To Michael's Family: Please be assured of my prayers as you grieve, and of my gratitude for the many students Michael impacted during his years at Mercyhurst. He certainly made a lasting impression at our institution. Peace, Greg Baker, Vice President for Mission, Mercyhurst University

I would like to send my prayers to Suzanne, Ryan, Michael and Sara. I will miss my friend and mentor. We met in 1986 at Mercyhurst as my advisor and quickly became friends. We played euchre at the old brick house in Erie every on Thursday night at the kitchen table. We worked together for sales blitzes and internships since 1990 and shared great stories and conversation until days before he passed away. Rick Yarosz

Our hearts and prayers are with Vern and the Barnes Family. We are truly sorry. Michael was a good person. I will miss seeing him at the golf course. May god bless him and his family.

Michael & Jennifer Howard

Dear "Barnes Boys"...Please accept my deepest regret and heartfelt condolences over Michael's passing...I will always keep clearly in my mind's eye our childhood memories of fun and frolic in Oneonta, Worcester and Stamford...Summer days at the pools, adventures and laughter ! Always drawn to Michael's spirit of fun and high jinx, I loved being around him ! As a fellow educator, I sincerely salute his 33 years of service...Well done good and faithful servant ! May Heaven be graced by your presence, dear cousin..Rest in Peace, Joy and Light...

Love always - Dr. Susan Wilson O'Brien Bluffton, South Carolina

Dear Vern,

My most sincere condolences on the loss of Michael. He fought a valiant fight. He was my favorite professor and exemplified the meaning of a gracious and kind man with a great sense of humor. The world has lost a wonderful man and he will forever remain special to me.

Sincerely,

Carol Gilbert

Mr. Barnes was a teacher of mine at delhi. Not only was he my teacher but we grew more to be close friends. Every summer we met at saratoga and would place a Bet and have a good laugh. We would just talk about everything so comfortably..I will miss you buddy ! Love you thinking of you

My sincere condolences, and deepest sympathies to the Barnes family.

- Steve Calabrese