Obituary of Bill Barrett

William “Bill” Arthur Barrett, 94 Glace Bay It is with great sadness and love that we the family of William “Bill" Arthur Barrett announce his peaceful passing on January 4th, 2022, at the age of 94 at Glace Bay General Hospital with his loving daughter and caregiver Wilma at his side. Bill has been a resident of Taigh Na Mara nursing home since July 2019 where he and his late wife Florence spent their final years. Florence was Bill’s everything; losing her in May 2021 after 71 years of marriage was the beginning of his journey to find his way back to her. Born in Glace Bay on March 3rd, 1927, Bill was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Mercer)Barrett. Bill was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was heavily involved in Warden United Church for many years and later a member of Knox United Church which he enjoyed very much. Bill dedicated his life to his family and fulfilled each role with his whole heart. As a Husband Bill supported Florence in many ways throughout their marriage; he looked after her for as many years as he physically could taking immense pride and care with this task, a true testament to the vow, “In sickness and in health.” Bill was a devoted father to his four children and worked extremely hard to be sure they were well looked after. Bill was a dedicated grandfather; he was heavily involved in his grandchildren’s lives and took considerable pride in this role. Bill leaves behind his three daughters; Elaine MacNeil (Gerry), Jeanice Hunter (Wade), and Wilma Boone (Dennis) who he resided with for 27 years prior to his admission to Taigh Na Mara. Bill’s daughter Wilma devoted many years to keeping him and Florence safe, loved, and at home for as long as she possibly could. Bill, often referred to as “poppy,” is survived by many grandchildren; Aaron MacNeil (Heather), Matthew MacNeil, Jaret MacNeil (Hannah), Angela Humber (Byron), Alyssa Hunter (Kate), Travis Barrett (Carly), Devin Barrett, Nicholas Boone (Bhreagh), Nathan Boone (Ivy), Breagh Niesten (Chris) and Adria Boone. Proud great grandfather to Calvin, Tessalynn, Loganne and Kiara MacNeil, Khloe Lin (Linc), Kayla (Collin), Kamdyn and Kenza Humber, Makaila and Dannilynn Barrett, Jaxon Boone, Van, and Griffin Niesten and great-great grandchild Lukas MacNeil. Bill is survived by his brothers Ken Barrett, Donald Barrett (Shirley) and sister Verda Mackenzie, sisters in law Mae Barrett, Bess Barrett, Joyce James, Bernice Gale and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bill is predeceased by his son Malcolm John Barrett and his wife Debbie Barrett, his sisters, brothers, and their spouses; Maxwell Barrett (Lilly), Joseph Barrett (Ethel), James Barrett (Becky), Abe Barrett, George Barrett, Sarah Roy (Edmond), Mary MacDougall (Charlie) and Annie Elizabeth, his brothers in law Bernie James, James Gale, Jack Mackenzie, Ronald Macdonald (Dolly) as well as his sister in laws Linda Barrett, Mary Kerr (Johnny), Chris Lynk (Art) and Willena Pyke. Cremation has taken place under the care of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. A Celebration of Bill’s life with those closest to him as this wonderful, kind, gentle man deserves to be honoured in this way will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, with Rev. Eric Lynk presiding. Interment will follow at Forest Haven Memorial Garden, Sydney-Glace Bay Highway. Special thanks to Taigh Na Mara nursing home staff for their involvement in Bill’s care as well as anyone who helped us keep Bill home for as long as we possibly could. Special thanks to Dr. Cadegan, Brenda, and Dr. Maclean. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. Your presence we will miss, your memories we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.