BARKER, Irene (wife of EMCC Ordained Minister, Rev. David Barker)
October 21, 1939 – January 30, 2021
On Saturday, January 30th, at 3:40 am, while at home, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Irene Barker passed peacefully into the arms of her Saviour Jesus whom she loved so dearly.
Irene was born at home on October 21, 1939, in Liverpool, England to Annie Victoria or “Queenie” (Cottrell) and William Trussell and was their only living child. She was born at the start of World War II and named Irene, meaning Peace. Irene grew up in post-war Liverpool, attending Holly Lodge High School for Girls until she was 16 years old when she left school and began office work. As a young child brought to Sunday School, she accepted Christ into her life. She had a clear personal faith and trust in Jesus and dedicated her life to serving Him, whatever the cost. At Calvary Baptist Church, in her late teens and early twenties, she led the youth with her boyfriend/fiance/husband, David Barker.
With their young family in 1971, Dave and Irene followed the call of the Lord to Canada to continue their evangelistic ministry and were welcomed by a small church in Stouffville called Memorial Christian church. Eventually moving into Toronto in 1976, Dave joined the staff of Banfield Evangelical Missionary Church as their pastor of evangelism. This became home for 9 years before being commissioned to plant Cabbagetown Community Church in the inner city of Toronto. In each of these places, Irene exemplified generosity, kindness, and care, “looking not only to her own interests but also to the interests of others” with her main desire for others to know Jesus.
For several years, Irene worked for Rex Humbard Association, then Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, where she developed a passion for helping children overseas.
Following yet another call of the Lord, Dave and Irene moved to the Tri-Cities area of Vancouver, BC in 1991. There they planted Evergreen Evangelical Missionary Church and Irene became office manager when the church became Hillside Church. Developing many new friendships and loving each of the communities in which she found herself, Irene continued encouraging people to come to Christ and to church, mentoring and discipling many.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for our immediate family at Calvary Baptist Church in Coquitlam next Saturday, February 13th. Live Stream Service (YouTube) will begin at 12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
There will be a Drive-by time at 2:00 pm at the church and our family would love you to join us for this if you are able. This will be an opportunity to drop off cards and very briefly express your love and appreciation for both Irene and Dave and our family.
You can also visit calvarybaptist.ca and scroll down to the “Events” section for these details.
Please view Irene’s obituary here. We would love for you to share your memories and stories of Irene there.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Tearfund Canada (formerly World Relief) as children, relief and development have been some of Irene's passions for many years. www.tearfund.ca/irenebarker This link will be live shortly. The link is also on her obituary page at A Simple Cremation.
EMCC Communications
February 9, 2021
