June Barker
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On June 10, 2020 @ 3:42 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 19 Comments
KLEINBURG, ONTARIO, CANADA – June Glenna BARKER (nee Santoni), passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at home with Heidi, Brian and Darren by her side.
June was born in the “Aluminum Capital of the World” Arvida, QC, to Fred and Phyllis Santoni. Their bustling family home with siblings, Terry, Ronnie, Brian and Carole was full of music, laughter and ‘joie de vivre’.
She met the love of her life, Vern Barker, when he was stationed at the nearby airbase in Bagotville. The handsome young navigator was from small-town Alberta. They were smitten with each other and Vern would drive to Arvida every night after flying to visit June, until they married on October 15, 1960.
June embraced the life of an officer’s wife moving from base to base and making great friends along the way. Their first ten years of marriage celebrated the birth of their children and included many moves across Canada from Quebec to Comox, BC with a short stay in Moose Jaw, SK where Vern trained to be a fighter pilot. In 1978, a five-year European adventure started in Rome, Italy then moved on to Ramstein and Heidelberg, Germany. June soaked up the culture and lifestyle. She loved visiting new places, meeting new people and learning new languages. Already fluent in French from childhood, she went on to converse in Italian and German.
The family returned to Canada in 1983 when Vern became the Commanding Officer of CFS Alsask, SK. Soon after June was faced with the tragedy of Vern’s sudden death from undiagnosed cancer. She moved to Edmonton to rebuild her life close to her sister and two sons, slowly adjusting to life without the love of her life. She started working as a bilingual VIP tour guide at the Alberta Legislature. Her friendly outgoing nature meant she thrived in this role for twenty-five years until she left Edmonton.
June had a love of dogs from childhood that remained with her till her final days, notably, her German shepherds Tony, Caesar, Steiner and Chief. She had many passions and talents including singing, music and decorating. Her home was her palace, always impeccably organised just in case the Queen dropped by. She had the natural ability to create a beautiful and inviting home and had the healthiest houseplants ever seen. She dressed with flair, often sporting her trademark pastels and matching scarves.
June was extremely proud of her three children and passed on many of her qualities and interests to them. After years of contemplation, in 2014, she left Edmonton to live down the road from her son Brian in Kleinburg, ON, and midway point between Heidi and Darren, who were living in Vancouver and London, UK. From here, Juni-Moon was able to spend more time with grandchildren. Her warm and bubbly personality meant she made friends easily and maintained those friendships over shared cups of coffee and hours on the phone.
Diagnosed with cancer for a fourth time in October 2019, June’s undeniable spirit and healthy lifestyle allowed her to defy medical predictions around her life expectancy. June’s soul departed on a sunny summer’s afternoon at home with John Denver’s “Country Roads” playing softly in the background and her children by her side.
Surviving June are daughter Heidi, of Vancouver, BC; son Brian, of Kleinburg, ON; son Darren, of Hong Kong; and seven wonderful grandchildren, Vanessa, Matthew, Daniel, Michael, Jordan, Anthony, and Alexandra and in-laws Damian, Lea-Anne and Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Vern, brother Brian and sisters-in-law Phyllis, Evelyn and Margo.
The burial will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton, Ontario. The Anglican Reverend Mark Stacey of Christ Church, Woodbridge, will lead the service. A celebration of June’s remarkable life will be held at a later date. June loved people, parties and pooches. Please have a rye and seven in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Scholarship Program of Canada Company, a charity that supports military members and their families. Its Scholarship Program’s aim is to recognize the sacrifice of Canada’s military members made in service to our country, and to honour their legacy through the children they have left behind.
https://www.canadacompany.ca/en/our-initiatives/programs/#scholarship-header
https://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=on&s_srx=cancer.ca-navbar-en
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “June Barker”
Words cannot express our sorrow and deepest sympathy. We will always remember June as a loving wife, mother, sister and dearest friend. Her wonderful spirit and zest for life were unmatched.
A wonderful tribute for a terrific lady.it has been more than 55 + years since iI saw her but her sparkling personality lives on in the Santoni family.. my sympathy but June leaves wonderful memories for her family.RIP
June was a funny, vibrant person. She’ll be missed and I’ll particularly miss having interesting, engaging and funny conversations with her on her visits to London. RIP June!
