Robert used to tell his friends and family how grand it was to watch the sun rise at 35,000 feet. To gaze into golden clouds ever so peaceful. Military pilots are a breed among themselves. He was proud to be able to say he was one of them. He lived an action-packed life filled with adventure, immeasurable challenges and exotic travel. He didn't need a bucket list. He lived a life well-lived. After his retirement, Robert built a home on a beachfront lot at Semiahmoo, eventually becoming a Water District Commissioner who worked diligently to provide the residents of Birch Point with a safe, reliable drinking water supply. He continued to teach flight at Paine Field, winning an award from the FAA for having the top training program in the nation. Robert also loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers, the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners. He was a long-time member of American Legion Hall in Blaine and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a founding member of the Keystone Flyers and enjoyed participating in events with the Antique Auto Restorer's Club and other organizations. He also enjoyed searching for gold in the Cascades and once owned a share in the Lone Jack Mine. Robert had three children with his former wife Lillian Barnes: Thomas A. Barnes, (daughter-in-law Stacey Carroll), Eric A. Barnes, (daughter-in-law Michelle Barnes), and Elisabeth D. Britt, (former son-in-law, Matt Britt). Robert was very proud of his grandsons, Mike Britt, Web Barnes and Riley Barnes. He is also survived by his beloved niece, Beth Barnes and her husband Bob Lepper of Dowling, Michigan. Robert was the oldest of three children, his younger brother, David H. Barnes preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by his sister Hilda Flynn of Arizona, numerous nieces and nephews and his dear cousin Angela Thomas (Alan Thomas) of Wales. And by his beloved companion, Bette Vandenberg of Kentwood, Michigan. She was the first girl he ever gave a Valentine to in Kindergarten. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's hospital and Whatcom Hospice for their patience, kindness and understanding during dad's illness. In tribute to dad's service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, Whatcom Hospice played Taps as he departed the facility draped in an American flag. Per his request, Robert will be laid to rest at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Michigan with full military honors this summer. Please contact the family for details if you would like to attend the service. "Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh (near)." - "Taps."
Published in Battle Creek Enquirer on Apr. 21, 2019
Robert used to tell his friends and family how grand it was to watch the sun rise at 35,000 feet. To gaze into golden clouds ever so peaceful. Military pilots are a breed among themselves. He was proud to be able to say he was one of them. He lived an action-packed life filled with adventure, immeasurable challenges and exotic travel. He didn't need a bucket list. He lived a life well-lived. After his retirement, Robert built a home on a beachfront lot at Semiahmoo, eventually becoming a Water District Commissioner who worked diligently to provide the residents of Birch Point with a safe, reliable drinking water supply. He continued to teach flight at Paine Field, winning an award from the FAA for having the top training program in the nation. Robert also loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers, the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners. He was a long-time member of American Legion Hall in Blaine and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a founding member of the Keystone Flyers and enjoyed participating in events with the Antique Auto Restorer's Club and other organizations. He also enjoyed searching for gold in the Cascades and once owned a share in the Lone Jack Mine. Robert had three children with his former wife Lillian Barnes: Thomas A. Barnes, (daughter-in-law Stacey Carroll), Eric A. Barnes, (daughter-in-law Michelle Barnes), and Elisabeth D. Britt, (former son-in-law, Matt Britt). Robert was very proud of his grandsons, Mike Britt, Web Barnes and Riley Barnes. He is also survived by his beloved niece, Beth Barnes and her husband Bob Lepper of Dowling, Michigan. Robert was the oldest of three children, his younger brother, David H. Barnes preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by his sister Hilda Flynn of Arizona, numerous nieces and nephews and his dear cousin Angela Thomas (Alan Thomas) of Wales. And by his beloved companion, Bette Vandenberg of Kentwood, Michigan. She was the first girl he ever gave a Valentine to in Kindergarten. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph's hospital and Whatcom Hospice for their patience, kindness and understanding during dad's illness. In tribute to dad's service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, Whatcom Hospice played Taps as he departed the facility draped in an American flag. Per his request, Robert will be laid to rest at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Michigan with full military honors this summer. Please contact the family for details if you would like to attend the service. "Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh (near)." - "Taps."
Published in Battle Creek Enquirer on Apr. 21, 2019
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