Excellent Companion Geoffrey Barnes PAGDC 1938-2015
Geoffrey was born and raised in Manchester in the year preceding the Second World War. As a youngster he enjoyed a career in the Boy Scouts, after which he joined the Navy in whose care he travelled extensively World Wide for a number of years. After leaving the Service he returned to Rochdale and set up a successful business in the shoe trade, became married to his beloved Susan and became the father of two sons, Simon and Michael.
Much of his later life was spent in Ramsey where he quickly became involved in the local scene and was able to enjoy his many hobbies of shooting, fishing ,bowls and golf………and Masonics but not necessarily in that order!
He was Installed as MEZ in Ailwyn Chapter 3535 in 1998 and promoted to PAGDC by the MEGS in 2012 in recognition of his sterling work on behalf of the HRA in the easternmost borders of the Province. As he was always keen to tell us….. “that glorious luminary the Sun, rises in the East from whence it diffuses light and influence to rest of the Province…”
The packed Memorial Service, held at St Thomas a Becket Church, Ramsey on Thursday 12 March was a testament to his popularity within the wider community. A poem “Footprints” was read by his dear friend Ex. Companion Esmond Edwards and a comprehensive and moving Eulogy was presented by his sons, Simon and Michael who between them gave an amazing insight into his long and very full life.
He will, of course, be greatly missed by his widow Susan, his family and the “Ramsey Boys” at the Abbey Rooms. We send them our deepest sympathy.