Gilbert E Barnhill Jr

Barnhill, Gilbert E., Jr. Born on June 12, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully with his children at his side on November 28, 2016. Preceded in death by mother, Mamie Rooney Barnhill Hoffert, father Gilbert E. Barnhill, sister Grace Barnhill Champlin and amazing wife of 50 years, Virginia June Shepherdson Barnhill. Survived by son, David Shepherd Barnhill (Ruth Hritzko), daughter Lisa Barnhill Peterson (Craig Peterson), grandsons Nathan Peterson and Brett Peterson, nephew Stephen Champlin, niece Lynn Lloyd and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Gilbert grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating from Benson High School in 1946. In the summers of 1946 and 1947, he was a sea-going cowboy, working on ships that brought much needed livestock to war torn Europe. After college he found himself in St. Cloud, Minnesota working as a radio engineer, beginning a long career in radio and television. In the early 50's he moved to Minneapolis for a job at WTCN radio. With the birth of television and WTCN Channel 11 (now KARE) he was given the choice of staying in radio or moving over to the television side. He said "I think I'll try this TV thing." The station was housed at the Calhoun Beach Club until the mid 70's when it moved to Golden Valley. Gilbert's passion for movies was reflected in his thoughtful editing of films and television shows for decades. He was fascinated by the technological changes in the industry, moving from film to tape to digital, when his form of editing disappeared. He moved on to camera work and other things until his retirement. He and June met at WTCN where she worked in radio. He was working overnights and would pick her up in the morning and take her to work. It wasn't too long before he proposed to her in the parking lot. They were part of an exclusive group known as the "Legends of Broadcasting" since they were both there from the beginning of television. They were married on December 17, 1955 in the midst of a huge blizzard in Sioux Falls, SD. They moved into their house in Prospect Park where they raised their family and were part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Known as a class clown in high school, he carried his love of humor throughout his life. He wrote funny pieces and was published a few times in Mad Magazine and TV Guide, among other lesser known magazines. His last seven years were spent at St. Anthony Park Home where he continued to spread his good cheer and benefitted from the wonderful care provided by its devoted staff. He was always good-natured, level headed and hard working. He never missed a day of work, was deeply devoted to his wife and children and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was the best dad ever and we will all miss him. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Southeast Seniors seseniors.org. Funeral service 12 Noon Saturday, December 3 with visitation 1/2 hour prior all at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls. Bring stories to share. Visitation also Friday, December 2, 4-7 PM at: Washburn-McReavy.com Columbia Hts Chapel 763-789-4436 4101 Central Ave NE

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Gilbert E Barnhill Jr

November 28, 2016

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