BARNHART- Robert Louis Barnhart, the "Tree Man", of Yorkton, SK and formerly of Saltcoats, SK passed away peacefully on October 6, 2017 at the age of 103 years. Robert was born on May 27, 1914, in the Saltcoats District, to George and Mary (nee Sangster) Barnhart. Robert never married. He farmed all his working life six miles east of Saltcoats. Farming was his occupation, but raising trees and hybridizing flowers, especially gladiolus, were his passion. He created an arboretum on his farm made up of over 70 different types of trees. The arboretum has been preserved as part of a nature reserve created by Ducks Unlimited. He hybridized gladiolus and grew many new colours. Robert found pleasure in creating floral arrangements for wedding parties in the district. He sang in the Castleton and Saltcoats United Church Choir for over 82 years and served on various church boards and committees. An active member of the horticultural society, Robert judged flowers and garden produce at many horticultural fairs. Robert is survived by two nephews, Gordon (Naomi) Barnhart and George (Bonnie) Barnhart and their children and grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, October 12, 2017 from Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK with Walter Farquharson and Sarah Giles presiding. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by nephews, Gordon Barnhart and George Barnhart. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir and Friends, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "For the Fruit of All Creation", "Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore", "Teach me, God, to Wonder", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "Young Apple Trees of Love I'd Plant" and "We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection". The choir sang two selections, "In The Bulb There is a Flower" and "The Lord's My Shepherd". Special music was provided by the Wes Penner Family who sang, "Twilight is Stealing" and "Where Could I Go?". The Cremation Committal preceded the memorial service in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Gordon Barnhart serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
