Bryan BarnesMarch 20th, 1952 - March 3rd, 2011The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Bryan Barnes of Humboldt, SK, occurred on Thursday, March 3rd, 2011, at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK. He was 58 years of age. Bryan was born on March 20, 1952, to George "Reg" and Clara (nee Kienlen) Barnes in St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Humboldt. He was raised in Humboldt and attended St. Dominic's School and Humboldt Collegiate Institute. During his elementary school years, Bryan's main extracurricular activity was playing hockey. He also had a love for music and, at the age of 14, decided to become a musician, thereby dropping his hockey stick for drum sticks. His first high school band was "Jagged Edge". In 1969, Bryan moved to Saskatoon and played for a band called "Circus". The following year, he moved back to Humboldt and played with "The Blue Grass" for the next few years. On August 4, 1973, Bryan married his high school sweetheart, Debbi Hueser. Bryan and Debbi made their home in Humboldt. In 1975, the first of six children were born to them and, by 1985, the family circle was complete. On October 19, 1973, Bryan began his career at P.C.S. Lanigan, where he was employed until his untimely death. Bryan's favourite leisure activities included spending time at Stoney Lake fishing, boating, camping, and skiing. He was a strong fan of the Chicago Black Hawks, the Pittsburg Steelers, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders and loved attending games with his family whenever possible. Bryan's life revolved around his family. He was a very attentive husband and father, taking an interest in his children's various activities by coaching, volunteering, and supporting them in everything they did. Along with his employment, Bryan became a union steward and, not long after, became president, a position he maintained for 15 years. He then became involved with the Labour movement, working and teaching courses for schools on safety in the workplace, and was part of the S.F.L. and chairperson for the shift work committee. As well, Bryan was founder of the Humboldt and District Labour Council, which led him to run for M.L.A. for the N.D.P. Party, and a board member of the Humboldt Co-op Association for the past four years. Along with those accomplishments, he was proud of the hard work and research he did to produce a book called Shifting Times: The Perils of Shift Work. After a few years break from his music pursuits, Bryan began playing drums again. In 1976, he had joined the "Gregor Brothers". In 1991, he was thrilled to play alongside his son Corri when he joined the Gregor Brothers. When his family expanded to include grandchildren, they became his pride and joy and a big part of his life. He spent as much time with them as possible. Indeed, his greatest passion in life was to care for his family, from his mother to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and co-worker. His good sense of humour entertained all who were in his company. Lots of laughs were had at the kitchen table. "He made us all very proud of him, and it was a great honour to be a part of his life. We loved him dearly and will miss him greatly." Bryan will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Debbi (nee Hueser) Barnes and their six children and ten grandchildren, all of Humboldt: Corri (fiancée Erin Geenen), Jennifer (Scott) Frank and children, Morgan, Ayden and Kasandra; Pammella (Aaron) Saretsky and children, Logan, Ashton, and Adahlia; Krissi (fiancé James Stuckel) and children, Avry and Marley; Cyndi (fiancé Craig Martin) and children, Abigail and Olivia; and Michael (fiancée Briana Thibert); two sisters: Janet Buettner of Regina, and Marie (Jim) Radke of St. Albert, AB; three sisters-in-law: Paula Barnes of Saskatoon; Shirley Barnes of Yorkton; and Gwen (Gary) Schlacter of Humboldt; father-in-law, Joe Hueser of Humboldt; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Clara Barnes; mother-in-law, Gertrude Hueser; three brothers: Gordon, Ken, and Lorne Barnes; one brother-in-law, Len Buettner; and by one granddaughter, Addison Martin. The Prayer Service for Bryan was held at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Sunday, March 6th, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., led by Fr. Emile April. Scripture readers were Sheryl Buettner and Tracy Bells, and the eulogy was delivered by Valerie McDonald. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine R.C. Church on Monday, March 7th, at 2:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Emile April. Others taking part were: Logan Saretsky, cross bearer; Morgan Frank, book bearer; Erin Barnes and Adam Kondra, scripture readers; Shirley Barnes, intentions; Ayden Frank, Ashton Saretsky, Avry Barnes and Abigail Martin, gift bearers; Janet Buettner and Gwen Kanhai, eucharistic ministers. Music ministry was provided by the St. Augustine Funeral Choir. A video tribute was shown by Corri Barnes. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Bryan's life." Active pallbearers were Jason Buettner, Doug Buettner, Gord Barnes, Gary Barnes, Allan McDonald, and Kevin Veenstra. Interment will take place at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Canadian Diabetes Association (#104 - 2301 Avenue C North, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 5Z5) or the Canadian Kidney Foundation, Saskatchewan Branch (#1 - 2217 Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 9Z9). Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
