Brennen James Barr

I am so so sorry to learn of the passing of my brother so long ago although I lost touch with him I never stopped thinking about him . Rip

Jess, wanted to share this with you. Well it is taking me some time to take this in. I still have a hard time understanding how someone can be here one minute and gone the next. I've lost my family far too early and have now lost my friend & mentor at the railway. When I started at CN I met a guy named Brennen Barr. He trained me as a Conductor. I will always remember the way he was patient and kind to me even though I had no idea what I was doing. He taught me to respect the equipment I was working with and how to be safe 100% of the time. In 2007, Brennen encouraged me to get more active and involved in the Union. He endorsed me to become a Local Chairman for the Teamsters. I had no idea even where to begin. He gave me hours and hours of training and helped me to understand grievances and the investigative process. We spent a lot of time together discussing many things, some work related and some personal. We became very close and our bond strengthened. In 2008, I began training as a Locomotive Engineer and it was Brennen that again took me under his wing and took the time to make sure I knew the rules, the operating manual and was able to operate trains in a safe and smooth way. Once again he took the time, patience and always had a good attitude with his new/old trainee. The past couple of years he had been battling with cancer. He dealt the battle like a true hero. It is with great sadness that I am forced to say goodbye and not see my mentor anymore. Sometimes when I drive a train, I still imagine that he is still in the trainer seat beside me. When I write grievances, I often think how would Brennen approach this or what would he do? He still helps me and always will. Life is short my friends. You have to do what you love and what inspires you. Take the time to enjoy this life and the ones you love. The greatest gift Brennen has given to me is that people remember how you treat them. Be kind to them, help them, educate them... Dallas

My deepest condolences to Brennen's family. I was only lucky enough to know Brennen for a short time, but he was an amazing man and I will always treasure his friendship.

So sorry for your loss, Jessica. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...Love Helen and Trevor

I was very sorry to read Brennen's obituary in the Vancouver Sun recently. What I remember was the the love he had for his family and the pride he had in his profession. My condolences to Jessica, Christine and Emma.

An intense and focused man who was an incredible hands on father and loved his girls with a passion. He was a father first and wanted to instil the best in this life for his family, which he succeeded in doing. The word 'no', or 'can't be done', was a foreign language to Brennen, as once he set his sites on something you could considerate it down. His wife Jessica gave him all the attention, care & love he deserved through out his difficult journey and he was forever grateful for the opportunity to have these selfless tasks provided by Jessica, through the home palliative care program. He will now be free to "fly" once again and oversee their lives, leaving behind the pain but carrying with him all the good memories..... a father, husband, friend who truly did live life to it's fullest, combining his many other passions and work with such high intensity. Rest now, Brennen, as heaven doesn't need to be organized!!! ...... your job is done and so much appreciated by so many..... Your other mom. RIP

Jess; I spent so much quality time with Brennen, both off the job and dealing with upholding the rights of the membership that we represented. I knew that in retiring, I was leaving the job to a most capable man of integrity. Although I will be unable to come north for the service, I know that it will be well attended by so many that loved and respected Brennen.

I remember Brennan as a kind, caring man who loved life. My condolences to his family.