Cliff Barrett: 1930-2010

SooToday.com received the following notice today from the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters Association regarding retired Platoon Chief Cliff Barrett.

****************************** It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of retired Platoon Chief Cliff Barrett, at the age of 80 years old.

Cliff began his career as a firefighter for the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services on April 1, 1953.

He served through the ranks to become platoon chief until his honourable retirement on March 31, 1992.

A 39-year veteran of the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, Cliff was very well liked and respected in his role as platoon chief.

In 2007, he fell ill and was later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which was recognized as an occupational disease by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

In the early hours of April 5, Cliff passed away leaving behind his wife June, his son Terry and daughter Judy.

Terry, whom followed in his father’s footsteps, is a 25-year veteran firefighter, serving as an acting captain for the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.

Cliff’s passing shall be recognized as a line-of-duty death with full honours.

Family and friends may attend visitation on Thursday, April 8 at Arthur’s Funeral Home from 6 - 9 p.m.

On Friday, April 10, a procession will be held from the funeral home to the Main Fire Hall on Tancred for the traditional memorial ceremony with the tolling of the bell and prayer at 12 p.m., then shall proceed to St. Jerome’s Church for mass at 1 p.m.

Following the service, the procession shall proceed to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for burial.   His family, friends, and all his brothers and sisters in the fire service will dearly miss Cliff!   ******************************