Obituary of Edgar Harland Barber

At age 73, Ed passed away peacefully at home with his 3 favourite people by his side; Sandra, Beck and Mare.  He is predeceased by his parents Doris (Elliott) and Lawrence and his brother Myles.  He is survived by his wife Sandra Rutledge, two daughters Rebecca (David Hollingsworth) and Mary Ellen (Jamie Hughson), his dear siblings Brenda (late Donald Rooney), Gwen (Albert Armstrong), Todd (Carol Porter), and 17 nieces and nephews.  He was also survived by the Rutledge family and will be buried with his mother-in-law, the late Violet Rutledge.  Lastly, he was survived by and so very proud of his 5 grandchildren Owen, Amy, James, Kylie, and Maggie. Ed left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.

Ed grew up in Shawville and moved to Ottawa where he married and raised his daughters with Ruth (Sheppard).  He worked for Morrisson Lamothe/ Dempster’s Bakery for over 25 years.  Their home on Champagne Avenue became the hub for both the Barber and Sheppard families.  Later in life, Ed returned home to Shawville where he lived with his best friend, the love of his life, and wife of 25 years, Sandra. 

Ed was a hard worker but he found time for building projects, fishing, playing cards, pool, darts, backgammon, crib, puttering in his workshop, towing all the kids behind the boat at Green Lake, hanging out in his garage with friends, and lots of laughs at Johnny K’s.  He was everyone's fun and favourite “Uncle Eddy” and would go out of his way to help others.  He was careful to avoid the limelight but instilled in others, that a life well lived included helping others.

In true Ed fashion, a celebration of his life will take place on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Hayes Funeral Home, 134 Centre St. in Shawville, Quebec from 4 – 7 p.m.  Friends and family are welcome to drop by.  Memories in Ed’s honour will be shared starting at 5:30 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the McDowell School Breakfast Program in Ed’s honour would be very much appreciated. 

Ed will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As Ed would say….

“Take it easy”