It is with great sadness we wish to inform you of the death of Vernon Charles Barber, 79, who died suddenly on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at Westcllff-on-sea, England UK.
He leaves to mourn his long-time companion, Beryl Cagle; his son, James Barber; daughter, Nina Barber; and step-daughters Stella and Sarah Tobun; grandchildren Angus, Hebe and Jessica; and many close friends.
Vernon was born on the Isle of Wight, England on March 21, 1938. Vernon completed his undergraduate and post-graduate studies in Microbiology in England and then immigrated to Canada in 1970. He settled in St. John’s Newfoundland where he was a professor of Biology with Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). While with MUN he lectured, researched and published extensively on electron microscopy. A great passion of his while living in Newfoundland was scuba diving and marine archeology. He spent much of his free time pursuing these interests and did extensive work on diving on shipwrecks off the waters of Newfoundland. He was also a founding member of the Newfoundland Marine Archeology Society (NMAS) and a member of the Caribou Diving Club.
In late 1980’s, Vernon returned to the UK where he continued his academic career including the Department Head of Sciences at the Roehampton Institute and prior to retirement, working with the UK National Farmers Union.
After retirement, Vernon continued an active lifestyle including becoming an accomplished ballroom dancer and avid bridge player. Vernon continued his lifelong interest in science and current events and was exceptionally versed in a wide range of topics. He remained a scientist at heart - always interested and always curious about what the future held.
A service will be held September 15, 2017 at the Southend Crematorium, Southend-on-Sea at 1:20PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.