BARKER, George Frederick ~ Age 102, of Wilmot, Annapolis Co., passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Born on February 24, 1921, in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Walter and Mary (Hampton) Barker.

George began work at an early age in the apple warehouses at W.L. Spurr Farm, Melvern Square. He briefly served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War, then worked as a heavy equipment operator at C.F.B. Greenwood. Then working as an auto mechanic at Howard Marshall Pontiac Buick, Kingston, for 22 years. George was later employed as an Auto Mechanic Instructor at the Annapolis Regional Vocational School in Middleton where he shared his passion for auto mechanics with his many students. George was a member of All Saints Anglican Church, Kingston.

George will be fondly remembered for his love of family, his stories, wisdom and words of encouragement. George lived life by example, bestowing kindness and compassion to others. His pets always held a very special place in his heart, his devoted dog, Rollie and cat, Midnight were by his side until the end. George loved fishing and will be remembered for his skills in fly tying. Many of George's grandchildren have cherished memories of summers eating vegetables in Grampie's garden, where he would grow giant pumpkins every year. In later years, George was a regular at both the Kingston Diner and Big Scoop restaurant where he would enjoy breakfast while chatting with friends, family and staff. His warm smile and loving presence will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him.

George was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He leaves behind his daughters, Linda (Bob) Larder, Kingston; Shirl (Jerry) Sawler, Karen (Eric) Spidle and Wendy (Graham) Banks, all of Wilmot; and sons, Les (Star) Barker, Wilmot; Chris (Theresa) Barker, Middleton; grandchildren, Neil (Tracy) Larder, Kingston; Anne (Jim) Marshall, East Torbrook; Justin (Brenda) Barker, Lower Sackville; Tara (Alex) Balcome, Wilmot; Craig (Fran) Sawler, Kingston; Troy Sawler (Kaitlin Russell), Halifax; Tisha (Jeff) Hart, Calgary, AB.; Melanie (Chad) Smith, Beaverbank; Paul (Lauren) Barker, Ottawa, Ont.; Jody Spidle (Bernice), Middleton; Tina (Chad) Uhlman, Middleton; Dawn Spidle, Cody (Emily) Spidle; Evan Banks, Kyle Banks (Medina), all of Wilmot; great grandchildren, Hanna Larder (Jared); Cassie Larder; Andrew Marshall (Josanne); Gregory Marshall; Jenna Marshall (Jayden); Alex Lewis (Jenna); Matt Lewis; Isabella Barker; Johnathan, Thomas and Max Balcome; Mason and Mac Sawler; Brittany (R.J.) Stevenson; Declan, Rilla and Cohen Sawler; Alainya, Ava and Gabe Hart; Matthew and Anna Smith; Owen and Noah Barker; Brooke and Chloe Thomas; Jadyn Phinney, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years the former Pauline M. Boates; sisters, Ella Mills; Kay Doucet; Mary Stone; brothers, William and Alfred Barker.

Visitation will take place from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Wednesday evening, in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448, from where the funeral service, followed by a reception will take place at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 31. Rev. Nita Barteaux officiating, with interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. For those unable to attend the service there will be a livestreaming of the service available at 3:55 p.m., Thursday, August 31, ADT by selecting the 'livestream' option at the top of the funeral home webpage.

Family flowers only, donations in his memory may be made to any charity of your choice. The family would like to send a special thank you Dr. Paul McGuire, Dr. Kevin McGuire and the Victorian Order of Nurses staff for all of the care they provided to George over the years. They would also like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Brad, Ron, Carly, Leah and Becky for the care, compassion and companionship they provided for George. His caregivers will remember him for his dry sense of humour, his constant teasing and his endless gratitude. On- line guest book may be signed, by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com