Kelvin Barnier tribute: loved father and Grafton community member

Known for his positive contribution to the community, devotion to his family and love of machinery, Kelvin “Kel” Barnier will be sadly missed in his native Grafton.

Kelvin “Kel” John Barnier was a much loved and prominent figure in the Grafton community, dedicating years of his life to the fire brigade and raising a loving family.

Kel was remembered for his for passion toward machinery and motorbikes, he thrived off being “hands on”.

Known simply as “boy” in his younger years, Kel was the fifth child to Ken and Kath Barnier, and brother to Neville, Joan, Bettye and Suzanne.

Kel was raised on a livestock farm and this is where he discovered an interest in machinery.

Kelvin “Kel” John Barnier was a much loved member in the Grafton community and a life long Copmanhurst Fire Brigade member.

He was married for some time to Joy Arther, with whom he had two children Steven and Belinda.

Steven now has three children Kyle, Jesse, and Holley – three loving grandchildren to Kel.

Kelvin later married Christeen Ross.

He started his work life by driving semi trucks and pursued his passion for machinery by delving into diesel mechanics.

Kel flourished with his can-do, hands on attitude and continued truck driving until his illness restricted him.

Kel was known for his can-do attitude and love for family, machinery and the community.

Nothing could slow Kel down though.

He dabbled in vintage cars which he lovingly restored and his very last car - a red FE 56 Holden- was his pride and joy which was lovingly driven into his service by his son Steven.

Sister Bettye said Kel “would have been so proud” to have seen this.

His passion for motors drew him towards the two-wheeled variety and he was a member of the Honda Motorcycle Club and the Grafton Motocross Club.

A skilled rider and successful competitor, Kel took pride in his wheel stands and skills on a bike – much to his mother‘s dismay.

Kel proudly showing off his bike.

He loved his neighbours and the community, and was the go-to man for any kind of “fix it” job.

A life member of the Copmanhurst Fire Brigade, Kel held several positions in over 30 years, including deputy captain, permit officer, equipment officer and brigade president until his passing.

At Kel’s service, Brigade members shared stories of his time in the Brigade, the common theme was Kel’s happy disposition, and his fascination with lights and “bling”.

One of Kel’s old mates from his bike riding days reminisced about the mischief the pair got up to.

The same old friends have been coming out to the farm every Friday for the past few months doing odd jobs and mowing the lawn.

They would sit with Kel telling stories and having a laugh as they drank tea and coffee - rarely without a sponge cake.

Kel’s son Steve, daughter Belinda and grandson Kyle all provided moving speeches about the love their father and pop brought into their lives.

Kel’s legacy lives on.

Sister Bettye spoke of his working life and love for his family, machinery and the community.

Kelvin passed away peacefully in his family home at Whiteman Creek on the May 22, 2022, with his loving sisters Joan and Bettye by his side.

A touching service was conducted by NSW Bush Fire Brigade Chaplain Ian Spall who travelled from Sydney to honour Kelvin.

Kel’s legacy will live on: his beloved family and friends attended his service at his old homestead that he lovingly restored.

He was assisted to the funeral car by his pallbearers - son Steven, grandson Kyle and his biker buddies, and took his last drive down the old familiar driveway.

Fire trucks drove by with sirens and lights flashing as they left to honour his great life.

RIP Kelvin John Barnier - 18 /07/1955 to 22/05/2022.