Forrest "Jimmy" James Barter Obituary (1946 - 2025)

Forrest James Barter, known to many as Jimmy, passed away on May 13, 2025, after living a full life for almost 79 years. Jimmy moved his family to Vancouver Island in the summer of 1990, and they resided in the Duncan area. His final years were spent in Ladysmith, enjoying a beautiful retirement home at La Rosa Gardens with his constant companion of almost 53 years, his beloved wife Pamela. Jimmy was born on June 12, 1946, in Bury, Quebec to Avery Barter and Lillian King Barter (MacIver). He is survived by his beloved wife Pamela. He leaves behind his children Jaime Baker (Jason), Melinda Holland (Christopher) and Shannon-Rose Barter; His Grandchildren Steven Martin, Megan Martin, Brayden Baker, Maureen Stanbury, Caitlyn Baker, Alexander Barter, Lilly-Mae Barter, Avery Baker and Nicholas Barter; His Great Grandchildren Raelynn Hope, Damien Martin, Damon (Anthony) Martin and Andrea Martin and special fur-baby Cricket. Jim was predeceased by his son's Emery Barter and Andrew Barter and his sisters Gloria MacLeod and Phyllis Turner. Jimmy loved sports, if he wasn't playing football in his younger years, you would find him on the basketball court, golfing or playing baseball and hockey. Lucky for him his accumulation of penalty minutes on the ice didn't prevent him from enjoying the sport into his senior years. The Old Hustlers were able to take the show on the road to Austria, a lifelong trip. He never shied away from hard work. In his youth he was there to lend a hand in his hometown, long days in the tobacco fields, at the Texaco refinery or delivering Coca Cola every day of the week except Saturday; that was for Football. After purchasing the farm in Gould, QC; he began to learn the ins and outs of farming and raising beef cattle, growing potatoes and corn, and tapping sugar maples to make maple syrup. If that wasn't enough, he took on a rural mail route delivering mail and operated a Resthome in Scotstown, QC. After moving to BC, he completed his working years as an apartment manager of several buildings for 32 years. Jim liked his shorts - even in the dead of winter you would find him shovel in hand, or on his tractor clearing snow in shorts. Not to mention walking his grandson at his sister Gloria's home in January, while wearing shorts and long johns with a "poor man's buggy;" a wheelbarrow down the road in the snow. His family, especially his grand-children and great grand-children were his pride and joy. He was an avid spectator at as many of his grandchildren's events that he could fit in. There were always lots of Joe Louie's and chocolate milk when Grandpa Jim was around. In the retirement years Jim got to enjoy sports, fishing and hunting along with a lot of campsites sitting when the time allowed. Jimmy was a stubborn, yet overly generous man, who would give you the shirt off of his back. He loved stories and had many that he shared with whoever would listen. We look forward to celebrating his life and sharing memories good and bad along with some of his favourite things with family and friends. Service Information Celebration of Life Saturday, July 26, 2025 @ 11:00am Location: 7890 Tatlo Rd. West, Crofton, BC Burial Service will be. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Bury Cemetery behind the apple tree at the top of the hill; time and details to follow.