John Barbier

John was the eldest son of Francois and Henriette Barbier. He grew up on a farm 15 miles southwest of Vanguard. He attended a small country school three and a half miles away called Comfort School. When he was in Grade 9, his father passed away and he and his brother Henry became responsible for all of the farming. In 1957, John and Henry attended auctioneering school in Iowa. The Barbier Bothers held many auction sales in southern Saskatchewan.

John and Henry earned their pilot’s license and enjoyed scenic flights in the area. John especially liked flying to a nearby farm to visit Clara Schmidt, who worked as a nurse in Vanguard.  John and Clara married on Oct. 17, 1964, and made their home in Vanguard.

Throughout their married life, John was a farmer and businessman.  He never ceased researching everything to do with farming, accounting, and world news.  For twenty years he recorded and submitted precipitation data to the provincial Ministry of Agriculture.

Over the years, John enjoyed visiting with the locals at coffee row, going on crop tours, and being at home with his family.  In May 2023, John and Clara moved to Cypress House in Swift Current.  The family very much appreciated the care John received there.

John is predeceased by his father, Francois; his mother, Henrietta; two infant sisters; and one sister-in-law, Doris Barbier.  He is survived by his wife, Clara; his children Alan (Denise): Eli, Lucas; Phyllis Thomas (Scott): Lincoln, Pierson; his brother, Henry (Patricia); and relatives in France & Switzerland.

The Memorial Service for John Barbier of Swift Current took place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 2:00 pm from Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current with Pastor Jay Hinds officiating.

 The service card is available to view below.

In lieu of flowers and in memory or John Barbier, donations made to the Vanguard and District Recreation Board (Box 53, Vanguard, SK S0N 2V0 or e-transfer to vanguardextra1912@gmail.com) would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Barbier, please visit our floral store.