Immediate Need: (306) 773-2931
Obituary of William Neil Barr
William Neil Barr was born in Leader, SK on April 6, 1927. He took his last trip,
Destination - Heaven on May 13, 2024
Neil is survived by his 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Gail (Elwin) Hermanson; Ehren (Karen) Hermanson, Dahlia, Espen, Adrie, Olin; Byron (Lisa) Hermanson, Jayda, Aliyah; Marlyn (Ricardo) Bravo, Rio, Scarlett, Levi. Marilyn Simons; Ryan Gonzalez; Cassandra Simons, Nicholas; Rachel (Scott) Campbell, Kira Barkley, Leah Barkley, Lucas Campbell. Ted (Nancy) Barr; Priscilla (Greg) Baker, Elijah, Violet; Jordan (Jasmine) Barr, Josiah, Jayda, Jonathan, Jillian; Rosalyn (Darin) Boudreaux, Hudson, Dominik, Annalise.
Neil was predecessed by his parents, Ted and Nina Barr, his wife Ruth, grandson Nate Simons, son-in-law Nathan Simons.
Neil grew up in Portreeve and Lemsford, SK. His parents moved to Toronto when he was 15 but he stayed behind to attend school and lived with the Dunford family. They were the brothers and sisters he never had. He finished his 11th grade in Toronto and began his career with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Bill Barr, as he was known to his work mates at the CPR, started working for the company at the freight sheds in Toronto at the age of 16. He worked for the CPR off and on in various capacities and places, including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. He retired at the age of 62 as a conductor.
At the age of 24, he decided to follow Christ and attend Bible College. He chose Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, SK. It was here, he met the love of his life, Ruth Naomi Gallagher. They meant the vows they made in 1953 and were married for 66 years and 10 months.
After graduating from Bible College in 1954, they answered the call to serve the Lord in Northern Alberta, serving in Grand Centre for 3 years. They lived in Minnedosa, MB for a few months and then settled in Ruth’s childhood home of Winnipeg, MB in 1958. Neil always had a heart for ministry and served the Lord in many ways. He would preach on Northern Reserves and small Manitoba towns. He rejoined the CPR on their return to Winnipeg as a trucker and he also worked driving taxi to supplement their income. He was able to get a Trainman’s job in the early 60’s which eventually led to him becoming a conductor. His last trip was from Winnipeg to Moose Jaw return on the last ViaRail south passenger train. He was known as “Preacher Barr” at work and was available and helpful to his fellow work mates.
Upon retirement in 1989, Neil and Ruth moved to Swift Current. They continued to open their home, travel and volunteer their time to many charities, church and the local community.
Bill was well known for his train set and his involvement with the railway club. He initially started his model railway in 1970. This brought joy to many folks young and old.
The Barr home was always open to everyone and anyone. His heart was huge and his wallet deep. He cared about people and was a real comfort to those with physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Matthew 25:40 “….truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As we laid his earthly body to rest, May 16/24 the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly and in the distance a train whistle sounded. See you soon.
A private family interment was held at Hillcrest Cemetery on May 16, 2024.
The Celebration of Life service will take place Tuesday, July 16th at 11 AM, at the Full Gospel Church (72 4 Ave NE, Swift Current, SK S9H 2H9)
Donations in Bill's memory can be made to:
The Salvation Army
By Mail: 780 1 Ave NW, Swift Current, SK S9H 5P9 RE: In Memory of William Barr
Eston College
Online: https://estoncollege.ca/give/
By Mail: 808 Assiniboine Ave E, Regina, SK S4V 0K6 RE: In Memory of William Barr
Or to a charity of your choice
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Barr, please visit Tribute Store
In Loving Memory
William Barr
1927 - 2024
