It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Addison Barton of Yorkton, SK on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the age of 65 years. Bob was born on August 7, 1952 to Richard and Margaret Barton in Lestock, SK. He grew up on the family farm in the Crosthwaite District near Kelliher, SK with his parents and two sisters, Sharon and Lois. He attended school in Leross until transferring to Kelliher to complete his high school diploma. Upon completion of high school, Bob moved to Regina to attend the University of Regina before transferring to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where he completed his Diploma in Vocational Agriculture in 1976. While attending university in Saskatoon, Bob met the love of his life, Jacquie, the beautiful girl who lived across the hall. Bob's first job upon completing his diploma was as a fertilizer dealer development representative with Cominco, based out of Jacquie's hometown of Yorkton. Bob didn't want to spend time away from Jacquie, so he was able to convince his boss to let him work out of Saskatoon while she continued her education. With his first few pay cheques, Bob purchased Jacquie an engagement ring and they were married on July 29, 1977 in Yorkton. Shortly after their marriage, Jacquie finished her education and it was at this time they moved back to Yorkton to start their family. Bob and Jacquie raised their two boys in the community and always encouraged them to be involved in many activities in the community. Bob was always involved in his sons' activities, whether it be coaching hockey, coordinating fundraisers for the band program or helping with one of the many other tasks behind the scenes that it takes to run a community program. This time spent with the fellow parents created many new friendships that Bob cherished for many years to come. Bob was involved in agriculture throughout his entire career. After his time with Cominco, he worked in the farm implement industry for over a decade selling equipment and managing dealer locations. After this, he took his first venture into the grain marketing industry, by starting Tonarr Land & Grain with his good friend, Greg Barr. In 1999 he accepted an opportunity as a Sales Manager with UGG in Canora before moving on to become a Terminal Manager with UGG/Agricore United in Cupar, SK. After a decade of managing grain elevators, Bob shifted back into the grain marketing industry as a market advisor, where he continued to work until his passing. While working full-time, he also farmed his own land for nearly 25 years. During Bob's spare time he enjoyed creating, building and repairing many things. From his early teens he expressed an interest in this by using the auger motors to build his own go-karts. In his later years, he was able to build Jacquie her dream garden shed from scratch, as well as work on his own dream project, an ultra lite airplane. He started his airplane in 2007 and he was just nearing completion for his first takeoff. Bob will be proud to know that his sons intend to complete the plane and take it for its inaugural flight, or at least skip the wheels off the ground a couple times. While Bob and Jacquie were expecting their first child, Bob was diagnosed with renal failure at the age of 28. Since that time, Bob received two kidney transplants, including one from his sister Sharon and was on dialysis for 18 years. Bob greatly appreciated the support received from his friends, family and the community throughout the years, highlighted by a community fundraiser in the spring of 1999 with over 200 attendees. He didn't let his renal failure limit or define his attitude to life. He ensured that he got the most out of every single day. In 2014, both of Bob and Jacquie's sons and their families moved back to Yorkton. He couldn't have been happier or more proud when they moved home and built houses within only a few blocks of Jacquie and him. This not only meant that he was able to spend time with his children, but also his grandkids. Although continuing to work, Bob could always be counted on to help with his grandkids. Whether it be daycare drop-offs or pick-ups or taking them to swimming, hockey or dance, Bob always ensured he could spend as much time with them as possible. Some of his favourite times were when he could have the whole family over for a meal where the conversations were abundant and lively. Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, Dick and Margaret Barton; his father-in-law, Jack Hawka and his brother-in-law, Bob Matton. Bob leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his best friend and loving wife of 40 years, Jacquie; his two sons, Cameron (Susan) Barton and Wade (Kelsey) Barton; three grandchildren, Cole, Addison and Carson; sisters, Sharon (Julian) Slywka of Fort Saskatchewan, AB and Lois Matton of Canora, SK; brother-in-law, Sheldon (Gwendi) Hawka of Yorkton; mother-in-law, Iris Hawka of Yorkton; special aunt-through-marriage, Allie Hawka of Yorkton and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues and community members. The funeral service was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yorkton with Rev. Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw officiating. Sons Cameron & Wade gave the eulogy. Organist, Judy Berg, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Sing A New Song Unto the Lord', 'In the Bulb There Is A Flower' and 'You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord'. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Mark at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with sons Cameron & Wade as the urn bearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com.
