Obituary of Frederick Arnold Barton

BARTON, Frederick Arnold - Age 84, Bedford, formerly of Enfield passed peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary Hospital with family at his side on March 28, 2024.  Born in Coal Creek, New Brunswick, he was predeceased by his parents, A. Thomas and Violet (Hickey) Barton. and his wife Ferne (McCoy), the love of his life.  Fred is survived by his children Judy (Ian) McKay, Rod (Helen), Brian, and Susie Gray.  Fred loved his wife and family dearly especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He will be remembered by all of them for his generosity and tradition of Sunday family dinner.  Fred, referred to as Frederick by his siblings, is also survived by his brother Larry (Andrea), sisters, Myrna (Doug) and Wanda Mae (Doug); the McCoy family along with nieces and nephews.  Family meant the world to Fred.  The family made the long drive to New Brunswick often to visit family.

In his school years, Frederick was active in scholastic sports, including basketball, soccer and cross country running. He attained the Queen Scout award, the highest scouting award achievable in Canada and was the leader for New Brunswick at the 8^th World Scout Jamboree in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, in 1955.  Summers would find him driving trucks for his father’s business.

Fred loved to fish from an early age, and always looked forward to salmon fishing adventures on the Gaspe rivers along with trips to the Miramichi and Labrador with his angling friends.  After retirement he had the time to return to his interest in woodworking.  He spent many enjoyable hours in his workshop at their home in Enfield, producing finely crafted gifts for family and friends.

Fred was a lifelong businessman, starting his career at the Bank of Nova Scotia, then with Atmus Equipment and as a founder of Rentz Equipment and finally as a Partner/Director of Liftow Canada.  He expected a lot from others, only because he expected a lot from himself.

Fred had a deep faith.  He was an active member of Riverview United Church in Elmsdale and gave generously of his time and energy to keep the financial records for the church and food bank.  He was a long time active member of the Truro Gyro Club.  Fred and Ferne hosted many Gyro Bar-B-Ques and treated fellow Gyros to long enjoyable pontoon boat rides on Grand lake.

Fred and Ferne traveled extensively, covering the globe from Peru to Finland, Alaska to African safaris, along with visits to Japan, Russia and China and river cruises in Europe and a trip on the Orient Express.  They also enjoyed the winters they spent in Florida during their retirement.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie.  A visitation will be held at 4-7 PM Wednesday April 3rd, in Riverview United Church, 760 Highway 2, Elmsdale from where a funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, April 4, Rev. Kim Curlett officiating.  Livestreaming of the Service will be available at: https://www.facebook.com/share/44wGRnMttSUVz6nD/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Family flowers only.  Donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Riverview United Church General fund.

Tributes, memories and condolences may be sent by visiting www.ettingerfuneralhome.com