Deepest condolences to Darren, Georgia and the family on the loss of a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
What a giant of a woman….Darren as you and your family grieve the loss of your mom please be comforted by knowing that pain and suffering are no more… She has left a legacy of resiliance behind for her grandchildren to emulate….May the love of God fill your spirit and home…
Your mother sounds like such a wonderful lady. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family lots of love Darren. Claire, Sean, Oliver, Luca and Amelie xx
Gerry and I were very sad to loose our dear neighbor. She always displayed her tenacious personality and certainly that was reflected in her many battles with cancer. We admired the love and special care and comfort provided by her nearby family during her final time with us. She has gone to a better place for her final rest. Blessings on her and her family
I agree with all you say about June . She was a lovely, upbeat ,very kind , and smiling sister . She added goodwill and
happiness and fun and laughter to any
gathering . Life dealt her a very hard existential blow in her midlife ( the loss of her loving husband ) but she moved on creatively with her young children and
showed them the way to good and happy
lives . I loved her and remained in touch
with her as she bravely fought the last days and stage of her terminal cancer.. May the Source of Love and mercy and healing be with her forever . June added
happiness to a confused and violent and topsy turvy world .
I love her and her children .
Love without end to her and her surviving adoring children !
Ron
Our sincere condolences to Darren and Georgia and the kids on the loss of your dear mother / grandmother.
RIP June.
The family of the Gables will all miss your smiling face !
Sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to the Barker family.
Darren, Georgia and the Barker family, I am dearly sorry to hear of June’s passing.
The obituary is beautifully written, and without knowing June personally, I can see her kindness and warm-hearted character reflected in Darren, Jordan, Anthony and Lexi.
Sending my best wishes to you all at this difficult time.
Alex
Sorry for your loss, I hope you are all as well as can be, and find peace in this difficult time.
RIP
In my last conversation with you Carole, you mentioned June’s fight with her health and I was thinking of her last week. Also I had heard the John Denver song “Country Roads” during that time. How happy it must have made her feel knowing that her children were with her as she passed. She also took great comfort in her relationship with you and Verne especially after Vern Barker’s death. You were a strong presence in her life for so many years. She was a beautiful spirit who faced her challenges cheerfully and brought joy to those who knew her. Knowing how close your family was, she has left a hole in your lives. My love and sympathy to you all.
Nancy Kessick
A highlight of school tours to the Alberta Legislature was meeting June Barker. She was married to my first cousin, Vernon. June had a radiant smile as she pleasantly and professionally guided large groups of students throughout the building. June dressed impeccably, usually with a bright scarf. She loved her position and readily related to her audience.
June’s passing is very sad and our brief encounters make me realize how wonderful it must have been for her family and friends to have known and lived with her. I only wish that my wife, MaryAnne, and I had visited her at home as we often discussed. My family and I extend our sincere sympathy to her family.
June sounds like a lovely lady – she was full of adventure and had a warm heart. I am sure all who knew her were surely blessed. I am so sorry to learn of your loss.
I remember the Barker family, Vern , June and Darren., when they were stationed at CFS Alsask, Saskatchewan . I was the Civilian Officiating Clergy (Protestant) and greatly appreciated their presence at worship and their friendship. My condolences to the family.
Hello June, hello Darren,
Janet Baker here and worked with June for many years as a tour guide and later Program Coordinator at the Leg in Edmonton.
I know all of June’s stories very well and her wonderful flare for life, fashion and love of all her children. June I made it to Vancouver Island where Rick and I have retired and its truly a wonderful place to pass the time away.
I am sorry you had this illness as it has taken my Dad-two yrs ago along with my younger brother and my mom last November.
Wishing you peace and love and to all your family best wishes.
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Carole and Verne: Lois and I were so sorry to hear of June’s passing. We did not know her but if she was anything like Carole she would have been a great addition to the world around he. The obituary is a lovely tribute to her life. Please accept our condolences and know that we grieve with you.
Gerry and Lois Rosenquist, Iroquois, ON