Obituary of Arthur Thomas William Barran

Barran, Arthur Arthur Barran passed away peacefully on April 8th after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara (2015) and survived by his sister Gerry West, sons Paul, Bruce and Neil, his daughters-in-laws, Judith, Anne and Bonnie and his 8 grandchildren whom he so adored, Ilona, Michael, Christopher, Alexa, Shawn, Matthew, Morgan and Mitchell. Born on October 6th, 1925, our father spent most of his life growing up and living in the west end of Toronto. He attended Etobicoke Colligate but never actually graduated as he opted to enlist in the Navy serving as a trombonist in several naval bands. As a veteran, Dad was afforded the opportunity to attend university and graduated from the University of Toronto as part of it's largest-ever class of Engineers, the Class of 49. Shortly after graduating, Dad joined his father and another business partner in starting Moore & Barran, a heating service company, which Dad led and grew for over 30 years. We think that those who knew our father, will remember him for his brilliant mind, his determination to master the many things he took on, for his ability to forge lasting friendships and for his passion for making music with his many friends from the New Horizons band, some who graciously played for him just days before he departed us. Dad took great pleasure in building things. He and our mother built their first home in Maple, there was the 16ft rocketship built for the cub scouts to mark man's landing on the moon and a variety of other projects with us three boys. As his grandchildren arrived there always seemed to be a project on the go in "Poppa's workshop" and over the years Dad produced an endless number of hand-crafted toys that will be cherished and enjoyed by all, for generations to come. Our Dad was an avid golfer and we thought it was fitting that he waited until a few minutes after Tom Watson had finished his last round at the Masters before he left us …… and so as Tom walked off the 18th green so did our Dad, to be greeted by our mother and his many friends - happy as a clam. We wish to extend a special thanks to Dr. George Kim and his team who cared for and guided both our mother and father though the end-stages of their lives - your knowledge and compassion is an inspiration to all. As well, the family would also like to extend a special thanks to Jennifer Durham who diligently cared for both of our parents, especially our father, spending endless hours grooming him and keeping him engaged as his life came to an end. As per Dad's wish, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family interment at a later date. We wish to extend a heart-felt thanks to all who have expressed their friendship, love and affection for our father, your kind words and thoughts have been very touching and will remain with us forever. On-line condolences can be made at the Donohue Funeral Home website www.donohuefuneralhome.ca