We Remember
BARNET, James Robert Arthur
February 2, 1939 — October 27, 2020
Jim Barnet passed away on October 27, 2020 at the age of 81 years. He was predeceased by his parents Adam John” Bill” and Gladys Mary Barnet (née Smith); sister Mary Jean Robertson; and brother George William Barnet. He leaves Laurette, his wife of 58 years; his 3 sons and their spouses Jim (Jo Anne), Bob (Pam), Brett (Amy); and his grandchildren Emma and Matthew. He also leaves his sister-in-law Avis – his late brother George’s wife, and her children Michelle Barnet (Brian) and Ron Barnet (Kent); his other nieces and nephews – his late sister Mary Jean’s children Elaine Csupak (Zolton), Bob Geddes (Tootie), Bill Geddes (Elisa Bell), and Thomas Geddes and their families; and, in special mention, Uncle Russell (Nancy) Smith – the remaining 1st generation member of the Clandeboye Smith family.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jim attended Assiniboine School and St. James High. He attended George Williams College in Chicago, IL, USA and graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Science, later American International College in Springfield, MA, USA and received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies under the guidance and mentorship of Robert R. Carkhuff and Bernard G. Berensen in 1976.
While in Winnipeg, he worked at Knowles School for Boys and Neighbourhood Service Centres. During his time in Winnipeg he met and married Laurette Marie Barnet (née Lizotte). They later moved to Chicago where Laurette graduated as a Registered Nurse. Jim worked in various settlement houses, boys’ clubs and mental health facilities, and he sometimes worked as a labourer on gas and oil pipelines. He later directed a Career Counselling Program for the Department of Corrections in Illinois prisons. Jim and Laurette moved to Edmonton Alberta where Jim was a Manager of Staff Training for the Alberta Solicitor General. He then worked at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) as Manager of Staff Training and Development for thirty years running programs for instructional and other staff. During his time at NAIT Jim also had occasion to travel. He trained teachers in Swaziland, Africa for the Canadian International Development Agency and later in Islamabad, Pakistan working for the National Oil and Gas Training Institute while Laurette worked as a nurse at the Australian High Commission.
After retiring from NAIT, Jim acquired employment with the United Nations Drug Control Program developing training programs for law enforcement in Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. After returning to Edmonton Jim worked further as Executive Director of Research and Program Development for public education in Washington State and managed his own training company in St. Albert, Alberta for projects in Pakistan, medical doctors in Afghanistan, and for Metis and First Nations Groups. Jim was of Metis Heritage and through his friend Lloyd Gwinn was able to better understand and value Canadian History and Culture.
In 2005, Jim and Laurette moved to Westbank, British Columbia where they met new friends and with whom they enjoyed sharing their lives. One of Jim’s most treasured times was to take his boat with family and friends to a secluded bay, pull out a picnic basket, and play cards, swim or just sit in the sun.
He enjoyed playing hockey, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, running, swimming, canoeing, and other sports. He could be seen running the 8 miles from NAIT to St. Albert training for the Banff Jasper Relay and ran several marathons. Jim loved hunting and fishing, especially with friends Blair MacLeod and Hugh Nicholson, and fishing with grandson Matthew and granddaughter Emma. As a youth his school summer jobs included working at YMCA Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods, Ontario. In younger years he spent a lot of time in Assiniboine Park with his lifelong friend Dave Green. They could be found jumping and diving off the footbridge into the Assiniboine River and doing other questionable activities. Dave, Blair and Hugh are left to tell the stories of their many adventures. Jim was also an amateur guitar player, and enjoyed writing and singing songs about places and experiences of his life.
Above all else Jim was especially grateful and felt blessed with a hardworking, caring, and dedicated wife and three sons who contributed deeply to his education, work, and home life.
