OUTLOOK - Bring up the name 'Brad Barton' to many of those who call Outlook and the surrounding area home and you're bound to come across a whole lot of people who have a whole lot of stories about the late Conquest resident, truck driver and longtime goaltender.
Barton passed away in a snowmobile incident in February 2020 at the far-too-young age of 44 years old. His death sent shockwaves throughout this entire community and beyond, and his funeral service saw over 1000 people comprised of family, friends, fellow players, and well-wishers pack the bleachers at the Jim Kook Rec Plex in Outlook.
Now, a gesture on the part of the Outlook Ice Hawks organization will help ensure that Barton's name will forever be remembered. As you walk into the Rec Plex to pay admission at the door, take a look behind you on the wall and there you'll see Brad's #31 jersey behind glass, surrounded by photos of the man who many called 'Danger'.
The display is bound to bring up all manner of memories for those who knew Barton well, be it through the sport of hockey or through something else in his life that made him connect with people.
Included on the display is the following statement from the Ice Hawks:
"Our lives are forever changed by his presence. Brad's leadership, dedication, love for the game, and infectious laugh will be missed in our hockey club and throughout the entire SVHL league."
Brad's widow Laurie says she hasn't been able to bring herself to go to a game just yet, but she plans to make time to come and see the display in person.
"I have seen pictures, (but) I haven't been able to make myself go to a game!" she said. "It's just tough. I do need to stop in and see it. I will come to a game yet, I have his pads, blocker/catcher stick and his jersey in a corner in my basement."
From the photos that she's seen through, Laurie is floored at how well of a job was done to remember Brad. She also noted that there are tentative plans from the league to honour the man who she still misses dearly to this day.
"I thought it was awesome," she said. "I did not know this was actually happening. I knew that they were thinking about putting his jersey out, but they did a heck of a great job. I got a call from Kurt Jones, the league also wants to honour Brad, they are going to have a league memorial award, for the love of the sport because he played so many years. I miss him every day, it sucks life has to go on without him."
Laurie says she feels thankful to live in a community that is brimming with people who've been kind enough to lend a good word or a helping hand where needed in her time of grieving, telling this reporter that it's something he should know something about personally.
"I am so blessed for this community and where I live that everyone has been so helpful and gets me through every day," said Laurie. "You boys know what it's all about. Find the good in every day and we just have to keep going."
