Obituary of Ronald T. Barkhouse

Age 87, of Halifax, passed away on April 7, 2014 in Halifax. Born in New Ross, he was the son of the late Alfred and Annie (Meister) Barkhouse.Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor; daughters, Dawn, Centreville Mountain; Lesley (Phil), Beechville; son, Robert (BettyAnn), New Ross; grandchildren, Eric (Rachel), Emily Fawcett (Jonathan), Ryan, Jonathan, and Jessica Barkhouse, Jessie and Leah Pynn; great-grandson, Heath Russell. He was predeceased by his son, James "Jimmy"; brother, Phillip; sister, Lorraine.He operated Barkhouse's General Store and Lumber for many years, until securing the seat in Lunenburg East for the Conservative Party in the 1974 provincial election. Ron served as MLA for three consecutive terms and was appointed to the Executive Council in 1979 as Minister of Mines and Energy. During his tenure, North America's first tidal generating station opened in 1984 in Annapolis. Ron served as President and CEO of the Tidal Power Corporation until 1993, always maintaining a strong belief in the future development and role of tidal energy in Nova Scotia.He took an active, life long interest in his community, representing  New Ross for  over 20 years as Councillor on the Chester Municipal Council, was first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Ross Consolidated School and a 60 year member of Norwood Masonic Lodge and long serving Shriner. Ron was the Chairman of the New Ross Centennial Committee, formed to officially commemorate Canada's 100th anniversary. The committee went on to promote a project for 150th anniversary of the founding of New Ross, culminating in the opening of Ross Farm Museum in 1970. Ron was the founding President of Ross Farm Museum Society.In retirement, he was active in genealogy, was founding President of the New Ross Historical Society and spent years researching countless Lunenburg County families. Ron and Vernon Keddy published "100 Days to Freedom", the Genealogy of the Barkhouse Family. Ron was a recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation, both the Queen Elizabeth II Silver and Golden Jubilee Medals, and the Dr. Phyllis E. Blakely Lifetime Achievement Award.Ron will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the community of New Ross and former constituents of Chester St. Margaret’s, as well as his contribution to the collection of genealogical information throughout Lunenburg County.Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., PO Box 981, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 (902-798-8317). There will be no visitation or reception by request. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 10 at 2:00 p.m. in New Ross Baptist Church, Rev. Murray Shaw officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Ron may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca