Gary Barton: Late Manyana bushfire brigade captain remembered for Black Summer heroics

When his community was cut off from the rest of the world during the devastating Black Summer bushfires, Gary Barton jumped into action leading his neighbours to safety.

Tributes are flowing for a firefighting captain who played a crucial role in fighting the Black Summer bushfires after he tragically lost a short battle with cancer.

Manyana fire captain Gary Barton became known as a member of the ‘Grandads Army’, a group of older volunteer firefighters who put their own lives on the line to help save others during the bushfire emergency.

With an average age of 62, the brigade’s oldest member was 72 years old.

When his community became cut off from the outside world by the Currowan bushfire, Mr Barton helped guide it through one of the worst natural disasters on record in treacherous terrain.

Gary Barton’s Manyana RFS brigade became known as the Grandads Army during the Black Summer Bushfires. Picture Gary Ramage

Fire brigades across the south coast took to social media to remember his dedication during the crisis, while community members remember him for his love of the environment and for playing the role of Santa Claus for children at Christmas celebrations.

Mr Barton passed away at Milton Ulladulla Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley forged a close friendship with Mr Barton over the last 20 years, and described him as a good man who “will be sorely missed”

“Last time I saw him he told me he was dying and he just shrugged his shoulders, that’s the kind of guy he was,” she said.

“He was one of those dudes who was reliable when something needed to be done.

Manyana Fire Captain Gary Barton lost a short battle with cancer on the weekend.

“He made lasting friendships with people from everywhere, and I really feel for his close mates right now. They were a dedicated group of friends.”

Cr Findley said Mr Barton was passionate about the bush and “was always up for a chat” and a cup of tea.

“Gary was right behind NSW Rural Fire Service education and was always on the education bus telling people to do their fire plan,” she said.

“He was great at engaging with kids, and they would call him Santa all the time.

“While he did get depressed about the state of politics, he was always such a positive person.

The late Gary Barton’s Christmas role was so popular with local kids he became known as ‘Santa’ all year round. Picture: Manyana RFS

“He would challenge you if you didn’t have an opinion on something, and sometimes he was a typical grumpy old man but he had earned the right to be.”

Other friends took to social media to share their thoughts.

“I am so very sad to hear of the loss of this wonderful man that worked so hard for the community,” Robyn Marriott said.

Debbie Gillan said Mr Barton was known as “have a chat” due to his love of a good conversation, adding he will be sorely missed by many.

A service for Mr Barton will be held at the Manyana “Yulunga” Hall on June 25 from 11am.