Obituary of Nicholas Barfoot

With great sadness, the family of Nicholas Barfoot, 84, loving husband of Pamela Grace (Smith) Barfoot, announce his death which occurred Friday September 15, 2017 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, the son of the late Val and Christine (Midgley) Barfoot, Mr. Barfoot was educated at Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University College, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in 1955. He worked as a hydrologist in New Zealand and an engineer in Australia, exploring mountain paths (and creating new ones) at every opportunity, before meeting the love of his life on board the RMS Orion on the way to explore North America. Emigrating to Canada in 1957, he joined the City of Saint John as an asphalt inspector; subsequently, he became Engineer, Commissioner of Works, City Manager, and Deputy City Manager, retiring after 33 years’ service in 1990. Mr. Barfoot was a dedicated member of Douglas Avenue Christian Church for over 50 years, serving as Elder, Treasurer, Missions Chairman, Board Chairman and Sunday School teacher. He was also active in Kiwanis, where he served as President of the Saint John club and Lt.-Governor of the Fundy Division. He was also a Commissioner of the Saint John Free Public Library, Chairman of the Saint John Regional Library Board, and Chairman of the New Brunswick Public Libraries Board. He was a past director of the Saint John Volunteer Bureau, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and he sang bass with the Carleton Choristers. Mr. Barfoot enjoyed travelling, and he and his wife visited all provinces, all U.S. states, and together explored more than 75 countries all over the world. Besides his wife of 59 years, he is survived by two sons, Colin (Ruth) of Whitby, Ontario, and Mark (Rachel) of Ottawa, Ontario; one daughter, Gillian (Janet) of Saint John; two brothers, Chris and Garth, of Auckland, New Zealand; six grandchildren, Christine, Harrison, Evangeline, Nicholas, Daniel and Victoria; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Tim and grandson Joshua. A time of visitation will take place from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 21, 2017 and will be immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, all from Kennebecasis Baptist Church, 383 Hampton Road, Quispamsis. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will take place in Browns Cemetery, Bains Corner. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Memorial donations may be made to the Kiwanis, the Saint John Free Public Library, or the mission or church of your choice.