Michael "Mike" S. Barnard

On the date of Thursday, June 18, 2026 the world lost a man that was larger than life, Michael "Mike" S. Barnard. A caring husband, loving father and brother. Mike started life off in England, growing up and moving around with his military family until he settled in the small village of Lower Froyle. Upon his father’s deployment overseas, he decided to stay with his aunt, Kate and uncle, Lenn, along with cousins, Raymond, Allen and David who he treated like brothers. As an adult, Mike started and built a great life and career as a soldier for the British Army, serving as a Royal Engineer for almost 30 years. He travelled the four corners of the globe, undertaking many adventures, including climbing mountains and crossing deserts. He had been around the world and the only place he’d never go again is the Falkland Islands. He said Newfoundland held a special place in his heart for its beauty and wilderness. In 1990 on what would be his final tour and retirement for the Royal Engineers in Aldershot, Nova Scotia, he met his dedicated and loving wife, Carole, who stood by him through thick and thin until the very end. Together they started a family, having their son, Christopher and planted roots in the Annapolis Valley. After they settled, Mike built a very successful career as a real estate agent. His career in real estate yielded a long list of achievements and awards. He often said that his career would never have been so successful without his business partner and friend, Gary Morse and of course his partner in crime (for 25 years), Becky McDow, who kept him organized and in line (most of the time). Mike had a major influence on the small valley he called home and the people he met. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Kentville and a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of New Minas, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and held most positions on the executive, including, President and served as the district, Sergeant-at-Arms for the 2015 District Conference. Mike is often described as a "true, loyal friend". One of his proudest moments in life was becoming a Canadian citizen and his passion for life’s  adventures never faded, whether it was hunting at his camp, fishing new lakes or traveling to new places and meeting new people, he was always up for whatever was next and left a lasting impression on everyone he met along the way. He’s survived by his loving wife, Carole (Currie); his son, Christopher Barnard (Kristyn Remme); brother, Keith (Olivia) Barnard; sister, Linda (Cliff) Maidment and his dog, Tucker. He will be dearly missed by his golfing buddies, who he would tell often to "hit them long and straight and not too often", and the men from the camp, "Valhalla", all who had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with him. In honoring Mike’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. There will be a gathering at Mike and Carole’s (on Murphy Lake) to celebrate Mike’s life on Saturday, August 8, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. In true Barnard fashion, a party it will be. Donations in memory may be made to Camp Brigadoon or Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.