Obituaries

Donald Kenneth Barnett

September 07, 1959 - January 25, 2026

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Obituary For Donald Kenneth Barnett

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Kenneth Barnett (Barney) on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 66 years after a brief battle with cancer.

Don was born on September 7, 1959, in Lethbridge, AB, to Patricia and Andy Barnett. The family moved to Grande Prairie in 1963, where Don would happily call “home” for life.

Don graduated from Grande Prairie Composite High in June 1977 and, in August, began what would be a 41-year career with Alberta Power/ATCO Electric.

Don was an avid golfer from a very early age. Over the years, he was a member at both the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club and The Dunes, enjoying league play and many tournaments. The Barnett family cabin was located at Sturgeon Lake and helped feed his love for fishing, campfires, and chores, while taking time to ensure kids were thrown from the tube. Don had a love for cigars and conversation, well known for his storytelling and dry humour. He could captivate a dinner table on any occasion.

Don is survived by his wife, Maureen; son Joshua; mother Patricia, brothers Dennis, Warren, and Brent; mother-in-law Laurice Sebastian; as well as in-laws, nephews, a niece, many loving cousins, and extended family members.

He was predeceased by his father, Andy Barnett.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave). Refreshments will be served.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held in June 2026, with details to be shared at a later date.

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Condolences

  • January 29, 2026

    Maureen and Joshua, I'm saddened to hear of Don's passing. Both myself and Deanna thought kindly of him. Don was one of the first people to welcome us to the area when we moved in next door almost 13 years ago. Don and yourself Maureen, are two of the kindest people we've come to meet in our neighborhood. We're going to miss the little chats in the front yard either cleaning snow or mowing the lawn. He always had some advice on how to get the grass greener or easier way to clear of the weeds. He was very knowledgeable. Please accept condolences on behalf of your neighbours, Lawrence and Deanna Bowers. Rest In Peace Don,

  • January 29, 2026

    My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • January 29, 2026

    I also worked with Don for many years with Atco Electric. Don had a keen eye with paperwork and the handwriting to go with it. He could also quote most safety rules by memory. Our sincere condolences to Maureen and family. Rest in Peace Don. Dave and Melissa Makarenko

  • January 28, 2026

    Condolences Maureen. We are so sorry to hear this. You are in our thoughts ❤️ Erin Lynch and Vince and Jonny Hulan

  • January 28, 2026

    If there is a golf coarse in heaven that shows Toronto Maple Leaf's hockey games Don will be there. I worked with Don at Alberta Power and Atco Electric until I retired in 2006 (37 years) so I had lots of up close contact with Don on line crews and service dept. Rest in peace Don we will always remember those years of working together. Condolences to the families on behalf of Brian & Norma Lank

  • January 28, 2026

    I worked with Don extensively threw my career with APL/ATCO between 1981-2015. His paperwork was impickable, and was always there to assist with advice. He worked with me on the Liveline Crew( he new procedures) great guy, will miss you buddy. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to Moreen and all the families. Ed Zaichkowsky

  • January 28, 2026

    I had so many great memories, couple come to mind spend so many great times at the Barnett family cabin at sturgeon when Don and I were in the early teens. We always fished in front of the cabin rowing the 12 aluminum boat out to our favourite fishing spot. It was a very hot afternoon and the fishing was fantastic. We didn't pay much attention to the huge cloud bank that showed up just over the cabin until it was to late a white sheet of Hail came over the cabin packed by a very strong wind. Don started to paddle towards shore but it didn't do us any good we heading towards the middle of the lake hit by golf ball sized hail stones. Both Don and I thought this is it, after about 15 minutes the sky cleared and we found ourselves in the middle of the lake frozen and in shock. Andy came out and pulled us to shore. Don and I played a lot of golf together we also drank a few Rums on the course, one junior open we only made it to hole 6. The game was over to drunk to hit the ball we need the Course Marshall to take us back to the club house, funny thing is Don and I both had a chance to win the open. I have tears written this Don was just a great Freind a a very kind sole. RIP Don

  • January 28, 2026

    Rest in peace Donny I worked with Don from 1981 till 1997 when we were Alberta power I was a new hire when I worked with him I think Don was one of the first lineman that called me Rookie and even 25 plus years later he would still call me rookie ! I guess the name just stuck!! Or at least Don thought so lol! Many fond memories working with Don on trouble calls and lightning and wind storms !! I'm sure if there's power to be fixed in lineman heaven Don will gladly give a helping hand ! Condolences from Jackie and Roger Boyd from Valleyview Ab to Maureen and all family and friends ! Always remembered but never forgotten 😘

  • January 28, 2026

    So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our thoughts are with all of you. Dori Mark (on behalf of the Lazaruk family)

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