Jack C. Barron

When Jack Barron wrote an autobiographical account in 1997 it was impressive for a person who seldom wrote anything but his own signature.   Did he suspect that he might be writing most of his own obituary?  An adapted version follows:

     On August 15, 1920 I came into the world at Glyndon, Minnesota. Perry and Hazel (Ebeltoft) Barron were great parents to guide me.  In 1936 the family moved to Baudette; but I didn’t like that high school so I returned to Glyndon, found work for my room and board, and graduated in ’38.

     The next four years were hit and miss, but I was able to join the carpenters’ union and carpentry work helped me to survive those depression years. And I got to see some of the country: Fargo, St.Paul, Chicago, Las Vegas, L.A, and Seattle.

     In ’42 Uncle Sam requested my services. The 1341st Combat Engineers built army camps in Hawaii, and, attached to the 4th Marines, made beach landings in Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa (for which we received a Presidential Unit Citation). It sure was a pleasure to return to the US in ‘ 46.  While building again, I was able to earn a degree in Drafting and Estimating from Whapeton State School of Science in North Dakota in 1950.

     In ’51 a great young lady, Mildred Holt, entered my life and we were married in ’52. Sally and David came along with the package, and Peggy, Cheryl, and Karen in time joined our family. Despite plans to live happily ever after, cancer took my wife in early ’62. With a huge debt and 5 kids ages 1-15, things were tough! But somehow we made it through and, next to your kids; I have the 5 best kids in the world!

     In 1975 after my carpentry partner of 25 years, Norm Ebeltoft, retired, I took the job as maintenance man for North Star Electric. I stayed there for 10 years until I retired to cribbage and a fishing pole.  (Also to gardening, cooking, and, best of all, time with family).

     I moved to the House of Commons (Northwoods Commons) in 1997 and I don’t think I made a mistake.  As of now, plans for my next move will be about ¼ mile south of town, where I am sure I will meet many friends!

Jack was active in the 1st Congregational Church of Baudette, serving in many leadership roles.  Community involvement included coaching Little League Baseball, helping the Food Shelf, and the crew that cleaned fish for the DNR every fall.

 Although he was 94, Jack’s death on Tuesday Dec. 9 was rather unexpected. But happily it was peaceful. Preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Harry, Gordon, and Donald.  Survived by brother Charles and sister Phyllis Dunn (Sis) as well as all five children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

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