Barney Rooney

ROONEY, Barney – After a brief hospitalization Barney Rooney, lifelong learner and teacher, left this earthly classroom on Feb. 11, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Rooney (nee Joyce), his children Hugh (Irena), Joyce (Jeremy), Sean, and Neil (Jacqueline); his grandchildren Liam (Allison), Kathleen, Megan, Ryan, Olwyn, and his step-grandson Liam; and his two great grandchildren Eamon and Preston.

Barney was born June 5, 1929, on Castle Island, County Down, Northern Ireland. He was educated at St Malachy’s College and Queen’s University, Belfast. It was at Queen’s that he met Peggy, the love of his life and partner in adventures for almost 70 years. They moved to London, Ontario in 1957 to teach for the London District Catholic School Board where Barney spent his entire career.

While he held several professional titles including department head, principal, and school board member, Barney was a teacher through and through. It was his unceasing goal to inspire those around him to embrace curiosity about the world, read widely, and think critically. He is fondly remembered by former students and colleagues as an enthusiastic and inspirational educator who never let a lesson plan get in the way. Barney also found delight outside of the classroom tackling projects on the farm in Lucan where, for some 25 years, he and Peggy hosted countless numbers of family and friends. Those who enjoyed the pleasure of spending time there knew it was a place of perpetual activity where there was always a building or renovating job to be done and farm or garden chores to be completed. After the tasks were finished, there was a seat at the table for hearty meals served with a main course of thought-provoking discussion and debate.  

Barney and Peggy moved to Guelph in 2012, where they were surrounded by family and made many new friends. Barney was hospitalized for his final few weeks and received excellent and compassionate care at Guelph General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Centre. The family wishes to thank the staff who supported him during his last days.

Cremation has taken place and, in accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered on the waters where he sailed his boats, so that someday they might be carried to all the places he has loved. 

Barney will be missed, and if you wish in some way to commemorate his passing, go and read a book on any topic. Then discuss it, at length, with someone who holds opinions on the subject different from yours. That would make Barney smile.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).

A tree will be planted in memory of Bernard “Barney” J. Rooney in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.