Ronald Wilfred Barker

RONALD WILFRED BARKER

Ronald Wilfred Barker, 76, passed away peacefully at Macassa Lodge on Tuesday, April
27, 2026 with his family by his side. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1950 to
Hilda and Wilfred Barker, Ron spent his early years on the Beach Strip, attending Bell
Cairn Memorial Public School before moving on to Delta Secondary School.

He was a proud member of the Delta Red Raiders Football Team (proudly playing
Centre and carrying the towel in his pants for his quarterback) and their Hockey team.
Disc Jockeying was also a favourite pastime as he was a partner in B&K Disc Jockey –
loved playing those records, particularly the Beatles who were his favourite band, for
everyone’s enjoyment! Ron’s professional career took him to management positions in
Norton Grinding Wheel, Canadian Grinding Wheel, and Third Sector Recycling.

Ron was an active and dedicated member of his community. Through the Rotary Club,
he generously opened his home to exchange students from South Africa and Australia.
He was also heavily involved in community sports being a Convenor of the Quinndale
Community Council and Coach of the Hamilton Pontiacs Ladies Fastpitch Team.

A lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens, Ron took great pleasure in reminding Toronto
Maple Leafs’ fans of the Canadiens’ many Stanley Cup Victories – a comparison that
never failed to bring a smile to his face. His particularly witty and sometimes sarcastic
sense of humour was remarked upon by all who knew him – his smile could light up a
room. His love of dogs was a big part of his life and current pups, Boop and Rebel, are
already missing his loving hugs. And, if you want to talk birds?, you could always ask
Ron any question – he travelled everywhere just to see and hear the different birds in
the world.

Ron will be deeply missed by his loving wife Betty and his two daughters, Dawn (Harry)
and Julie (Dave) and his cherished grandchildren – Jacob, Ryan, Damion and Hannah.
He is also survived by his sister, Valerie, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.
Preceded in death by his parents, his loving brother (Keith) and granddaughter (Kristen)
whom he adored.

A big thank you to the Nurses, PSW’s, doctors and support team at Macassa Lodge for
their loving care and support of Ron and his family throughout the past months.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place at Tranquility
Burial and Cremation, Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation
(www.heartandstroke.ca ) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca)
would be appreciated.