IN MEMORIAM

It's with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I announce the passing of Captain Patrick Barnes, Royal Canadian Air Force, on April 15th.

Pat was the pilot flying the helo that fateful day, April 4, 1997, when we were shot with a laser from the Russian spy ship. His eye wounds ended his flying career. His wife informed us last night of his death. She told me that much like myself, he suffered unrelenting pain in his eyes until the day he passed.

Pat and I had a bond seared in blood. What we both endured was only exacerbated by the cover-up and betrayal by our so-called leaders.

Pat Barnes was one of the finest people I ever knew. I wish I had kept in closer contact with him.

Rest in Peace, brother - I look forward to flying with you again.

Michelle Barnes’s Testimonial

"I met Patrick Barnes in 2004, 7 years after being lazed in his right eye.
He seemed to be accepting of the ordeal by then and I never thought to ask him if it was because he’d had time to make peace with all that he had lost, most important being the flying career he loved or because the incident revealed a hidden health issue which, once addressed, possibly saved or extended his life. He was always very stoic.

Although he didn’t complain of his pain very often, I witnessed painful winces frequently. Bright sunny days, sudden changes in light/brightness, and almost without fail the headlights of oncoming traffic, at night. Especially the newer LED headlights with a blue/purple hue.

He described the pain to me as excruciating and unrelenting, even making his teeth ache at times.

Four years ago Patrick was diagnosed with cancer, and not once did he complain about the tests, the treatment or of the pain.

On April 15, 2026, he asked me for Tylenol because his eye was “killing him,” and to pull the blinds down because the sun was too bright… and then he passed on.
I hope he’s flying high somewhere… free of pain. I miss him everyday."

— Michelle Barnes