Brennen James Barr

November 30, 2015

Brennen was granted his final wings, at home, surrounded by family, friends and love after an inspiring and courageous battle with cancer.

Few get to measure life by living and accomplishing so much in such a short time and positively impacting so many lives. Brennen’s passing marks a successful life filled with personal and professional achievements and rewards. His passion, dedication and work ethic enhanced and benefitted the lives of his family, friends and union brothers.

Brennen loved his family and friends. He enjoyed skiing, both water and snow, boating, running and being an exceptional train engineer with CN Rail. His passion for flying was evident to anyone who knew him and it provided him with confidence, a strong sense of accomplishment and a sense of freedom and peace. Brennen unselfishly dedicated considerable time, skill and energy with the BLE and Teamsters Canada as a leader, a mentor, a trainer, and a negotiator to improve the lives of his fellow members. His legacy will continue to have impact and live on.

Brennen leaves behind a devoted wife and best friend, Jessica, and two beautiful daughters, Christine and Emma – the loves of his life. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Yvonne Barr, a sister, Cheryl, and a brother, Shawn. As well, he leaves behind countless cherished friends and colleagues who surrounded him with love, comfort and support until his journey’s end.

Brennen is now at peace and his family and friends find great comfort knowing that he is now free to “fly”.

A celebration of Brennen’s life will be held on February 6, 2016 at 1:00 in Pitt Meadows at Sky Helicopter Hangar, 18799 Airport Way. In lieu of flowers Brennen and his family would encourage a donation to “Make a Wish Foundation” to help a child fulfill a final wish. This can be done at the service.

“Always in our hearts, never forgotten”

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Video Tribute of Alternatives Event Saturday February 6, 2016

http://www.alivestreaming.com/broadcast_iframe/41d21e20af6d01334d6c3ba5ddccdf7?player_only=true

Messages of Condolence

I remember Brennan as a kind, caring man who loved life. My condolences to his family.

- Joan Arnold

Jess; I spent so much quality time with Brennen, both off the job and dealing with upholding the rights of the membership that we represented. I knew that in retiring, I was leaving the job to a most capable man of integrity. Although I will be unable to come north for the service, I know that it will be well attended by so many that loved and respected Brennen.

- Robert Lee

An intense and focused man who was an incredible hands on father and loved his girls with a passion. He was a father first and wanted to instil the best in this life for his family, which he succeeded in doing. The word 'no', or 'can't be done', was a foreign language to Brennen, as once he set his sites on something you could considerate it down. His wife Jessica gave him all the attention, care & love he deserved through out his difficult journey and he was forever grateful for the opportunity to have these selfless tasks provided by Jessica, through the home palliative care program. He will now be free to "fly" once again and oversee their lives, leaving behind the pain but carrying with him all the good memories..... a father, husband, friend who truly did live life to it's fullest, combining his many other passions and work with such high intensity. Rest now, Brennen, as heaven doesn't need to be organized!!! ...... your job is done and so much appreciated by so many..... Your other mom. RIP

- Dianne King ( Mother-in-law )

I was very sorry to read Brennen's obituary in the Vancouver Sun recently. What I remember was the the love he had for his family and the pride he had in his profession. My condolences to Jessica, Christine and Emma.

- Dr. Doug Cooper

So sorry for your loss, Jessica. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...Love Helen and Trevor

- Helen and Trevor Erlendson

My deepest condolences to Brennen's family. I was only lucky enough to know Brennen for a short time, but he was an amazing man and I will always treasure his friendship.

- Lisa Dekker

Jess, wanted to share this with you. Well it is taking me some time to take this in. I still have a hard time understanding how someone can be here one minute and gone the next. I've lost my family far too early and have now lost my friend & mentor at the railway. When I started at CN I met a guy named Brennen Barr. He trained me as a Conductor. I will always remember the way he was patient and kind to me even though I had no idea what I was doing. He taught me to respect the equipment I was working with and how to be safe 100% of the time. In 2007, Brennen encouraged me to get more active and involved in the Union. He endorsed me to become a Local Chairman for the Teamsters. I had no idea even where to begin. He gave me hours and hours of training and helped me to understand grievances and the investigative process. We spent a lot of time together discussing many things, some work related and some personal. We became very close and our bond strengthened. In 2008, I began training as a Locomotive Engineer and it was Brennen that again took me under his wing and took the time to make sure I knew the rules, the operating manual and was able to operate trains in a safe and smooth way. Once again he took the time, patience and always had a good attitude with his new/old trainee. The past couple of years he had been battling with cancer. He dealt the battle like a true hero. It is with great sadness that I am forced to say goodbye and not see my mentor anymore. Sometimes when I drive a train, I still imagine that he is still in the trainer seat beside me. When I write grievances, I often think how would Brennen approach this or what would he do? He still helps me and always will. Life is short my friends. You have to do what you love and what inspires you. Take the time to enjoy this life and the ones you love. The greatest gift Brennen has given to me is that people remember how you treat them. Be kind to them, help them, educate them... Dallas

- Dallas Lang

I am so so sorry to learn of the passing of my brother so long ago although I lost touch with him I never stopped thinking about him . Rip

- Curtis Harrison

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