George Barnard

George Leslie Barnard passed away on November 27, 2016. George was born on December 24, 1921 in South Manchester, Connecticut. He was the son of Sarah Irma (Stuart) and George Leslie Barnard, Sr. George was preceded in death by his wife, Foye Allene (Smith) Barnard , his brother Charles Stuart Barnard and Irma Livingston (Barnard) Kocik.

George was Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy and served during World War II as a Bombardier Instructor stationed in Norfolk, VA. His love of flying continued throughout his life and included buying and rebuilding a plane and serving in the Civil Air Patrol from the Gaithersburg Airpark. He frequently thrilled his Rockville neighbors (and kids) by taking them on short flying trips over Montgomery County.

He enjoyed wood working, writing poetry, and enjoyed nature; often camping, fishing and bow hunting in western Maryland. George had a great sense of humor and told many jokes. Known as Mr. Fixit, George was a Boy Scout leader in Rockville during the 1950s and championed every neighborhood child who wanted to learn how to use tools.

George began his post Navy career by studying electronics and becoming an engineer. He worked for NIH, Fairchild Industries, The Goddard Space Flight Center and was also subcontracted to the Naval Research Laboratory. He became an Aeronautical Engineer and designed parts for many of the early satellites that send information back to earth for weather and communication. George told many people that he was "fit to be an Astronaut" and consequently his co-workers stated that if anyone should be sent to outer space, it should be George.

George was father to Richard L. Barnard, David M. Barnard and Susan M. (Barnard) Ellsworth. He was grandfather to Jessica L. Mollard and Matthew J. Mollard and great grandfather to Marleigh I. Mollard and Miles A. Mollard., uncle to Leslie (Barnard) Young and Doug Barnard.

A service of remembrance to celebrate George's life will be held at a later date.