Richard John Barnsley
November 24, 1943 – November 22, 2025
Richard John Barnsley was born into the loving home of Art and Gertie Barnsley on November 24, 1943, at Doc Steele’s hospital in Balcarres, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family’s mixed farm with his older brother Foster and enjoyed a childhood filled with adventures and hard work on the farm.
From an early age, Richard had an inquisitive nature and was particularly interested in how all things worked. By age 10 he had converted a corner of his parent’s basement into a workshop. He was quickly recognized by his neighbours as a resource and was called upon to fix and re-engineer their machinery. At 14 years of age, he charged his first customer for the work completed; so began Richard’s Repairs. He took pleasure in working with his employees to help his customers and became lifelong friends with many of the people who visited the shop.
Richard asked Ann out for their first date at the Yorkton 4-H Regional cattle show and thus began a beautiful relationship. Richard loved ‘his Annie’ and together they overcame, persevered, served, loved many and built a strong home for their children and grandchildren. Their plans for welding pipelines and nursing in the north as a newly married couple were suddenly changed by the death of his father Art one year into their marriage. They decided to remain on the farm to provide for his mom and to help care for his two younger siblings, Trudy (Florence) and Jim. A few years later, daughters Carol and Judith were born and life on this multigenerational farmyard was a place of love and security for all who lived there.
In the midst of farming and repairing, Richard took a keen interest in politics at all levels serving as reeve of the RM of Abernethy and playing an active role in the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association where he made many lifelong friends and found great satisfaction in the changes that eventually came from their hard work.
Over time, Richard chose to focus his attention on the repair business and rented out the farm to neighbours. However, his insatiable love of entrepreneurship led him to auction school in Mason City, Iowa and this sideline eventually grew into Midway Auctions. He found much joy in the work and relationships he built with the buyers, the sellers, his employees and the auction community at large.
After winding down his business career, Richard moved to Balcarres and found a job helping build Terminal 22 and later worked on maintenance of the elevator. He also made many, many trips to Victoria to spend time with Adam and Carol and to Melvin and Judith’s farm at Hepburn to make life better in countless ways and spend precious time with his granddaughters Rachel and Kate.
In his true retirement, Richard and Ann built their dream home at Katepwa and life was filled with the joy of amazing friendships, singing in choirs, golfing, skiing and being an active member and volunteer with the Balcarres and Katepwa Lions Clubs, the Katepwa Trans Canada Trail and the Katepwa Golf Course.
Richard was a man of faith and a lifelong member of Knox United Church in Abernethy. He was not afraid to die and considered the 13 years following his bypass surgery to be greatly valued borrowed time.
On October 1, 2025, Richard and Ann moved to Hepburn, SK. A few weeks later they moved into their new home where he died suddenly but peacefully in the presence of his family, one day short of their 57th wedding anniversary.
Richard had a strong desire to serve and leave the world a better place than he found it and in so doing, became a true friend to many. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held in Balcarres Lions’ Hall on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Please note the change of date due to the snow storm. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE RICHARD BARNSLEY
(Live stream provided directly by the family)
Donations in memory of Richard can be made to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, Knox United Church, Box 208, Abernethy, SK S0A 0A0 or The Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
So very sorry for your shocking loss. Our heartfelt condolences Ann and family.
Please accept sincere condolences from the Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association. Richard was a valued, active member of our Association for many years, and contributed to the auction business in Saskatchewan greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go to Ann and the entire family.
Sorry to see that Richard has passed, very well respected in all he has done, tremendous supporter in the auction industry for many years, condolences to the family, he will be missed.
Condolences to family and friends
So sorry to hear of Richard’s sudden passing. I will definitely miss him on the golf course. My sincere condolences to Ann and family
RIP Richard
So sorry and saddened to hear of Richard’s sudden passing, many warm and wonderful memories come into mind, been at the auctions, him telling Charles he hasn’t time to fix a piece of equipment he had to buy a new one….we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family Ann our thoughts are with you…sorry we will
Not make the Memorial as we are in Mexico but will be thinking about you all
We were deeply saddened by the news of Richard’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Ann and family and friends.
To family my deep condolences. A short 3 years ago I met Richard and had the distinct pleasure of his company and banter on the Katepwa golf course . A great gentleman to which I will sadly miss him.
We are so sad to hear this. I had such a good Chat with Richard recently and he was saying you guys were just a couple days from moving into your new place. Richard will be missed by all that knew him. Hugs to you and your family Ann. RIP Friend ❤️
I have visited my many memories this past week of my cousin
Richard. So many good memories.