Due to COVID-19, a Funeral Service will be remote and Livestreamed on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at 10:00 am PST. (See below)
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Dear Lorette
I’m so very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was such a dear man and loved you all so much. I feel your heartache, wish I could give you a big hug. Regards, Janet
It is much sadness that Jim has left us. He was my buddy and best friend while working in Pakistan, and later with us working for the UNDCP. Of course Laurette and my Laurette were close. We have stayed connected over the years visiting each other in both BC and NB sharing jokes and tall tales.
To Laurette and family, you were so fortunate to have Jim. Stay strong and remember all the good times.
Dear Laurette, I am greatly saddened by Jim’s passing. I can only imagine the hole his passing leaves in your life, after 58 years of marriage. Jim was such a unique person. I have never known anyone who was more dedicated than he to helping others develop themselves, be they children, inmates, teachers, or workers. He worked hard to develop himself as well. Jim’s sense of humor and infectious laugh were special, and I loved to hear him sing the songs he created. You have my deepest sympathy as you remember Jim.
Dick
Dear Laurette & Family
Mary and I are extremely saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. We mourn with you. Jim was just a super guy and we are so fortunate in having met Jim and you. What wonderful times we had in Pakistan and here in BC, so memorable. Loved it when Jim played his guitar and sang – good songs.
We will be in touch.
Love
Dick and Mary
So sorry for your loss Laurette, take care!
Our deepest condolences to Laurette and family during this difficult time. We are very saddened to hear of the passing
of our dear friend, Jim. We have many treasured memories of him and were blessed to have Jim, Laurette and their sons live next door to us for over 20 years. Jim and Laurette have been like an uncle and aunt to us children. We will miss Jim’s sparkling personality and zest for life. He brought smiles to everyone around him.
McKenzie Family
Laureate and family
Sorry to hear of Jims passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please take comfort that this loss is shared by the hundreds of Nait instructors that Jim trained.
Sincerely,
Ken Ohashi
Dear Laurette and Family,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Jim had a major impact in the world by training hundreds of instructors who went on to teach thousands of students around the world. He was very kind to teach me to swim.
Mohamed and Aleema Ally
We connected during our teen age years, neighbours across the lane. Great friend, good times and memories will carry forward beyond October 27th. Rest well Bobby.
Laurette and boys, Bonnie and I were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. We have such fond memories of our times spent together on Marchand Cr. in St. Albert. Jim was a true “larger than life” guy and we will never forget his wonderful laugh and sense of humour. I remember the late evening runs around Larose training for a run; I would finally quit but Jim would say, “Oh come on just a couple more loops”. We had great conversations in the mornings driving into Edmonton together. He was a wonderful hard working guy and you will miss him terribly but hopefully your wonderful memories of all the good times together will help you through this difficult time.
Bruce and Bonnie Childs
I would like to convey my sincere and deepest sympathies to Jim’s family and friends. When I saw the obituary in the Winnipeg Free Press I was saddened by his passing, not because he was a close friend (I haven’t seen Jim in probably 60 years), but because in the short time I knew Jim, when we were students at St. James Collegiate and later, he made a lasting impression on me that remains vivid in my mind yet today. Jim took an interest in me as a younger guy and I do believe his counsel at the time convinced me to change my path in life, and I have never forgotten that.
Jim’s accomplishments throughout his life left me in complete awe when I read them. He truly left a huge footprint on this planet. A life well-lived and deserving of respect and remembrance. Rest easy, Jim.
Agnes and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to you Laurette and family for a man who only exposed the tip of the iceberg to his great talents and love. Hard on the outside, gentle inside his life is a legacy of improving the life of others through the schooling he acquired in the U.S.A. I’m so grateful to have been part of his team in the Alberta Corrections back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Since moving to Kelowna, my wife and I have had many enjoyable visits where my wife, Agnes has served wine, always with her saying, “Does the Gentleman want a glass of wine”, in her Austrian accent. Jim will be remembered fondly by us and with our prayers.
I’d like to pass my condolences to Lorette, Bobby, Jim, and Brett and their families. I’m really going to miss Uncle Jim. I can remember as a kid how Uncle Jim seemed like an absolute giant. He was a larger than life character. I’m going to miss him.
