March 12, 1944 - April 23, 2024
A Livestream will be made available here 10 minutes ahead of the Service start time.
Peacefully passed with family by his side at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (née Ingram) for 56 years. Loving father of Rick (Tricia) Barfoot, Rebecca “Becky” (Jason) Rea and Eric (Lisa) Barfoot. Proud grandfather of Siiri, Alistair, Pearson, Adrian, Alicia, Hillary, Amy and Ashlyn. Dear brother of Donald Barfoot and Patricia (Ken) Laing. Will be sadly missed by extended family members and friends.
Dad was born in Owen Sound, Ontario where he spent his early years and where he attended high school at O.S.C.V.I.
He attended the Electrical Engineering program at Ryerson University in Toronto. Upon graduating in 1967, he immediately went to work for IBM Canada in the burgeoning new field of computer technology where he would dedicate all 45 years of his working life. Initially, he worked in the Toronto area with a brief posting at Research Technology Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. For much of his career, he served IBM clients throughout Simcoe County notably Honda, TD Bank, TRW, and CFB Borden.
Dad met the love of his life in August 1966 and was engaged by November. He and Mom were married in Toronto on September 2, 1967. They would go on to raise a family in Georgetown, Barrie, and ultimately New Lowell.
Dad’s sense of humour was rivaled only by his knowledge of his many interests. He lived life to the fullest.
In his younger years he was an outdoorsman, hunting and fishing in Northern Ontario. Later in life he continued to enjoy the outdoors, working on his house and cottage whenever there was something to be done.
In addition to traveling throughout the United States for work and on vacation, he would later discover the joys of international travel, exploring parts of Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.
Dad had a lifelong love of music, with an impressive collection of records and CD’s that was the talk of the town. He would embark on an annual pilgrimage to Salina, Kansas to attend a blues festival where his presence was warmly welcomed by the organizers, musicians, and fellow attendees.
After retiring from IBM in 2012, he took up golf and would meet regularly with a group that would become dear friends.
“G-pa” adored his eight grandchildren and doted on them constantly. Combined with his obsession with photography, it’s hard to imagine a grandparent with more photos of their grandkids than Dad! He always took a keen interest in their activities and would never turn down an invite to an event.
Mom’s devotion to Dad was evident to us all as she cared for him during his health challenges over the past few years and especially during his final days.
Dad was not ready to leave us, but it was his time, and he will always be remembered by those who knew him. He will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 from 7-9 pm. Funeral Service to take place the following day on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at 2 pm inside the Chapel. Following the service, guests are invited to remain for a reception gathering inside the lower lounge. A private interment will take place at a later date at the Greenwood Cemetery, 190 1 St SW., Owen Sound. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s memory may be made to Hospice Simcoe and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com