An update from his daughter Katie: Peacefully and surrounded by family, our loving father, John Barron, passed away Monday afternoon after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He finally found peace while listening to a recording of the 1975 Ontario Youth Choir. Most incredibly, he took his last breath on the last note of the last piece on the recording, which was Le Temps de Vivre. After being unconscious for several hours, he then lifted his arms and folded his hands across his chest. It was beautiful and so very fitting.
The visitation will be Thursday May 8, from 6-9 pm, at Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St West, Toronto. The service is to be Saturday May 10 at 2 pm, at Eglinton St George’s United Church in Toronto. Carol Beynon and Lydia Adams are heading up organizing the music for the service and there will be a call put out for singers who would like to participate (both from Amabile and from Toronto and other connections). There will be a lot of singing and many different conductors participating. My dad took a lot of pleasure planning this service during his last weeks of life.
Dad was an inspiration both musically and personally. He will remain in the hearts of many, especially his devoted wife, Lowell Barron, my sisters and me. We could not have asked for a more loving, gentle, and kind-hearted father.
Thanks for a great tribute to a great friend, Katie! In John’s memory the family has asked that donations be made to the “John & Lowell Barron Amabile Choirs Fund” through the choirs or London Community Foundation. More information on transportation for choristers who are able to be a part of the service will be coming soon. Watch our Facebook page “The Amabile Choirs” for updates.
Click here for the full story of John’s life and music.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lowell and the Barron family. We are honoured to be asked to be a part of the celebration of John’s life and music.
Wade Baillie,
Chair, Board of Directors
Amabile Choirs of London, Canada