BARTON, ELDON HAVELOCK - Unexpectedly, at the DECH on October 31, 2011, Eldon Havelock Barton of Hardwood Ridge, NB passed away, with his wife, Ruth (Morell/Drost) at his side. Eldon was a long-time employee of Goodyear Canada, Toronto. He was a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Hamilton, ON, and of the Minto Country Music Wall of Fame. He began his love of music when he picked up a guitar at the age of 5. Eldon was well known for his proficiency on the guitar, banjo and mandolin as well as the fiddle. He performed regularly on CFNB in the early 1950’s and after moving to Ontario played at clubs all over Ontario. At an age when most men retire, Eldon and Ruth began recording and traveling around the province entertaining. Eldon id survived by his wife, Ruth, nine sons, five daughters, two brothers – Calvin and Delbert – and one sister, Irene; as well as one aunt, Bessie Barton, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins. He is predeceased by his wife, Stella, his parents, Havelock and Verna Barton, one son, Ricky and one grandson, Jason.
The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Services (10 King Street, Minto) on Wednesday and Thursday, November 2nd and 3rd, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9. Services will be held at the United Baptist Church of Minto at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 4th, 2011. Interment at The Range Cemetery, Chipman. Family flowers only, in lieu of flowers, donations made to The Range Cemetery Fund, the CNIB, the Fred Fulton Musical Foundation or the charity of ones choice would be appreciated by the family. Following the service, a Musical Celebration of Eldon’s life will take place at the Minto Legion. His fellow musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments. www.mintofh.com