W.R. (Roy) Barnes, 83, of Kelowna, B.C. passed away on February 15, 2015. Roy was the eldest of 6 children of William and Florence Barnes. Born April 26, 1931, Roy was raised in and around London, ON. After high school graduation, Roy joined the RCAF in 1953 and became a fighter pilot. His service included three postings in Europe, and he served with 441, 421, and 444 Squadrons. He was also a Flight Instructor and was selected to become the Air Forces’s Flight Safety Officer. He ended his military service as the Senior Air Desk Officer at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. From there he was recruited to become the first Air Command General Safety Officer, a civilian position, in Winnipeg. He retired in 1993 after 40 years with the Department of National Defence.

Roy was an avid Duplicate Bridge Player. He became a Certified Director and directed games wherever he lived. In the 1970’s he was President of the NATO European Armed Forces Bridge League. In Winnipeg he was the Club Manager for over 20 years, and was a

Past President of the Manitoba Unit 181. Until his recent illness he was Manager and Director of the Parkinson Duplicate Bridge Club. In the last years of Roy’s life he enjoyed cruising the world with his wife and taking vacations with his extended family.

He is survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Lisa (Don) McCarthy, son Sam Barnes, stepsons Steven and Darcy (Miray) Schott, Grandson Sean McCarthy, Granddaughters Michelle McCarthy, Leanne, Megan and Ella Schott, Sister Marie Dundas, Brother Charles(Sandra) Barnes.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, on Tuesday, February 17, at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your condolences."