Ann,you and Richard created a wonderful loving family and I know they will hold you tight with love .
Our deepest sympathy to you Ann and all of the family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were sadened to hear of his passing.
Ann and Family, Totally shocked by the passing of my friend Richard, So many great memories of time spent with Richard over the years. Starting by playing shinny on the big slough just east of the Barnsley house, Richard’s dad Art played goal and used shovel for a goal stick. We then went back to the house and downstairs to Richards domain. Richard had set up earphones to use and hacked into the phone system and could listen to all party line phone calls. Later on Richard in his shop added some things to my trucks that made things a lot simpler for the drivers and me also. Richard was a great community person and was involved in all projects that improved the community. Richard was a great human being and a strong Christian man. Ann may God Comfort You All and help you through this difficult time. Also May God Bless You All. May in Peace Richard because you deserve it. Barry Trapp
May Yoi feel a giant hug from me Ann. My condolences to you and yoiur family….and the community of Hepburn who will never see Richard out there on his tractor quietly and humbly doing all kinds of ongoing community service. I am certain Richard will rest at peace knowing you are in your new home close to family. Rest in peace Richard…you were a true humble servant who used your given talents to the world always
Our condolences and prayers for his wife, and family,
So Sorry…
Len & Hilda Tieszen
me and bro. Don send our condolences Richard did many things , one I remember was the ‘ real ‘ Santa in good old Abernethy Legion hall every Christmas. Such great times and super gifts !!.
This is not a good year for me as well , as my Sister Hilarie just past away Nov. 4 /25 very suddenly.
Take care Ann and family we remember Richard very well
One of my favourite people!
My sincere condolences to his beautiful family.
He will be missed by many.
I sure enjoyed skiing with Richard and Anne at Sunshine Village.
Latter got to know his politics and faith. Ours were very, very similar. Will miss Richard
We were just getting to know Richard and Ann and looking forward to a friendship with our new neighbours. Our thought and prayers go out to Ann and family as does our support in any way we can help Ann as she settles into a new chapter.
Sending sincerest condolences to Ann and family. Richard was a renaissance man who made significant contributions.
Ann and family,
Richard was one who was in our lives at different times and places. Even though it has been years since we chatted at the Abernethy Fair, I remember it well and very happy to share those moments. Miles apart, near at heart. Sadness to hear he has left, but he’ll never be forgotten for his good works and dedication to his Maker while here.. Mary & Scotty Carr, Nanaimo
So sorry for your loss, Florence. You and your family will be in my heart and prayers. Suzy McKay
Very kind, humorous, considerate and noble man. Terry and girls have fond memories of having conversations with him one time or another. We enjoy the fire pit he constructed for us many years ago. He was one of a kind and I am so glad I had the honor to let to let him know, few years ago.
Our condolences to Richard’s family 🙏 A distant relative, he was so kind to visit with us 2 summers ago in Regina and tell me stories of other family members that I never had the opportunity to meet. May he rest in peace ❤️
Allison, Jerry, Anastasia and Dionysios Destounis
Our deepest condolences to you Ann and family. So sorry that we cannot attend Richard’s funeral as we were planning to. Bill is still sick with the flu and coughing lots. Cannot be in public. We hope to get to see you when Adam plays in Saskatoon. Take care Ann.
My deepest condolences to Ann and family. In the years I spent in Balcarres Richard was one of the most community minded people I had the pleasure to get to know. A guy that would help you out if it was possible and that he did for the many years Ron and I were in business. Saddened to hear of Richards passing and like many I will hold on to many great memories.
My sincere condolences to Ann & family!
Dear Ann & Family. Our deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of Richard. He was an inspiring and patient leader that I learned from in the auction busines. Due to his busy-ness he passed the torch to me for singing for Chrisitian womens . Our prayers go out to your family.
Condolences to Ann and family. Richard was a great guy and we enjoyed working with him. We were lucky to have him help us various times at our Auction Sales and really appreciated it.
Howard and Frances Shaver
Warm wishes to you Ann. We recall our last conversation at the Fort before we moved to the Luther Tower in Saskatoon, just celebrating being alive, friendships and possibilities. We were late getting the news but spent Christmas evening with that in our family circle. Peace and joy. Murray and Pat
Kind, funny and smart. The world needs more people like Richard.