Len Barnard, 78, of Syracuse, passed away on December 19th at the VA Medical Hospital. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam in 1966-67. He was also a decorated firefighter on the Syracuse Fire Department Rescue Co. 1 for over 20 years, a job he loved.

Throughout his life, Len’s deep Christian faith and family were the cornerstones. His home -office door was always open when his growing family was looking for advice or just needed a listening ear. In journals found in his desk after his hospitalization, the family saw he had been praying for each of them daily. Len was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sharon and 6 children: Leonard, Scott, Amanda, Dina, Antoine and Luis, 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

The highlight of Len’s life was spending time with family: holiday gatherings, vacations in Cape Cod and Lake Placid, attending children and grandchildren’s sporting events, campfires at Green Lakes, and fishing on Oneida Lake.

The family would like extend their thanks to the nursing staff and Dr. Iraqi on the CLC floor of the VA Hospital. We are all grateful for their genuine care and the compassion shown to Len during his time at the VA.

Burial will be in the spring in the Onondaga Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the CNYSPCA, a place Len held close to his heart.

Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.