08/11/2023
Douglas Edwin BARRON — Halifax
Published: August 11, 2023
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Douglas Edwin Barron
On August 9, Doug Barron died at the age of 71. His spirit was indomitable to the end, but his body could not keep up. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Dougie, but we are at peace imagining that he has gone back to the surf, sand and sun that he loved so much. Doug was born and grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., a time full of sports and shenanigans that he recounted fondly. He briefly studied business and economics at Waterloo Lutheran University before buying a motorcycle to hit the road and “get his head together.” His entrepreneurial spirit was undamaged, and his affinity for wheels persisted, as anyone who, decades later, saw him wearing a leopard print helmet and zipping around on his scooter “Purple Hazel” could attest. In the 1970s, Doug moved to Halifax, where he would eventually meet his wife Jenn. Together they would travel, support each other in their creative endeavours and happily host friends and family for all kinds of festive occasions, most especially the summer and winter solstices, after which they could usually be found dancing in the debris. Doug loved being a dad, and later a “GrandDoug.” He wouldn’t hesitate to pack up the car and set out on adventures big and small, especially if swimming was involved. Nothing made Doug happier than being in the ocean, whether he was surfing the waves, boogie boarding with his girls or just bobbing around like a seal. Summer was always his time to shine. Doug made his career in radio in both Halifax, and Toronto. He excelled at discovering and sharing new music, bantering with guests and setting a lineup. Doug was last on the air as “Deputy Doug” on CBC’s Weekend Mornings. He also made appearances in TV and film, and was most oft recognized as Steve Rogers from “Trailer Park Boys.” Doug was so talented at so many things, but being good at it was seldom the point. His well of creativity was limitless, and he drew from it with gusto. If it sounded fun, meaningful or interesting to him, he would do it, and wholeheartedly, too. He painted, wrote songs, made short films and, most regularly, brought his friends together in an ever-evolving slate of musical collaborations. He loved his community and was glad to share in the music over the years. Doug is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jennifer Allen-Barron, Halifax; mother, Audrey, Waterloo, Ont.; brother, Don (Mary), Penetanguishene, Ont.; “sister from another mister”, Jane Allen (Rochelle Owen), Halifax; children, Amanda (Rafael Suriel), Burlington, Ont.; Sophie (Joe Kozlowski), Toronto, Ont.; Eloise, Halifax; grandchildren, Cillian and Tristán. He was predeceased by his father, Tom Barron; parents-in-law, Ruth and Cameron Allen. We encourage those who wish to honour Doug to do something creative without a plan or pretense, just for the pure fun of it. Donations in his memory can be made to music or arts organizations in your community or to Hospice Halifax. “Time, it’s just slipping away, on a far away day, and your heart’s on display, as the sun goes down.” - Doug Barron and Dream Taxi
CVCR was an online community radio station on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. CVCR has closed down.
