Gilbert J. Barnard, 82, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all, passed away Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 in Blackfoot, ID.
Gilbert was born July 31, 1931 in American Falls, ID, to William T. and Elizabeth Backman Barnard.
Gilbert served in the Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, where he met Carolyn Neeley. They were married Feb. 27, 1953 in Columbia, SC, and later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 15, 1953.
After leaving the Army, Gilbert and Carolyn moved to Pocatello, ID. They began their family while Gilbert was going to school at Idaho State University, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Education. Upon graduation they moved to Blackfoot, where he obtained employment with the Idaho State Department of Employment. Gilbert retired after 25 years of service, and then worked for several years at the Blackfoot Swimming Pool.
Carolyn preceded Gilbert in death on March 23, 1996. Following her death, Gilbert met and married Donna Collette on Jan. 24, 1997 and they were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
Gilbert was a great outdoors enthusiast and enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking and biking. He also loved swimming and was very proud of the fact he swam over 2,800 miles in the Blackfoot Swimming Pool. He loved sports of all kinds, especially basketball, running and watching BYU football. Many of the grandchildren have fond memories of grandpa teaching them to swim, fish and play basketball.
Gilbert was very involved in the community. He was a proud member of the American Legion and Sons of the Utah Pioneers. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and was in a harmonica group, The Harmoneers. They performed at many community events.
Gilbert was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous church callings. He and Donna served as temple workers in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and served a mission to Nigeria. They also served as missionaries at the Idaho State University LDS Institute. Gilbert especially loved working with the youth of the church.
First and foremost in Gilbert’s life was the love he had for his family. All who knew him could attest to his warm personality, his quick wit and sense of humor. He could always put a smile on your face. He will be remembered for his countless acts of kindness and service.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Donna of Blackfoot; siblings, Dorothy Meyers of Pocatello, Virgil Barnard of American Falls, and Mary Simms of Pocatello; six children, Pamela (Bob) Hammond, of Denver, CO, Carol (Tony) Winters, of Phoenix, AZ, Gil (Laura) Barnard of San Diego, CA, Wendell (Annette) Barnard of Moreland, ID, Matthew (Lisa) Barnard of Cedar City, UT, Paul (Paige) Barnard of Logan, UT; and two stepchildren, Linda (Stan) Kuick of Richland, WA, and Mike Wheelock of Vista, CA; 27 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn; and brother, Bill Barnard.
A funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Blackfoot 6th Ward LDS Chapel, 660 Teton Drive in Blackfoot. Family met with friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot and for one hour prior to services at the church. Interment followed at the American Falls Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@hawkerfuneralhome.com.
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