Obituary of Neil Cameron Barker

                                                                              NEIL CAMERON BARKER

                                                  Oct 10, 1957 - Dec 11, 2021

It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Neil Barker. Neil was the light in any dark room and he brought love and laughter to so many.

It is said that the pain one feels when being left by an acquaintance, friend or family member is a gift: It is a sign that the person is deeply missed. Neil left so many of us with memories that are bountiful and thus, so much pain.

Left to cherish his memory, his partner of 13 years, Elizabeth, son Cameron (Alana), grandsons Harvey and Nolan, son Jordan (Hayley), stepdaughter Kelsey (Jake) & baby Frankie and stepson Tanner. Neil was brother to Warren (Val), Charlene (Larry), Karen. He leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends around the world. He was predeceased by his mother and father Viola & Bill Barker. Neil loved his two sons immensely and was so proud of all their accomplishments. You would never have a conversation with Neil when he didn't speak of his pride and admiration of Cam and Jordy and now their families as well.

Neil's nickname, “Steel Neil”, was well earned as he could be as tough as nails but then could share softness and tears with many of his friends and family. His friends felt comfortable asking for his assistance and Neil considered it a pleasure to help. He would easily paint a friend’s house or cycle across mountains, if asked. His dedication to the care and comfort of his parents was a testament to the man he was.

Neil grew up in Fort Garry, attended Vincent Massey High School and the University of Manitoba. He joined the Winnipeg Police Department in 1979, providing dedicated police service to the citizens of Winnipeg, Manitoba for over 25 years. During his career, he served as a beat constable, Sergeant, detective, and homicide investigator. Later in his career, he served as the Major Crimes Coordinator. Neil held a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He was an academy instructor at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. He served as a hostage negotiator for 14 years and was head of the Canadian Police College Interrogation Training Program.

As a highly skilled polygraph examiner, with advanced expertise in interviewing techniques, Neil was a dynamic speaker lecturing throughout North America. He began offering his instructional interrogation course for the Niagara Regional Police in 2008.

Neil opened a consulting business and developed a course which was delivered to all major police agencies in Canada, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canadian Foreign Affairs, Canadian Intelligence and Terrorism, and many others. Neil also taught abroad in multiple foreign countries.

Neil was an amazing athlete. As a young man he played for the The Northend Flyers winning the Canadian Slow Pitch Championship in Halifax and the team was later inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. One of many accomplishments he was proud of.

Neil had a passion for hockey and played for numerous teams, finalizing his career playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons. Neil held yearly on ice hockey training courses in assisting future, past and current NHL players. Neil helped scout many junior players and trained youth in self-defence skills, specifically for on ice hockey combat. Neil played regularly with the Niagara Regional police teams and nearly every Boxing Day in Winnipeg. He loved being a protector of the weak. Neil coached Fort Garry and Riverview hockey and instructed at the Golden Horseshoe Hockey School in Niagara for 7 years. He was on the ice at least two days a week and loved sharing his passion of hockey with his two grandsons, Harvey and Nolan.

Neil played many other sports and did quite well in all he tackled, other than golf! He had a passion for running, fitness, and boxing. He was a specimen at age 64, in a class above most.

Neil liked sweet drinks, odd named beers, classic rock, old style hockey, Bobby Orr, the science of body language, and the Special Olympics. He cherished his many friends and family members, always making an effort to visit them across Canada.

Neil spent his last 9 years in Port Dalhousie, Niagara where he enjoyed the community, the wineries, and the people. He quickly became a very loved friend of many throughout Niagara.

Neil was semi-retired and spent his free time travelling the world with Liz and his friends Pam and Shaun, visiting his son Cam and grandsons abroad in Kazakhstan and France. Neil was fortunate to have many friends and an unwavering bond with lifelong buddies Shaun and Richard and with Mitch, who Neil served with on the police force. He cherished the bonds he made with those he mentored- both friends and family.

There will be Celebration of Life in Winnipeg and St Catharines in the New Year, details to be announced.

George Darte Funeral Home in St Catharines, is providing interim planning and services. dartefuneralhome.com

Internment will take place at Thomson “In the Park” in Winnipeg at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics Canada at specialolympics.ca or Jump Start to support kids in sport and play at jumpstart.canadiantire.ca

Neil was a mentor, friend, and the life of any party. To say he will be missed is a complete understatement. We have peace knowing he is in heaven bringing love and laughter to all who were there before him. Rest peacefully our dear friend….until we meet again.