In Memory Of

Thomas Melville Barker

Apr 21, 1937 - May 6, 2024

Service

Saturday, May 11, 2024
11:00 am
Sylvan Lake Legion

Notice

For anyone who knew Tom, he always a loved a good party. We invite you to come and celebrate Tom’s life at the Sylvan Lake Legion on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

Obituary

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and Papa, Thomas Barker on May 6, 2024 at the age of 87 in Red Deer, AB. After a brief battle with cancer, he received a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, the cancer came back and he contracted pneumonia, which he was unable to fight. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Elaine Barker, three children Deanna (Greg) Shea, Travis (Denise) Barker, and Cheryl (Matt Pitts) Barker. He leaves behind the apples of his eye, his 5 grandchildren, Keenan Barker, Chloe (Colton) Shea, Trey (Jo) Barker, Kelsey Shea, and Kaleb Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind 3 siblings Shirley Polson, Gordon Barker, and Muriel Walkey.

Tom was born on April 21, 1937 in Calgary, Alberta to Cecil and Clara Barker who resided in Okotoks, Alberta. They remained there until 1942 when they relocated to Sylvan Lake, AB. He met the love of his life Elaine (nee Norem) in 1956 and they were married 3 years later on June 27th,1959. They started their family in 1961 with Deanna, 1963 came Travis, and Cheryl joined the family in 1977.

Tom was a perfectionist to a point. All his “T’s” were crossed and his “I’s” were dotted. He always said “If you’re going to do it, do it right!”. Elaine sometimes called him Mr. Perfect. He also liked everything kept clean and tidy in the house. He liked his clothes matching, right down to his hats! He was a true Sylvan Laker, it was his favorite place in the world.

Tom was a family man, any time spent with his loved ones was always cherished. His second love was curling. Whether it was playing weekly in Sylvan Lake and Red Deer, or watching every bonspiel on TV. He was an avid Blue Jays fan who tried to never miss a game. One of his dreams came true when the entire family went to Seattle to watch the Blue Jays game in honor of his and Elaine’s 60th wedding anniversary. One of his favorite pastimes was going down to Deanna and Greg’s place for happy hour on Thursdays. He loved his Appleton’s Rum and Coke press.
He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Clara Barker, one brother Frank Barker, one sister Joyce Poole, and sister-in-law Ann Barker.

We would like to give a huge thanks to Unit 31 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital for making Tom’s last days as comfortable as possible.

Condolences may be left below.

Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Diane Reid:

Elaine, Deanna, Travis and Cheryl: So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I so fondly think of Tom and you in the Seismic days Elaine. Tom was always one of my favorite people, always took time for a chat. He was one of a kind. May you rest in peace Tom. Take care Elaine.

Garry and Judy Raabis:

Elaine and family;
So saddened to have lost one of the truly great ones. You both were our guides on many road trips, FMCA gatherings and years of trips to Yuma. Tom was the best wagon master we could have asked for.

Pat Trapp:

I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.
I have many memories of good times at the many FMCA Rallies. Tom will be missed by
So many of his friends.
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Pat Trapp
.

Adrian and Audrey Valli:

Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Jackie Bennett:

My Condolences to you Elaine and your Family.
Not sure if you remember me I’m Yvonne’s daughter.
She always loved spending time with you and Tom.

Joyce Thrush:

Elaine I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a good supporter of the curling club do sure. He will be missed.

My condolences to you and your family.

Andy & Kathie Balogh:

Elaine and family
We were saddened to hear the news today. We talked about you and Tom on our last motorhome trip. So many great memories!
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Hugs from a distance!

Jeanette and Emery Leraand:

We met Tom and Elaine at an RV rally in Rosebud many years ago. They had a bus and Emery and I were in the process the building ours. Emery, of course was talking to Tom and finding out all the good stuff he should be doing on our bus and in the process bought 4 for wheel fenders from him. We enjoyed our times with him during all the rallies. We know he will be missed.
Sending our condolences to Elaine and all the family.

Marion and Len Thompson:

On behalf of the Munson family, we are deeply saddened by the news of Tom’s passing. Wonderful memories of time well spent with the Barkers, Munsons and Thompsons. Always music and lots of laughter when our families gathered together. Not many left, but they left indelible memories and smiles through the tears.

Carol and Parry Robertson :

So sorry to hear and thinking of you, Elaine and family of Tom’s passing.
When I think of curling in Sylvan and area I always think of Tom and Elaine first as they were always there.
Tom would never walk by without a friendly hello and how are you.
He will be missed.

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