KINGS HEAD – Kenneth Leo Barker, September 12, 1923 - February 7, 2013, passed quietly ‘Into that good night’, at home with his family present.
Born in Shirley, Sunbury Co., New Brunswick, a son of the late Moses and Addie (Lyons) Barker.
Ken is survived by his wife, Norma (Cook), son, Eric (Linda), daughters, Barbara (Stuart) Fraser, Marsha (Paul) Sobey; his beloved grandchildren: Bryna, Matthew (Chantal), Carolyn (Wade), Olivia, Ryan, Emma (Peter), Ian, and David; great-grandchildren, Brooke and William; also by several nieces and nephews and close family friend Keith MacKay.
He was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude (Harry) Gamble, brothers Hugh and Ralph, brothers-in-law Baxter and Fred Cook and sister-in-law Katherine Bryenton.
After serving in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II, Ken became involved in farming and the construction industry, including trucking, housing developments, and land clearing contracts for N.B. Power, Camp Gagetown, Kelly Lake (Halifax International) Airport and others, working in conjunction with Diamond Construction. His highway, bridge building, and airport development projects in N.S. began in 1958, supervising for Diamond and Waverly Construction. In 1964 he became General Superintendent for Tidewater and Waverly Construction. During this time interesting projects he oversaw included the Pictou Causeway, site preparation for Scott Paper, Clairtone, and Michelin Tire, as well as major 100 series highway projects in Nova Scotia.
In 1965, he moved his family to New Glasgow from Fredericton and in 1968 he formed Satellite Construction, continuing his career with infrastructure projects throughout N.S. Winter contracts consisted of quarrying and rock work, including the reinforcement of the dykes located throughout the province.
Also, Ken partnered with Bob Hanes in the building and operating of Country Villa Trailer Park and apartment rentals.
His love of music, dancing, and gardening provided his relief from the hours of toil. In later years the winters in Florida were always pleasant for Ken as were his summers in Tidnish, NB. His optimism and quick wit were unfailing.
Ken was a well-respected member of the road construction industry and a true entrepreneur. As a lifetime supporter of the P.C. Party he enjoyed all aspects of politics, including municipal politics, having served on the Sunbury Co., N.B. Council in his earlier years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kirk, Dr. Hack, Dr. Farrell and nurse Rhonda Langille for their exceptional care, support and home visits.
Cremation has taken place. No visitation by request. A memorial service will be held at Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at 2 p.m., with The Rev. Pat Rose officiating, accompanied by The Rev. Jim Webber-Cook. Reception for friends and family to follow in the church hall. Interment will be at a later date in Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour, N.S. and Pine Grove Cemetery, Burton, N.B.
Family flowers only. Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca
“Though wise men at their end know the dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightening they
Do not go gentle into that good night.”
Dylan Thomas