In Memoriam - Canon Bern Barrett

The Reverend Canon Bern (Harry Bernard) Barrett (b. August, 8, 1929) passed away after a brief illness in Lion’s Gate Hospital, the morning of October 26th, 2011. He died peacefully surrounded by family, his wife, Pauline, their three children, a son-in-law and a grandson
Bern’s father was a priest and he was born in Penticton. Schooling was done in N. Vancouver, Chilliwack and at John Oliver High in Vancouver from which he graduated. 
Bern was always very active in the church and during his earlier years both before and after ordination he was member of the AYPA (Anglican Young People’s Association). Bern was present on a Sunday morning in 1957 when long-time St. Catherine’s Capilano parishioners Heather and John Luccock met at an AYPA meeting at St. Monica's, Horseshoe Bay.
After studying Arts and Theology at UBC, Bern was ordained in 1953 at Christ Church Cathedral. Taking charge of his first parish in Richmond during the summer of ‘52, he remained there until ‘55 as student, deacon and priest. After military training, he served during the summer of ’51 as the Chaplain at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Vedder Crossing. Post Graduate work was done in New York City in ’55 which led him into academia where he taught New Testament Studies at The Anglican Theological College (predecessor of VST) from ’56 to ’59. In ‘59 Bern went to the Anglican National Office in Toronto to do work in education programming for the National Church.
Bern met his life partner Mary Pauline Reed in Toronto. They were married in 1961and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past July. Their three children were born in Trail, BC, where they lived from ’62 to ’69.

Bern was the rector of University Parish in Edmonton from ’69 to ’72. A move back to Ontario took place in ’72. Bern became the rector of St. Mary’s Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto. Ottawa was the next destination in ’79. There Bern was the rector of All Saints until retiring in ’94. The honorary title of Canon was given to him for the second time, while in Ottawa. The first time had been while in Trail in recognition of his involvement in the formation of Sorrento Lay Training Centre.
Returning to Vancouver area and the D of NW in 2001, Pauline and Bern joined the Parish of St. Catherine’s, Capilano after some “church shopping.” They felt very comfortable and “at home” and quickly became involved, participating in: study groups, singing in the choir and Bern assisted St. Catherine’s rector when requested. As comfortable as he was in retirement and enjoying his parish church, Bern was often asked by Bishop Michael to fill-in at different parishes around the diocese. This he did often and extremely well.

In recent years, Bern pursued his passion for interfaith peace and justice work. At the time of his death he was serving as President of the Multi Faith Action Society of BC. He also served for a number of years as President of Religions for Peace and as Chair of the Ecumenical Multi-Faith Unit (EMU) of the D of NW.

Pauline and Bern travelled widely in Canada and the world. Bern led many group trips for Craig Travel and Pauline often travelled with him.

The Barrett family has a cottage on Big Sand Bay (Christian Island, Ontario) a place where Bern was renowned for his daily walks on the beach, as well as his jovial , friendly nature and steady supply of often-bad jokes.

Bern's funeral at St. Catherine's, North Vancouver, October 30th was packed with mourners with the Rev. Christine Rowe officiating, Rev. Gary Hamblin preaching and the Bishop offering the commendation and blessing.