John Barrie KCSG FCA - an appreciation

John Barrie KCSG FCA

John Barrie KCSG FCA (1931-1923) - an appreciation

John was a member of our Society for 40 years. The tidiness of this number would have appealed to John's orderly mind. John wrote a brilliant History of the Society which was published in 2019 and he introduced countless new members over the decades. His contribution was appreciated by successive Archbishops of Westminster.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing John will not forget him. He was softly spoken, had a distinctive gait, twinkling eyes and a gentle smile. He was courteous, charming and funny.

John paid attention to the things which matter and he was a stickler for correct procedure. John once commented that one of his retirement hobbies was attending AGMs! Anyone who served with, or under him, on one of a myriad of committees, will have been grateful for the rigour he brought to proceedings. Important things were not forgotten and his organised culture reduced the burden on colleagues.

He was interested in the lives of friends and colleagues, remembering everyone and details about their families. People were drawn to John, his strong faith, his wise counsel and reliability. Many of us became involved in Catholic organisations thanks to John's encouragement.

John's service to the Church and its people was monumental and it is hard to imagine how he could have done more. He was Grand President of the Catenian Association (1997-1998); Treasurer (1989-1996), Chairman (2003-2013) and Vice President (2014-2023) of the Society of St Augustine of Canterbury; Vice Chairman (2007-2010) and, latterly, Vice President, of the Catholic Union. John was Treasurer of the Cardinal Hume Centre (1995-2002) and he was involved with the Visit to Britain of Pope John Paul II in 1982. He served as a member of the Council of the Association of Papal Orders, as a school governor and was a keen supporter of many other Catholic organisations and causes.

John was appointed a Knight of St Gregory in 1982 by His Holiness and elevated to the rank of Knight Commander in 2002.

He loved his family and cherished his membership of the MCC. Our thoughts and prayers are with Una and his family. May he rest in peace and rise in eternal glory.

Richard Collyer-Hamlin, Secretary, Society of Saint Augustine

His funeral at St John Baptist Purley on 28 November at noon.

It will be streamed on: www.johnthebaptistpurley.org.uk/livestream/