Harold George Barker of Bolton, Ontario passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Born in Weston (Albion) on March 19,1931, Harold was the third child of Percival“Percy” and Sarah “Sadie” (Farr) Barker and brother to Keith, Jean and Ross. Harold attended Weston Collegiate and Vocational School before devoting his life to farming. Harold married Norma Torrance in 1957. They settled on the farm off Hwy. 27 in Woodbridge and started a family. Devoted to each other, Harold and Norma were married for 68 years until Norma’s passing in March. Her passing left a deep void in his life.
Harold was a loving husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his four children Lynne Elliott (Roger), Carol Foutz (Brian), Joy Barker Mallek (Jay), and Steven Barker (Joanne), grandchildren Jim Elliott (Carmen), Carolyn Rygiel (Tom), Joanna Brown (BJ), Kevin Elliott (Michelle), Bethany Foutz Popham (Nick), Daniel Foutz (Laine), James Mallek, Kayla Barton (Dan), Karissa Barker, Jess Duff (Patrick), and Jacob Barker. Harold was the proud great-grandfather of 15 great-grandchildren with more eagerly anticipated. Harold is preceded in death by his loving wife, parents, brothers, sister, his grandson, Jack Mallek, and his great-granddaughter, Callie Popham.
Harold had a gentle and committed faith. He was a member of Nashville Road Community Church, formerly Calvary Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and youth leader with teens, in Awana, and Christian Service Brigade. Known for his kindness and generosity, Harold was often found helping others in practical ways: helping people move, providing transportation, handyman tasks, sharing a meal, or offering a place to stay.
Harold loved to laugh and was quick to tease and find inventive (some might say, ‘mischievous’) ways to have fun. He was passionate about the outdoors, the cottage, hunting and fishing, freely recounting memories of those times. Harold loved and was proud of his children and their families, often remarking how he was fortunate to have such a talented family. Harold will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50) Bolton (905-857-2213) on Thursday morning, August 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service in the chapel at 11:30 a.m. Reception to follow service.
For those unable to attend the service in person and would like to watch via livestream either at the time of the service or at a more convenient time for yourself, please click the following link:
You can view the service live at the time scheduled, or you can view it at a more convenient time for you. You will be required to register for the service and then they will immediately send you an email with the actual link to the service. Please check your junk or spam inbox if you don’t receive the email with the actual link. If you experience any issues or have questions in regard to the live streaming, please feel free to contact Forget Me Not Ceremonies at 1-877-895-2739. If you need to leave a message on their answering machine, they will return your call promptly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca) and go to their donation page.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Peter Barker
So sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Harold. He was always good to me and my family. He will be dearly misssed.
Judi Johnston Vankevich
I just heard about the home going of Harold!
I have such fun memories of when I attended Calvary Baptist Church in Woodbridge with my family and Grandma Annie and Grandpa Eldred. My dad love to take us to go visit all of his cousins and distant cousins and great aunts!!
I have sweet memories of going to visit the Barker family after church and Norma and Harold were always so welcoming at their farm and then they had that cool house with an indoor swimming pool!
And I grew up always thinking Carol was my cousin. I think we are distant cousins somehow I’ll have to ask aunt Jean!
I’m grateful for my wonderful childhood at Calvary Baptist Woodbridge — And Harold and Norma were a big part of it. All the Barkers were! My mom and dad loved you too. I bet my dad (Burt Johnston) and Uncle Bert Elliott gave him a big bear hug as he entered heaven!
Judi
Charissa Yavtucovich
To all the families, I am so sad to hear of this loss. Harold and Norma were so kind and thoughtful Jesus followers.
Janet Stockwell
So sorry to hear about Howard’s passing so soon after his beloved wife Norma. He has been so brave over the past years as he tolerated his health issues with quiet patience and his ever-present smile. He was a man we admired greatly and enjoyed his company at church whenever we could sit together at the round table at the back. I recall all the weeks we chatted comfortably in the lobby as well when Howard’s health issues were evolving and we were so worried about him. What a man to be respected and appreciated. We will always think of him with affection.
Quin Hess
I only know his lovely daughter, Joy. By reading about her father here I now know where Joy gets that twinkle in her eye, her sense of humor. Farmers are the backbone of our world and such a noble profession. I’m certain Mr Barker will be missed by many people. Thank you for your part in giving the world Joy!
Ruth Piercey
l have such good memories of times with Harold on the farm as a girl.
There were picnics, reunions, with all our families.Harold was a Kind gentle person.
Dan Anthony
Harold Barker: One of the BEST ones. I had the privilege of knowing Harold (and Norma) for more than 55 years. Both were outstanding persons and Christians. Devoted to each other, their families, their church and most of all – the Lord. Harold probably never knew it, but he was a mentor to many of us my age (now 70) and beyond. We looked up to him as a life guide and leader. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I have too many great memories to list them all. RIP Harold ! You will be most sorely missed. Our condolences to all of his family members at this sad time.
Dan & Laura Anthony
Linden Anderson
When I think of Harold gentle giant comes to mind. Whether it was senior teens or Stouville retreats VBS and the list goes on and on. Harold always willing to help out. Never shy to back away from a good arm wrestle which he always won. Harold will be missed by all who new him.
Heesook Chun
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joy’s father. Reading about his life, I could truly understand where his daughter Joy’s beautiful character came from. Joy is such a genuinely warm-hearted person. Looking at Joy, I can fully understand and believe that Mr. Barker was incredibly proud of his children. It is clear through Joy that her father possessed a steadfast faith and lived his life putting Christ’s love into action. Children naturally inherit the character and teachings of their parents. Although I never had the honor of meeting him in person, I hope the knowledge that he lived a beautiful life and has now returned to heaven—our true home—brings comfort to the entire family.
Dianne Brodie
Harold and Norma were wonderful friends over the many years Morley and I knew them. They were faithful prayer
warriors and were such a blessing to me during the difficult days of Morley’s illness. Morley always enjoyed Harold’s
company at the hockey games where our sons played on the same team, and at many church functions. Harold was
a gentle, kind and humble man with a good sense of humor and an easygoing manner that made everyone feel comfortable. They loved their family and demonstrated their Christian faith by example. I am so grateful to have known them and will cherish the memories of our friendship and happy times together.
Adnan Suleiman
Harold was a good friend of mine I got to know him through Calvary Baptist Church I will miss his smiles and his loving kind heart I believe he will be missed by everyone knew him as well as I am.
My condolences to his family
And may the Lord Jesus Christ receive him into his glory