nominations for the Governor Gen- eral’s Award for Excellence in Teach- ing History. In 2007, Barker-James founded the Tillsonburg Military History Club. Under Robin’s leadership, the club transformed Remembrance Day in Tillsonburg into a week-long observance filled with educational displays and special interactive pre- sentations. In 2015, Barker-James resigned his long-held role as club president, and passed the torch to the club’s young- est member, 18-year-old Justin Car- pani. He too, was greatly influenced by his friendship with Barker-James. “The membership of the Military History Club spans the genera- tions and includes retired teachers, ex-military personnel, collectors, as well as the children and grand- children of former Forces person- nel,” says Carpani. “The collective
knowledge in the room is amazing and there’s always a lot of thought- ful discussion.” Each month club members share book reviews, stories and treasures from their personal military collec- tions, as well as hear presentations from guest speakers. From time to time, the group also takes on special projects. This year they’re supporting the Tillsonburg Rotary Club’s initiative to have the names of Tillsonburg’s fallen sol- diers inscribed on the cenotaph. “We’ve helped verify the names so that these individuals can get the lasting recognition they deserve,” says Carpani. The club will also dedicate a bench along Veterans Memorial Walkway in honour of Barker-James. For more information about the Tillsonburg Military History Club, visit their website www.militaryhistoryclub.ca
Robin Barker-James 1955 - 2015
Robin Barker-James grew up in a three-generation armed forces family. His childhood was spent on a number of military bases including Marville, France, and Trenton, Ontario. He went on to earn a BA from Trent University, and spent 10 years working in business before finally following his dream of becoming a high school teacher. Once he found his calling, Robin was unstoppable. For 25 years, he honed a creative teaching style that thrilled students and inspired the admiration of his colleagues. In recent years, Robin was an independent teacher, welcoming school groups from all over Ontario to his farm for unforgettable simulations and camps. In 2012, he earned an MA in Military History from Western University and a year later, was selected to receive the Queens Diamond Jubilee medal. Robin was also a voracious reader and writer, and guided many trips through the battlefields and cemeteries of Europe. He leaves behind his wife, Susan, his beloved dogs and thousands of former students.
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