, attending the Angus Association gatherings, visiting friends at the Moose Jaw Co-op and mall, and supporting the activities and events in their grandchildren’s lives.  Days were filled with riding their ponies, petting cows, feeding chickens, gardening, and many camping trips and holidays.  John also spent several summers as an adjuster for the Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Association, where he travelled across Saskatchewan, walking through the crops and fulfilling his love of agriculture.  They moved to Moose Jaw in 1991, only 2 ½ short years before losing Elnora.  He spent the last 20 years of his life enjoying his family, quiet fishing days and hundreds of coffee breaks reminiscing with friends.  He was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage and never failed to dig out his special green shirts on St. Patrick’s Day!  He was always ready to tell a story and tease someone mercilessly!  His sense of humour and outrageous comments will always be treasured by those who love him.  He was predeceased by his parents; brothers: Pete, Jim, Joe and Michael; sister, Mary; wife, Elnora; son, Colin; father and mother-in-law; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.  John is survived by his daughters, Christina (Alphie) Patoine and Ann Johnstone; grandchildren: Colette (Daryl)Voth, Lisa (Yvan) Lagasse, Darcy (Stacey) Patoine, Brent (Heidrun Hahn) Patoine, Amanda Johnstone and Clayton Johnstone; great-grandchildren: Carter, McKenna and Jackson Voth, Austyn, Kathlene, Brooke and Gabrielle Lagasse, Kali, Harley and Nixon Patoine, Casey Johnstone, Dustin, Bryanna and Emma Stubbert; sister, Betty (Bill) O’Leary; as well as numerous brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.  The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 27th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Father Bert Lillo will officiate and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in John’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St, Regina, SK S4P 2R3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.