Obituary of William Barnhardt

William ‘Bill’ Barnhardt 1937-2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Barnhardt at the age of 88 years

Bill was a loving father to Robert ‘Bobby’ (Gill), cherished grandad ‘Opa Billy’ to Stefan (Sanne) and Robbie (Natalia), great grandad to Joshua and Zac, devoted partner and soulmate to Elizabeth ‘Liz’, ‘Uncle Bill’ to Barbara ‘Barb’ McGuire and adopted uncle to Johnny (Timmins, Ont.)

Bill was born in Henrietta Street, Fort Erie and was one of six siblings. At the age of eighteen, disillusioned with the opportunities available in his hometown he crossed the bridge into Buffalo NY with the intention of signing up for the U.S. Marine Corps, however the recruitment office was closed but a few doors away was the US Air Force recruitment office so he signed up there instead. Thus ensued a journey which would take him around the world, having been stationed in the UK, France, Turkey, Italy and Germany among others, including a tour of duty at Phu Cat Airbase, Vietnam from 1967-68. When he retired from the military in 1975 he returned to North America, firstly spending two years in Las Vegas and eventually returning to his home town. His time in latter years was spent visiting family in Europe with Liz, watching his beloved baseball and football and from time to time sinking a few ‘cold ones’ on his patio with family and friends while listening to the likes of Hank Williams and Jim Reeves. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Karen Stewart, Darqu and Dale Burns, Barb and Pete, and Bonnie and Randy for their selfless and continued help and support, you know what you did.

And finally a very special thank you to Dr. Kim Scher, who went beyond the call of duty during the whole process of palliative care.

RIP buddy until we meet again some day xx

Arrangements entrusted to Benner Funeral Services, Fort Erie, Ontario.