Joseph T. Ka’nonwi:io Barnes, age 43 of Frogtown Rd., Akwesasne, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the Massena Memorial Hospital. The youngest son of Greta and the late Wilbur Barnes, Joe was born on April 17, 1975 in Massena, NY. He graduated from Salmon River Central School in 1993, and the Art Institute of Pittsburg in 1995.
Joe was a gifted artist, weaving traditional Iroquois motifs and his love for science fiction and Star Wars into his paintings and drawings. He worked in several mediums, including pencil, acrylic paint, and airbrush, and was a familiar sight at local art and craft shows. He was well prepared for an impending Zombie Apocalypse, and truly believed that his extensive collection of comics and toys would one day be worth millions. However, he was happiest when he was spending time with his many nieces and nephews, telling stories and sharing his knowledge of music, art, movies, hockey (the Pittsburg Penguins), football (Pittsburg Steelers) action figures and Star Wars. They will always remember their Uncle Joe as the “fun” babysitter, who never forgot a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, and often gave gifts “just for the heck of it.” He regularly enjoyed sharing and crafting his homemade pizza and never met a pizza he didn’t like.
In addition to his mother Greta Barnes, Joe is survived by brothers Steve (Angie) Barnes, Wilbur “Junior” Barnes (Reaghan Tarbell), Rick Ransom (Gail Cook), Jake Ransom, Darryl Ransom, and George Ransom, and sisters Deborah (Larry) Gauthier, and Barbara (Barry) Montour. He also leaves extended family siblings Delinda (Donnie) Comins and Art Benedict, and his bros John (Diane) Hotte and Joe “Hell Raiser” Bashaw. His 21 cherished nieces and nephews of whom he affectionally called his favorites. His godparents, Gerald and Patty Rubado and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Predeceased by his father, Wilbur Barnes Sr, a brother, Dean Ransom and recently (March 30, 2018) a niece Jaden Barnes.
Friends and family may call at 412 Frogtown Rd., beginning at noon on May 22, 2018. A Traditional funeral service will be held at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse on Wednesday May 23rd at 3pm. If you would like to keep the memory of Joe in your heart, consider attending the opening of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” this week, or spending time at Buck Pond in Onchiota this summer.
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