Gerald Lynn Barnard, 70; Worked for Ford Credit, the IRS; A U.S. Army Veteran

From Harding Funeral Home.

Gerald Lynn Barnard of Westport died peacefully at home on Friday, April 3rd. The cause was heart failure.

Gerry was born on August 2nd, 1944 in Alexandria, VA. His parents, Lynn and Frances Wood Barnard, raised Gerry and his brother, Thomas, in Westport and later in Weston.

Growing up, Gerry was a dedicated equestrian, whose accomplishments included placing seventh in the prestigious Maclay Competition in Madison Square Garden. He graduated from the Loomis School in Windsor, CT, and went on to earn his B.A. from Tufts University. He also had graduate degrees in business and accounting, and he worked for Ford Credit and the Internal Revenue Service.

He served in the Infantry in Vietnam 1968-69, and completed his military service obligation as a chaplain’s assistant at the Navajo Army Depot, Flagstaff, AZ. He received several medals and was honorably discharged in 1970.

He was passionate about German history and culture, health and medicine, and theater, film and literature. He was a great fan of J.D. Salinger. He had a thirst for knowledge and was especially concerned for and outspoken about US government and politics. He was an inveterate walker. Gerry spent his years of retirement with his companion, Sylvia Corrigan. They enjoyed traveling in Europe, St. John, the VI, and Cape Cod. He was a strong advocate for animals, especially cats. He adored his cat, a rescue named Siegfried, who survives him.

Gerry is survived by Sylvia Corrigan and her children and grandchildren, his son, Pierce Barnard, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and his brother, Tom, and his wife, Carol, of Savannah, Georgia, and their daughters.

Calling Hours will be Wednesday, April 8th, from 4 to 7 pm at the Harding Funeral Home 210 Post Road East, Westport, CT.

Gerry’s family suggests making a donation to Strays and Others located in New Canaan. Please go online to donate, or call 203-966-6556.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com