BARKER, Rick “Sparky” Gerald  -  It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Rick, on Wednesday March 18, 2020, after a long and difficult battle with cancer.

Rick leaves behind his wife of 32 years, the love of his life Paola Visentin.

Father of Nicholas (Stephanie) Barker and Alexander Barker. Devoted Grandpa to his cherished Ellie. 

Son of Jim and the late Verna Legood and Karin and the late Morley Barker. 

Brother of Randy Barker, Donna (Dave) Murphy, Herb (Connie) Koch, Debbie (Dany) Pinet, Kelly Legood (Joy Lasaga), Suzanne Timms and the late Karen Nash and brother in law to Rosie (Tony) DiCorpo, Silvana (Paul) Sikorski, Bianca (Nino) Palermo.

Will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Rick was a graduate of The Ohio State University and attended from 1976-1980. Rick played on and captained The Ohio State Hockey Men’s Hockey team.

Rick was a true Buckeye and remained an active OSU Alumni. During his time as a Buckeye, Sparky was honoured with the Best Defensive Player of the Year award numerous times. Rick “Sparky” was respected, muched loved and will be greatly missed by his many Ohio State University Buckeye brothers, teammates and coaches.

A special thank you to his Buckeye brother Paul Tilley for all his encouragement and support to Rick, Paola and the boys. 

Ricks greatest joy in life was his family. He worked very hard to provide his family with the opportunities to create timeless traditions and everlasting memories.

Always putting others first, Rick will be remembered for his “we can do this” attitude and love of life.  On behalf Paola and the entire family, the deepest love and gratitude to Hilary Tracey and Ricks much loved goddaughter Sarah Tracey, for the endless hours of care and support they gave to Rick over his journey. 

A special thank you is extended to his work family at Light Harvesting Shading, Leonard, Matt and Meghan Tracey, for their support of both Rick and Paola.

The family thanks Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre oncology Dr’s.

Danny Enepekides and Dr Ian Poon as well as their entire staff of Drs and nurses who worked so hard for Rick in the last 6 weeks.

They will never forget the personal kindness we also felt from the staff in the Lakeridge Health Palliative Care Unit; Jody, Denise and Maggie.

At this time, a private family service will be held, and a celebration of Rick’s life will be announced, when larger gatherings are once again permissible.  Attangements with Mount Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Whitby.  

Thank you & Go Bucks!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “Kidshelpphone.ca”.

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