Obituary of Charles Richard Barrington
Charlie Barrington – 100 years of Life and Love
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Charles Barrington, announce his passing on Monday, June 24, surrounded by loved ones at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Charles, the son of the late Richard and Winnifred (MacLean) Barrington, was born in New Waterford and grew up in South Bar and Whitney Pier. A devoted Catholic, Charles was an active member of Holy Redeemer Parish and, after moving to East Bay, became heavily involved with St. Mary’s Parish.
Early into his career, Charles founded Barrington & Vokey with his great friend, Ernie, where they worked together until retirement. Charles loved his sheet metal trade, the people he met, and the places the job took him all over Cape Breton Island.
Charles was dedicated to his community, volunteering his time with organizations such as the Sydney Historical Society, Trans Canada Trails, ATV and Snow Mobile Clubs, Resurrection Cemetery, and was an honorary lifetime member of the K.O.C.
A family man at heart, Charlie and his wife, Theresa, raised their five sons in South Bar before remodelling their bungalow into a permanent home in North Side East Bay. They enjoyed their life in the country, spending their days swimming, boating on the Bras D’or Lakes, and gathering around campfires with family and friends. Over the years, the Barrington family grew to give Charles 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter, all of whom will miss him deeply.
From the early days travelling around Baddeck on bikes during their honeymoon, to the later years enjoying the beaches of Barbados, Charlie and Theresa spent their lives side-by-side, exploring all of life’s adventures together.
He is survived by his sons, Richard (Cathy), Donnie (Julie), Earl, and Blaise (Shelley), along with his grandchildren, Glenda, Angela, Maureen, Dawn, Paula, Heather, Cindy, Nadine, Tamara, Blair, Earle, Charles, Mary Theresa, Colleen, Ann Marie, and Erica, his great-grandchildren and great-great granddaughter. Charles is also survived by his only sister Margaret Muise, brother, Robert (Thelma), sisters-in-law, Sophie Barrington and Francis LeBlanc, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Charles was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Theresa (Sis) LeBlanc; son, Bruce (Sheila); daughter-in-law, Colleen; brothers, Edgar, Earl, Walter (Vonnie), and Brian; brother-in-law, Jerry Muise; along with his LeBlanc in-laws.
We would like to thank all those who played a role in Charlie’s life; your visits over the years meant the world to him. He loved sharing his stories and quick wit until his final days. Thank you to County Homemakers, the staff of Spanish Bay, the ER staff and nurses on 3B at the CBRH as well as Dr. Adams.
Please join us in remembering Charles as the amazing man he was, a well-respected community member who was always willing to lend a hand and share his wisdom. A dedicated family man who wanted nothing more than for all of his loved ones to be happy.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 4 pm to 8 pm, at the funeral home, with a funeral mass to follow on Saturday, August 3, 10 am at St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay. There will be a reception at the East Bay Firehall following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mary’s Parish, East Bay.
Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.