Dear Lorette and families: please accept my condolences to all. Jim came into my circle of friends in the mid-eighties when he came to Native Counselling Services of Alberta to help me build capacity in our staff training unit. I learned we had similar backgrounds (Metis family, Corrections and human resource development experiences): he took me under his wing sharing his vast experiences and knowledge. He introduced me to Lorette and his Carkhuff family. After a few beverages, he would bring out the guitar. He once asked me to bring him 3 extra-large Italian sausage pizzas form his favorite kiosk in the Chicago airport. This was quite a conversation starter with airline personnel, customs folks and other passengers including Dolly Pardon who was on the same flight to the Edmonton Klondike days. I will miss his calls “Gwinnie: how’s our truck running?” and “Gwinnie, how’s the fishing?” RIP Jim.
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for over 26 years both as a friend and colleague. His work, as the manager of staff training and development at NAIT, made a significant impact on hundreds of staff and their students. My wife Judy and I will miss, while greatly treasuring the memories, of delightful evenings we have spent with Jim enjoying good food, wine and always stimulating conversation. Our deepest condolences are with Laurette and Jim’s family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of Jim on Marchand . The fun times at our theme dinners, the sing alongs , Bill and Jim coaching hockey and many more. Our love to you at this difficult time.
Dutton family
My deep sympathies to the Barnet family. I have fond memories of Jim, and I enjoyed the celebration of his life in today’s service. Memories and impressions of his life will live on.
I, too, worked with Jim in the 70s at The Solicitor Generals Department. Although he was my manager he always made me feel like his equal.
Sending big virtual hugs to Aunt Laurette, the boys and their families. Uncle Jim was always larger than life in my eyes. I enjoyed his company, his stories and always looked forward to our visits. I only wish we spent more time together but the memories I have of him, I will cherish forever. Rest easy Uncle Jim!!
Our deepest condolences to Aunt Laurette, Jim, Jo Anne, Bob, Pam, Brett, Amy, Emma and Matt. Thank you for the beautiful service to commemorate and celebrate Uncle Jim’s life and accomplishments that we could all be part of. He always had time for people, and willingly shared his wisdom, guidance and great stories. He immediately understood people and this led to great conversations and laughs. We fondly remember our visits and sharing dinners and wine with Aunt Laurette and Uncle Jim, who are the most gracious hosts. Thanks for all your home spun stories and wisdom. We will miss you. You’ll never walk alone Uncle Jim.
Love never fails – My deepest heartfelt sympathy, love & prayers go out to the whole families.
You are Loved
What a touching service today, I especially loved the songs Uncle Jim chose and the poem he wrote. My best memories of him are at family gatherings where he was filling the house with his enormous voice, or snoring on the couch after a big supper. I didn’t get to see him much later in life, but when I did he was always very interested in what was going on with us, and the way he listened made me feel important. Love and hugs to you Auntie Laurette, Brett, Jim, Bob and families.
My deepest sympathy to Laurette and family. I have so many good memories of our Friday evening gatherings, theme dinners, and the girls’ weekend at your house., Laurette. Jim couldn’t do enough to make our weekend enjoyable. Love and prayers to you.
Dear Laurette, Jim, Bob & Brett,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Our love and prayers are with you. May all the special memories you have help you through .and give you peace.
Doug & Sandra Zutz
Dear Laurette and Family ,we are very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing .We had a lot of laughs many years ago. and times we will always remember.
Hugs to you all.
Laurette and family: It does not seem that long ago when I worked with Jim at Nait. We had lots of laughs together and of course Jim always had lots of stories to tell. I miss him a lot, especially his songs and caring nature. Jim had a great life and was so proud of his family. So Jim, happy trails to you, until we meet again.
I just came across this notice. I knew Jim back at Assiniboine elementary school and at St James Collegiate.
Excellent person that drew a crowd wherever he was. I have many good memories of Jim.