Thomas Melville Barker

April 21, 1937 - May 6, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and Papa, Thomas Barker on May 6, 2024 at the age of 87 in Red Deer, AB.

After a brief battle with cancer, he received a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, the cancer came back and he contracted pneumonia, which he was unable to fight.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Elaine Barker, three children Deanna (Greg) Shea, Travis (Denise) Barker, and Cheryl (Matt Pitts) Barker.

He leaves behind the apples of his eye, his 5 grandchildren, Keenan Barker, Chloe (Colton) Shea, Trey (Jo) Barker, Kelsey Shea, and Kaleb Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind 3 siblings Shirley Polson, Gordon Barker, and Muriel Walkey.

Tom was born on April 21, 1937 in Calgary, Alberta to Cecil and Clara Barker who resided in Okotoks, Alberta. They remained there until 1942 when they relocated to Sylvan Lake, AB. He met the love of his life Elaine (nee Norem) in 1956 and they were married 3 years later on June 27th, 1959. They started their family in 1961 with Deanna, 1963 came Travis, and Cheryl joined the family in 1977.

Tom was a perfectionist to a point. All his "T's" were crossed and his "I's" were dotted. He always said "If you're going to do it, do it right!". Elaine sometimes called him Mr. Perfect. He also liked everything kept clean and tidy in the house. He liked his clothes matching, right down to his hats! He was a true Sylvan Laker, it was his favorite place in the world.

Tom was a family man, any time spent with his loved ones was always cherished. His second love was curling. Whether it was playing weekly in Sylvan Lake and Red Deer, or watching every bonspiel on TV. He was an avid Blue Jays fan who tried to never miss a game. One of his dreams came true when the entire family went to Seattle to watch the Blue Jays game in honor of his and Elaine's 60th wedding anniversary.

One of his favorite pastimes was going down to Deanna and Greg's place for happy hour on Thursdays. He loved his Appleton's Rum and Coke press.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Clara Barker, one brother Frank Barker, one sister Joyce Poole, and sister-in-law Ann Barker.

We would like to give a huge thanks to Unit 31 in the Red Deer Regional Hospital for making Tom's last days as comfortable as possible.

For anyone who knew Tom, he always a loved a good party. We invite you to come and celebrate Tom's life at the Sylvan Lake Legion on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

Condolences may be left at www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.com

Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium