In Memory of Cecil Clive Barrett
It is with deep sadness that we announce that our precious husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa Cecil, passed away suddenly at home on February 8 at the age of 92.
Cherished husband of Roma (nee Nicolle) for more than 65 years. Treasured father to Reginald (Eleanor), Susan (Dean), Nicolle (Andy – predeceased) and James (Lisa). Loving grandpa to Emily (Pat), Ian (Katrina), Leah (Nick), Barrett, Adelaide and Jakob (Thisbeth). Blessed great-grandpa to Emmett, Arwen, William and Luke.
Cecil was born on August 5, 1932 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Reginald and Edith (nee Monk). He was the ninth of twelve children. He will be missed by his surviving sister Joan and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Cecil was predeceased by his siblings Albert, Arthur, Genevieve, Kathleen, Reginald, Roger, Leslie, Delmarie, Nelson and Bob.
After high school he relocated to Ottawa to start a career with the Government of Canada. He met Roma while they were both working at the Royal Canadian Mint. They married on September 5, 1959. In addition to the Royal Canadian Mint he worked for Agriculture Canada at the Experimental Farm, and finished his career with 31 years of service at the National Research Council in the Buildings Material Research Department.
As a young boy growing up in Portage La Prairie Cecil spent many hours working at his family’s leather goods and harness store helping his father and older brothers run the business. This entrepreneurial spirit translated into Cecil opening his own business in the village of Cumberland, Barrett’s Shop, that he operated from 1974 to 2002.
He was a talented athlete in his younger years, and continued his lifetime passions of curling and games like Bridge until the end. Dad was a passionate and capable gardener from the time he was a young boy. He took great pride in his massive vegetable garden each year right up until last summer.
He was also a community-minded spirit, a leader who organized large community sport days, and fundraised to build Cumberland’s first arena.
Cecil will be missed by many.
Family and friends are invited to Heritage Funeral Complex 1250 Trim Road, Ottawa (Orleans) ON on Thursday February 13 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. and Friday February 14 at 10a.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel at 11a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Cecil was a very good guy he was our landlord for a long time he will be sadly missed from marc and Jean we know his family for a long time RIp Cecil
My deepest sympathy to family & friends . He was such a kind man always there to help may he RIP
My deepest sympathy to the Barrett family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
We will miss rounding the corner and seeing Cecil puttering around his yard always ready to talk to us about numerous subjects, especially his garden and the many changes that have taken place in the community over the years.
We undoubtedly will remember him with fondness and, extend our sincerest sympathy to Roma and Family.
Cecil will be greatly missed by his Thursday bridge friends at Roy Hobbs.. He always had a story to share, and was kind and welcoming. His generous nature meant that he several times provided surprise prizes to the winner of the day As well, being the consummate gardener that he was, fresh produce from his garden often found its way to us.
Thank-you, Cecil. We will miss your kind spirit.
Dear Roma, Reg and family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your entire family. I am so grateful that I got to know Cecil when he and Roma came to visit Reg and Eleanor. My last cherished memory is during a Christmas visit to Reg and Eleanor’s while my father, Cecil and Roma were here. There was great laughter and story telling as my dad and Cecil sat side by side getting acquainted and sharing memories of times gone by. I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. May you be comforted by being together and the memories you hold. My love and prayers are with you.
Donna Tomie
Dear Roma and family. I was so saddened to hear of Cecil’s passing. Time is so precious for us all. I was privileged to know your husband/father/grandfather. He was a class act. I met Cecil at the Blackburn Hamlet bridge club. He was always a gracious gentleman, even when the bridge hands didn’t go his way! I loved hearing about his life and the joy his family gave to him. He always had a lovely smile and was ready to engage in the conversation, no matter the topic. On Friday, Feb 7th he and his partner were #1 in the N/S ranking! I will miss him, as I know you will also. He was a good man. I was blessed to have known him. My sincerest condolences to you all. Janice Attree-Smith
Thinking of you Roma, Reg, Sue, Niki, Jamie and all the family on your loss. Cecil was a great guy and loved by so many. We were so glad we got to visit you last Spring and Cecil was able to drive and pick us up at the Airport. We won’t be there in person but know you are all in our thoughts at this sad time. Love from your brother Bill & Anne Nicolle, Stratford, PEI
Cecil was just plainly a great guy. Sharing driving with him to and from Cumberland to NRC – through winter snowstorms; planting hundreds of trees on our adjoining properties; admiring his housebuilding and store building prowess (and results); and gardening! And of course his marriage to super-Roma from PEI (like me…) and their raising of truly great kids! A good man, a good life!
Roma and Cecil were the best neighbours we ever had. We did so many things together raising our young families, including camping, family gatherings and Maple hall dances. When Cecil laughed you really could feel how funny he found things. His laughter was contagious. He got a kick out of so many things and was a joy to be around. He was always cheery and brightened our day. We will miss him and we will never forget him.
Joan Platts
Dear Roma and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Cecil’s passing. A few years ago my mom and I had an impromtu visit and Cecil was working so happily in the garden. He mentioned how we kids were so young and he could hear us all off in the fields and up on the ridge while he was gardening. He was chuckling how we would run wild and the adults couldn’t see us but could hear us . I was very touched that he had memories of how our young lives were back then and how he enjoyed hearing the echoes while he worked. I found that so poignant and it stuck with me. I asked him if I could roam the woods of my childhood, and Cecil and I had the nicest walk in the woods while Roma and Joan had tea. Cecil pointed out where the old wine press was that had been our captain’s ship. We strolled through memory lane and it was so nice. My childhood was made extra special by such a nice family. Cecil was so lovely and my thoughts are with you all.
Margot Marcellus (Platts)
I’m very sorry for the loss of your sweet Dad. Happy memories of time spent at the Curling Club… either in a game or helping out with food or drink or ice-making. Your Dad was always there to lend a helping hand. May his memory be a blessing.
Original sent Feb.11/25
My sincerest condolences to Roma and the Barrett family.
I will miss visiting with Cec. A good friend.
Don
Loved Cecils laugh and his smile when he talked. I remember always going to visit Sue and Reggie. Walking over to their place through the fields along the split rail fence. Playing on the pirate ship (the old wine press) . Cecil and Roma, didn’t hover. The mud pies and playing on the wine press. What joy. Years later there is still talk of Sue and I getting absolutely covered in mud.
Never a cross word from Cecil or Roma. Warm and welcome. That’s a great memory.
Jamie and family – so sorry to hear about your Dad. The community has for sure lost another long time contributing member and will be missed. I think I still miss my trips to the Hardware store for odds and ends and of course conversation with your Dad. Wonderful memories.
Pat Tierney
Cecil was a great neighbour to me while at that time with my 2 daughters Tina and Tanya and husband now divorced in 1987 many fond memories of him and Tanya enjoyed Jamie as a playmater and on occasional times Reg and Susan babysat for us as well this was in 1980thru to 85 and his paint store was always useful as well RIP Cecil condolences to the familiy
Our deepest sympathies for your great loss, the community has lost a great person, RIP Cecil, Lise & Reynald 🙏🙏
Our deepest sympathy to family and friends. It was a pleasure to know Cecil.
Mirjana and Drew and family
Reg, Roma and family – my deepest sympathy to you on the passing of Cecil. I have fond memories of Cecil growing up in the Orleans area. He was a great friend to the Clark family. A truly wonderful individual !!
I am so grateful to have met Cecil a couple of weeks ago at the mall. He had just finished coffee with friends when he came over, and we had a nice chat. I have fond memories of him from the Cumberland Curling Club.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Nancy Toonders (Edwards)
It is always sad to say goodbye to friends but Cecil was special to us always. As a neighbor he always kept aneye on the shop at J.A. Williams sales for any strange happenings and any times alerted us or the authorities in time to save disasters. We were always thankful for his vigilance. Roma is a great soul and a great companion. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies.
Nicole… you were my best friend in Public School (Cumberland). My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I have often thought about you and your family. I remembered that your dad owned the Barrett Shop in Cumberland. Wish you well my friend. It is really tough losing a parent. I would love to see you again and catch up on the good old days.
Take good care and God bless you and your family xox Cathy
Email: cgiven007@protonmail.com
We wish You & Your Family. Our sincerest Sympathies.. Our prayers are with You for Your Loss.. Cecil was a great Person.