WINTHROP – George “Bud” Butler Barnes Jr., born on March 30, 1939, in Houlton, passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, at the age of 85. He was the son of George Butler Barnes Sr. (Oct. 17, 1904 – August 8, 1979) and Ada Flora Wheeler Barnes (Feb. 5, 1905 – Nov. 10, 1984).

Bud was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Barnes Duff (Nov. 16, 1935 – Oct. 10, 2002). He is survived by his brother, Forest Barnes, his wife Judith Barnes; two stepsons Joseph and Charles Bourgault; and four grandchildren Amanda, Brandon, Ryan and Nicole Bourgault.

Bud served in the U.S. Army, spending most of his tour in Hawaii. Bud began his higher education at Colby College in Waterville before transferring to Ricker College in Houlton. Following his military service and college education, Bud briefly worked as a salesman for Gulf Oil Company. In Winthrop, Maine, he found his true calling as an English teacher at Winthrop High School, where Bud taught from September of 1969 – June of 1999.

His passion for the arts led him to teach drama and direct numerous plays and musicals, leaving a lasting impact on the school’s performing arts community. It was during one of these productions that he met his wife, Judith Barnes, who was the pianist. They married in 1979, and Bud became a loving stepfather.

Bud’s unique perspective on life was evident in his appreciation for the beauty in nature—be it birds, trees, or people. He encouraged kindness and support among those around him. He enjoyed discussing life, literature, and philosophy, and found joy in simple pleasures like listening to country music, working around the house, and going for “booney cruises”—long drives with Judy, often stopping for a bite to eat.

Bud will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, and the entire Winthrop community.

Native American Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep – I am with you still – I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone – I am with you still – in each new dawn

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Winthrop High School Drama Society to support the continuation of the arts in education