With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dad, Warren Earl Barker, at the age of 92.
Warren was best known as the legendary news director at CKNW Radio, from 1959 to 1991, when the station was located on McBride Boulevard in New Westminster.
Winner of the 1985 BC Broadcast Performer of the Year; the 1993 Bruce Hutchison Lifetime Achievement Award; inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1998, Warren was one of the most well-respected radio broadcasters in British Columbia. His work ethic, familiar voice, and ability to attract the best team of news people, enabled CKNW to remain the ‘Top Dog’ of radio news for over three decades.
Warren was raised on the family farm in Okotoks, Alberta, by his parents, Pearl and Willis Roy Barker. Willis had hoped that his son would take over the farming legacy in the family, but Warren had other plans. As a young man, after living in Edmonton, and briefly in Red Deer, he left Alberta for the West Coast, with first stop in Victoria BC, then on to New Westminster where his life would change, both personally and professionally.
He met his first wife, Ronnie, when she was working as an usher at the Paramount Theatre on Columbia Street. He finally worked up the nerve to ask her out, and the rest fell into place. They married in January 1956, and left the frigid West Coast for a romantic honeymoon on Waikiki Beach. Decades later, Warren would reminisce saying “When they arrived in Hawaii, they did not have much money, but survived on Love” Eventually, they built the family home in North Burnaby, where Ronnie raised the three children, while Warren worked endless hours at the CKNW news room. The house in Burnaby was Warren’s home for more than 50 years.
After Ronnie passed, Warren was introduced through friends to Norma McBeath. The chemistry was instant and they later married. Norma will fondly be remembered for hosting wonderful Christmas Eve family gatherings, for hosting the annual summer CKNW old-timer’s bash and for the happy times she shared with Warren.
Although working well into his 70’s, Warren was able to enjoy many years of retirement. He enjoyed travel to China, Britain, Europe, Hawaii, several cruises, and his all-time favorite, road trips through California and Arizona. One highlight adventure was a West Coast, Major League Baseball “trip of a lifetime” through California, with son Lee and grandson Daniel. He enjoyed books, newspapers, magazines, jazz music, and watching professional sports on TV such as the World Series and the British Open. In his later years, he was able to spend more time with his family enjoying brunch at the White Spot, picnics and backyard BBQ’s.
Warren is survived by his children, sons Brian (Diana), Lee (Wendy), daughter Karen, grandchildren, Breanna (Jason), Ryan, Alison (Nathan), Daniel, great-grandsons, Gabriel, Gavin Warren, and Gio. Also survived by his stepsons, Bruce (Trish), Brent (Peri). Predeceased by his parents Pearl and Willis, his first wife Ronnie (married 39 years), his second wife Norma (married 11 years), his sister Betty.
Cremation under the care of Kearney Columbia-Bowell, New Westminster.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to the CKNW Kids’ Fund would be appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held once the Provincial Health Restrictions are lifted.
Please check back here to see updated information as it becomes available.