Birth date: Apr 14, 1962 Death date: Dec 9, 2018
Douglas Robert Barnes, 56, died December 9th, 2018 in his home, surrounded by family, in St. Helens, OR after a battle with brain cancer. Doug was born on April 14, 1962 in Cottage Grove, OR to Robert and Irene Barnes. On August Read Obituary
Tamera and Family,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Melody Biggs
Hi Tamera, There were a couple things I wanted to say yesterday but was surprised at how I felt when I walked in to the room. I felt bad that I did not contact you this last week as I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to, that Doug was going to pass soon. I graduated last Fall with a degree in Gerontology and certificates in end of life care, etc. and I had wanted to talk with you about a few of the things that happen to the body as it is dying, which most people are not aware of and can be hard for them. So please forgive me for not getting to you as I was just so very sick the last week. Then last Sunday, the 9th, I spoke in church. I didn't know if I would be able to since I had lost my voice with my sickness, but I did. In the middle of my talk in Sacrament I had this overwhelming feeling that Doug was there "flying over" as if to see his ward family once more. Since I do not know your family that well I have been hesitant to mention it for fear of being thought of as "silly", but I want you to know that I had that experience. Then in Relief Society we were told that he had passed....
I was so touched at how you had things laid out with the decorations. That is how I feel that things should be- casual, celebrating life and the person they are and what things were important to them. The boots, the wood, it was so neat. Then to see him dressed as I remember seeing him, not in a stiff suit- well, I was overcome... and he looked so happy and peaceful...
I am so glad he was able to make it to church and bear his testimony one last time here on this earth. What a gift that was for all of us.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was way too young to leave your family. Please know that your ward family loves you and is willing to help in any way- even those who do not know you well....
Love, Sister Terri Sweet
