Obituary of Douglas William Barnet

DOUGLAS WILLIAM BARNET Canadian and Santa Cruzan Jan. 6, 1927 - May 21, 2013 Douglas William Barnet passed away Tuesday morning after a long illness. Doug was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan where he grew up on the family farm and graduated from Weyburn High. He received reservist training during World War II and proudly marched in the local victory parade on V-E Day. He attended Guelph Agricultural School in Ontario and also taught elementary school east of Toronto in a one-room schoolhouse. He was involved in sales and management for the local Co-op and was the farm director of a popular radio station, his voice transmitted Canada-wide. After a road-trip to California in the 1950's, he was inspired by the weather and lifestyle to return with his wife and children to Santa Cruz and reside permanently. His dedication to agriculture and his love of living things benefitted him in territorial sales, management, and seed brokerage throughout central California, working from his desk or inspecting in the field. He remarried after the passing of his first wife and retired in 1988, free to follow his hobbies of golf, woodcraft, home improvement, and gardening. World travel took him to Europe, Asia, and Africa, though his favorite location was Hawaii, and often returned to visit his native Canada. Doug was a member of Lions Club International and a 3rd degree member of the Masonic Lodge in Canada and locally active in SIRS for many years. Doug is survived by his second wife, Teresa; his son William (Bill) of Santa Cruz and daughter Luana of Ohio and grandchildren Daniel and Bridget. He is also survived by brother Jack of Manitoba and sister Isobel and brother Murray of Ontario. The "gentle gentleman" will be dearly missed by family and his many friends, here and across the U. S. and Canada. A public service will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church on High Street followed by a private graveside ceremony. Instead of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to your favorite charity.