Cecil A. Barber

BARBER, Cecil A. – Of Woodstock, passed away peacefully at Parkwood Veterans Care on October 8, 2023 in his 101st year.   Loving husband of over 74 years to Dorothy (Hart).  Loving father of Gail (Larry) Janus in London and Gary Barber in Ottawa.  Grandfather to Glen Barber (Sarah) and great grandfather to June Barber in Ottawa.  Predeceased by siblings Andrew, Charlie, Velma, Marion, Nora, Margaret, Berva and Dorothy.  Born on February 5, 1923 in Norfolk County to David and Ivey Barber (Groom).

Cecil enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942.  Based in England, he flew 31 missions on the Lancaster Bomber Command over Germany.  On his 5th mission, the plane was hit by artillery fire and he was wounded, but the crew completed the bombing mission before returning to base.  Cecil was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.  Following hospitalization, he went on to fly 26 more successful missions.

Following the war, Cecil returned to Woodstock where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy.  They were inseparable and have wonderful memories of their many travels across Canada (twice) to the east and west coasts, and north to the Arctic Ocean (Inuvik).  They especially enjoyed their travel trailer and the annual fall colours in Arrowhead Park, Huntsville and Algonquin Park for over 35 years.

Cecil worked at Gardner Denver in Woodstock for 28 years before retiring.  Cecil was very handy and could repair almost anything.  If he didn’t have a part needed, he would make one himself.

The family gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the dedication and care provided by the staff at Parkwood Veterans Care, London.  Special thanks to Dr. Lucy Chung and Kelsey Truong.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 11am-1pm at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock.  Memorial Service will follow at 1pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Rob Luxton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Wildlife Federation at:       www.https://cwf-fcf.org/en/

Out of respect for the age of those in attendance, guests are requested to please wear a face mask.