Wagga's Glenn Barton, former police officer and volunteer for Riverina Cancer Care, remembered

On February 21, Glenn Barton passed away suddenly due to heart failure at 70 years of age. 

Lyndelle Kelly, his daughter, said Glenn was a quiet, caring and private man who fiercely loved his family. 

"He spent a lot of time with the grandkids," she said. "He watched their games and took them on driving lessons.

"He was a well-known and respected policeman, but we just knew him as our dad." 

Lyndelle said at his 70^th birthday last year all he wanted was to be surrounded by his family and friends for a barbeque. 

"He was a no-fuss man," she said. "He didn't like a lot of praise, just wanted to get what needed to be done, done.

"He was very active and had plans to travel a bit more and he did a lot for the community," she said. 

Glenn spent 31 years in the blue serving communities around the Riverina and retired in 2001.

He spent his first three years in Sydney and then transferred to Wagga where he served for 17 years. During that time Glenn worked with the crime investigation unit and in 1986 headed the child mistreatment unit. 

In 1990, he transferred to Temora as a patrol commander and in 1992  returned to Wagga as station controller and was promoted to the rank of inspector.

Glenn moved to Syndey for two-and-a-half years before returning to Wagga in 1997, where he was the Southern Rivers Police Region operation manager. 

His prestigious career earned him a Queen's Birthday Honour.

At the time of his retirement, he said "Wagga has been a great community to work in - you couldn't find better people". 

Damien Williams, managing director of Riverina Cancer Care Centre, said Glenn joined in 2002 and was keen to give back to the community.

"Glenn took the lead role in establishing a transport service for cancer patients," he said. "Glenn formed a team of volunteer bus drivers and with the help of Joe Schipp and the RCCC Trust, a minibus was purchased and the RCCC Transport Service was underway.

"Glenn took great pride in the Volunteer Transport Service ensuring cancer patients with transport needs could get to and from their treatment, without any hassle or cost." 

Mr Williams said the RCCC Volunteer Transport Service as it functions today is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of Glenn and his team of volunteers.

The funeral for Glenn Barton will be held at Saint Michael's Cathedral, Johnston Street on March 7, at 10.30am.

While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Wagga news sign up here.