It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of Darrel Spencer Barnes on July 11th, 2025, with his loving life partner by his side. Darrel was born in Fort William. He attended Westgate and Churchill High School and was employed by CP Rail for over 30 years.
Darrel bravely battled Parkinson’s Disease for 25 years. He confronted Parkinson’s in the same manner in which he lived his life; with grit, passion, spontaneity, dedication, stubbornness but most of all, with love. Darrel had a passion for speed, music, and modifying or restoring anything with wheels on it. He was the life of the party with his wit, charm and bad boy persona.
When he became a Grandpa, he evolved into a playful protector, loving these little people more than his heart ever knew it could. “Ooou”, as he was affectionately called by his grandsons, generously shared his racing spirit with Zachary through the George Jeffery Soap Box Races, and with Nathaniel by mentoring him in the garage, squeezing the most power out of an engine, and roaring down back roads.
Whether he was hammering out sets at the gym, riding his bike in the Derrière Rouge, racing his truck at Terrace Bay or riding his motorcycle on the open road, Darrel was a free spirit. The friends Darrel made along his life journey, stayed true to the end. He was the most thoughtful, generous and loving soul, loved by his family and friends.
Darrel is survived by his life partner, Norma, step-daughter, Jacqueline (David), grandchildren, Zachary and Nathaniel, and his faithful granddog, Jetson. Also, his siblings, Cheryle (Jeff), Cliff, Jacklynne (Doug), and chosen sister, Diane, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Darrel was predeceased by his father, Clifford, and his mother, Jean.
A very special Thank You to Darrel’s amazing support workers, his doctors, Dr. Storkson and Dr. Jog, as well as numerous specialists, and the paramedics for their compassionate care. Thank You to our special friends, who visited and brought Darrel’s favourite food and kept him company at the end.
A Celebration of Life in honour of Darrel, will be held at the Neebing Roadhouse, 2121 Hwy 61, on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, from 11:30am – 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Darrel Spencer Barnes can be made to charities close to his heart, the Parkinson’s Foundation or Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Online condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
