James Redpath Barrie

James “Jim” Redpath Barrie’s rural roots began in 1924. He received his early education at Dickie Settlement School and later attended Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School.

From his earliest years, Barrie belonged to many organizations including 4H, Junior Farmers Club, South Waterloo Agricultural Society, the Ploughmen’s Association, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame. He served with the Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company, Doon Pioneer Village, Waterloo Historical Society, Central Presbyterian Church and the Probus Club. He truly was a leader in his community and Barrie was recognized as Provincial Senior of the Year in 2006.

Barrie is well known as the local historian of North Dumfries, Galt and Waterloo County. He wrote the history of Central Presbyterian Church in Galt in 1982 and was involved with the publishing of two Waterloo Historical Society books Waterloo Township through Two Centuries and Waterloo County: An Illustrated History.

He was a friendly mentor to young people who expressed an interest in one of his special areas of interest. Neither a loud-spoken man nor an attention-seeker, Barrie worked in a quiet and co-operative manner. He married Marian Henderson in 1948 and they had three children.

Jim is recognized for his commitment and dedication to his community and to the agricultural industry, both locally and provincially.