St. Michael's Catholic Church
379 Division St., Cobourg
Columbus Community Centre
232 Spencer St. E., Cobourg
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It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Captain William “Bill” Barr, 90 years of age, at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice in Cobourg on Saturday, March 15th, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Sarah “Sadie” Barr for 54 years. Loving grandfather and father of Siobhan Barr (Richard Wagner) and Sarah Anne Barr.
Bill had a life that few people experience. While raised in Dumbarton, Scotland, he was born in Liverpool, England; a fact that he was singularly proud of. At 16, he joined the Merchant Navy and not only discovered a deep love of the ocean, but also, as an only child, the brotherhood of his crew members. His abilities were evident from the start and Bill steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest Captain within the history of Jebsen’s, the shipping company where he spent the majority of this career.
While Bill traveled the world, his favorite place was Newfoundland and Labrador where, over many trips, he developed life-long friendships.
Bill received further promotions which led to a management position in Montreal in 1979. Sadie and the girls joined him in 1980, settling into life in the West Island of Montreal, where new friends became family. Billy and Sadie eventually moved to Cobourg in 2006 where they continued to enlarge their circle of cherished friends. Bill was active with many groups in Cobourg, enjoying curling, golfing and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. Within the past few years, Bill also developed a deep interest in improving sheltered housing options within the community and volunteered with the Northumberland Sleeping Cabins Collective.
Throughout Bill’s life, his love of his family is what he cherished most, which was evident to anyone he spoke with. That undying love will be carried on by all of this family (near and far) by whom he will be dearly missed.
A Requiem Mass will be held at St Michael’s Catholic Church (Corner of University Ave and Division St) on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 1pm followed by a reception at the Columbus Community Centre (Corner of Spencer St. E. and Darcy St.).
The Barr Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brighton Retirement Living, his invaluable personal care team, Dr. Mark Essak, and the staff of Ed’s House for their care and support. Those wishing may make a memorial donation to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice or the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation in memory of Bill.
We were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing… He lived a distinguished life with dignity, strength and perseverance. We first met Bill and Sadie in 2006 when they were touring New Amherst to see if they might want to live there. We were outside our new home and they stopped to ask if we liked it. We quickly learned that we had both UK & Montreal in common. Our friendship grew and Andrew enjoyed visits with Bill in ‘Bill’s Bar’ in his basement where he loved to recall his life in the Union Shipping Line out of South Africa. We have fond memories of both Bill and Sadie and think of you at this sad time.
Dear Sarah and Siobhan, I never had the privilege or pleasure of meeting your Dad, but I have had the pleasure of knowing you both and the privilege of saying Sarah is my friend. Your Dad sounds like he lived an amazing life full of family, friends and leaves behind a legacy and wonderful memories for all. Rest in peace Sir.
So sorry for your loss! I first met Bill and Sadie at Vandermeer Toyota. We had many dealings other the years and great discussions other vehicles and of course his Liverpool and my Manchester United. So many laughs over the years. I will miss Bill greatly. I consider him a good friend. He will be remembered as a great man Rip Captain! Barry…
Of Bill Barr, what can be said that is not on the minds of the many people, so many people who called him William or 'dad' or Captain, colleague or friend. I first met Bill one afternoon last year as he came to Brighton Retirement Living, and a friendship quickly developed. It is remarkable that my Great Great Grandfather was also called Captain William Barr, a person who retired from life at sea to live in Argyllshire, Scotland. We often perused the fact that we may be distant relatives of each other. In our reflections on our lives, we travelled to many places together, each enjoying the words and recollections of the other immensley. Bill was one of the bravest people I have ever met during ministry to others. He knew that his life was in its final months or weeks and embraced its consequences. His daughters were a blessing to him, and could not have done more to make him comfortable with many visits. They were his 'rock' and he loved them for how they dealt with his illness. Bill, I will miss our chats and our prayers together, and I know that every time I say the Lord's Prayer, you will be there in Spirit and saying its words with me. Amen. May Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen and again Amen.
Siobhan and Sarah, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your dad. Our special friendship spanned more than 50 years. We will miss you dear friend! Soar with the Angels!🙏❤️ Jeannette & David Waters
I have wonderful memories of Bill and Sadie. Christmas parties in Beaconsfield, family dinners with the grandchildren, Richard and Siobhan’s wedding. Knowing Bill was a joy and I will miss him.
Siobhan,Sarah and Family; Sending our deepest condolences . We were honoured to have met and become friends with Bill. He was the ultimate raconteur, and gifted us with stories of his life at sea as captain of a merchant ship. We will miss our weekly get togethers. “To a life well lived.” Rest In Peace Dear Friend.
I will remember Bill’s stories and his smiles. I am very glad to have known him.
Dear Siobhan and Sarah: Please accept our most Sincere Condolences for the loss of your Cherished Dad!! May your hearts find comfort and healing in all your sweet memories, your strong faith, and the love and support of your Family & Friends. Bill was a really lovely person - humble, affectionate, brave, kind, and an Honourable Knight of Columbus, and always so much fun too. Bill, Fred and I so often shared the stories of our youthful beginnings in our beloved Liverpool with nostalgia and delight!! It was such a privilege to be Bill's friends, and we will miss him deeply!! Rest in Peace Bill.
I can’t say enough how honored my family is to get to have considered Billy as part of our family. A wonderful man with a beautiful heart and sparkling spirit — Who leaves behind a magnificent legacy of light and love. We will cherish his memory always.
Siobhan and Sarah: I’m sorry for your loss, your father was a lovely man, and I’m sure he’s reunited with Sadie in heaven.
Siobhan and Sarah: I’m sorry for your loss, your father was a lovely man, and I’m sure he’s reunited with Sadie in heaven.
Dear Siobhan and Sarah I’m very grateful ( as was Barrie ) to have met your Dad he was well respected by so many people 💜 We loved to here about his travels and the many people he had met along the way He always talked about his girls he sure was one proud father Sending my love and hugs to you both at this sad time
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. He was a true gentleman and always so kind. He will be forever missed. Neil, Kari and Mary Brady