Michael Douglas Barnes

The family and friends of Michael Douglas Barnes grieve his passing but celebrate his life.

Mike was born January 26, 1939 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Douglas and Katherine (Goodwin) Barnes.
He went to eternal rest November 14, 2020.

He is survived by his wife Celia and his proudest achievements are his children and grandchildren.

 Michael (Diane) of Indian Head Park, IL (grandchildren Chloe and Lucas)
 David (Violeta) of Chandler, AZ (grandchildren Alan, Mary Alice, and Violeta Sanchez)
 Laura (Joseph) Fatla of Naperville, IL (grandchildren Jessica and Joseph)
 Patrick (deceased)
 Rachel (Erik) Rynko of New York City, NY

He is also survived by his sister Katherine McLaughlin, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his brother Joel and sister Suzanne Gion.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 - 1964 and attended the Army language school learning Polish and serving in Germany. This began his lifelong interest in learning languages and travel. In 1978 he purchased a franchise in Viroqua, Wisconsin and a year later he started Tax Practitioner Services, later BTB Tax Seminars which provided tax education seminars.

In 1975 he realized his dream of obtaining his private pilot’s license and became an avid pilot. He never saw the Earth the same. While in Viroqua riding a motorcycle became a new mode of transportation.

In 1987, he moved with Celia and Rachel to Chandler, Arizona to shovel sunshine in lieu of snow and the riding season is longer. In 2006 his wife finally allowed him to sell the business, retire, and move to Maricopa, Arizona. There he became deeply involved in the Catholic Church, forged new friendships, and continued genealogy research that allowed him, his sons, and grandsons to become members of the Sons of the American Revolution.

A meaningful life is described through more than a biography. Following are some special remembrances from Mike’s children and grandchildren that will keep his memory alive:

One of Dad’s best qualities was his ability to connect with those he loved by developing a shared interest in the things they pursued. When I and my brother showed a slight interest in chess, he taught us to play. When I began a love for photography that continues today, he got me a camera and dark room equipment and helped me learn how to use them. And one of my most precious memories is of him, despite not being that much of an outdoorsman, taking me camping and patiently waiting as I laid on the roof of his Lincoln, excitedly spotting shooting stars for the first time. - Michael

While Dad was not a big sports fan, some of the best times I had with him were at baseball and football games. He knew I loved watching the Cubs, so he took me to my first game when I was 13, and splurged on the only remaining seats together so we could attend. Later in life, we had season tickets to the Diamondbacks and Cardinals, went to hundreds of games over the years, and even shared the thrill of a game 7 World Series victory. Those were bonding times I will cherish for the rest of my life. - David

Dad had a way of making you feel so incredibly loved whenever you were around him. I remember an extra special weekend when he flew just me up to Viroqua in his Piper and we spent a lot of quality time together. He took me horseback riding at a friend's farm and out to dinner at Nate's Supper Club where I enjoyed my favorite cheese curds and bread. I felt like a princess! His love and devotion to his children and grandchildren were immeasurable, never missing any memorable events. Wild horses wouldn't keep him away, he once told me. - Laura

Mike was a very devoted father who always loved and supported me as well as so many others. Many things come to mind when thinking about spending time with him such as road trips to visit family, sporting events, and even sneaking my cat into hotel rooms on our move to Arizona. I remember really wanting a puppy, but Mom said I still needed to convince Dad. So, I made a tape of myself repeating, "please," continuously in hopes that he would give in. Dad seemed to be holding out, but he had, in fact, already decided. When we picked up my brand-new puppy, I don’t think my nine-year-old self could have hugged him harder. Dad, please, please, know how much I’ll always love you. - Rachel

One of my best memories of Mike was a trip to Mexico in 2004; he and Celia arranged for a beach house and hosted all of his kids and grandkids there for a few days. He also took a special interest in following the adventures of my Aunt Julie, keeping in touch with her while she did missionary work in Guatemala and south Texas. I’m so glad he was able to enjoy cross-country motorcycle trips with Celia for many years, stopping through Chicago en route to Wisconsin. - Diane

My favorite memories of Mike are when we flew to Chicago for the first time to visit David. He even got a blanket for me and let me sleep. I also remember going to Las Vegas for the first time and he gave me some money to gamble with. He always had a way of making people feel special, even in the most ordinary circumstances. - Violeta

On my first trip to Viroqua as a teenager Mike took me on my very first airplane ride ever. He even let me take the yoke and rudder and fly the plane for a few minutes which gave me the itch to later take flying lessons and solo. He was always an adventurous man, young at heart, willing to try new things and encourage others to do the same. He was a great man and will be deeply missed by all. - Joe

Mike shall be remembered for his love of family and community. I hope to ultimately find as much joy in community participation as was apparent in Mike’s dedicated aerial drone video documentation of the construction of Our Lady of Grace Church. I am thankful he shared his profound love of his church and his family with me, including typical moments like enjoying fried fish and neighborhood company together on Lent Fridays. From communal dinners to milestone events, his compassion will truly be missed. - Erik

Although I lived about 1,500 miles from my Grandpa, he never let the distance keep us apart. I have several memories eating custard at Culver’s (where Grandpa knew the flavor of the day, everyday), using his pool even though it was much too cold outside, taking us on motorcycle rides for Starbucks, and even tagging along on some shopping trips; anything just to spend some time with us. One of my favorite memories was when Grandpa took a last minute detour on his road trip to stop in Des Moines for a night where we tried a new BBQ restaurant and talked for hours catching up. My Grandpa was so kind, generous, selfless, and a role model of servant leadership to the Catholic Faith. - Jessica

One of the memories I have of Grandpa Mike is how much fun it was visiting and staying over at their place, borrowing books, playing guitar hero, also many Thanksgiving holiday memories. He would always take us on rides on his motorcycle. He will always be in my heart. - Viole

Michael Barnes was not only an amazing grandpa but also a huge mentor to me with God. He opened me up to all that God has created for us and all that we should be thankful for. He also knew just how to put a smile on our face and was always down to spend time with us no matter what it took. I remember he would ride his motorcycle up from Arizona through the cold and rain just to spend quality time with his grandkids. - Joey

Grandpa Mike was an incredible grandfather. I'll always remember going on fast car and motorcycle rides, and eventually him letting me drive. He was always there for me and my family's celebrations. I will always look up to him and appreciate everything he did. I am inspired to be a great man like him. - Alan

Grandpa knew of my passion for horses and equestrian riding, so a very special memory he made possible for me was an opportunity to ride some horses owned by a friend of his in the Arizona desert. And he also frequently would send me videos he took, with his camera or his drone, from when he would spot wild horses running across the desert. - Chloe

My fondest memory of Grandpa was him letting me take him for an hour-long drive just coasting on the freeway in a convertible as I listened to him tell stories of when he was younger. I wish I had more time with him, but I will never forget the pure joy that he was, I will keep him in my heart forever. - Mary Alice

Grandpa and I have always bonded over new technology. He once surprised me and my dad by visiting with our dream car, he brought his fancy new drone once and let me fly it, and I would always show him my new games when he visited. While I’m not one to start conversations, I never hesitated to converse with him about the coolest new thing. And it was great. - Lucas

We, and all your family and friends, will miss you, Mike/Dad/Grandpa.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials, Mike’s family requests donations be made in his name to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 18700 N. St. Gabriel Way, Maricopa, AZ 85138.