Jay Christopher Barnick

Jay's service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/719448674

"If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine." This Obi-Wan Kenobi quote from "Star Wars," one of Jay's favorite movies, has us remembering his true power: Jay showed his power by being there for others in their time of need and never expecting anything in return.

Jay Barnick, 51, of Reiles Acres, ND, passed away Sunday, June 5, surrounded by his loving family at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo. Rev. Jim Meyer will officiate a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.

Jay Christopher Barnick was the youngest of nine children born to Fredric and Patricia (Lamp) Barnick on January 14, 1971, in Jamestown. He graduated high school from Cardinal Muench Seminary in 1989. Jay attended NDSU and UND and obtained his associate degree in business management.

At a family wedding in Wilton in 1999, Jay set his eyes on one of the bridesmaids, Nancy Herner. Lucky for him, she had eyes for him, too. On their first date, Jay knew he found someone special. A year later, Jay and Nancy were married in the same church where they first met.

Jay and Nancy spent 22 wonderful years together. In that time, they lived in Rochester, MN, West Fargo and currently Reiles Acres, where they built their dream home together.

Like his humor, Jay's love was abundant. It was evident by the large circle of family and friends which always surrounded him. He was the full-of-life, kid-at-heart "Uncle Jay" to many children who loved him, and he in return. If Jay was in the room, you wanted to be next to him.

We will remember him in every black Rubicon Jeep we see, the sound of Big and Rich, the satisfaction of a winning Steelers season and every perfectly executed movie quote.

Jay is survived by his wife of 22 years, Nancy Barnick, Reiles Acres; siblings, Jerome Barnick, Lynette (Arlie) Lind, Mary (Noel) Trusty, David (Lisa) Barnick and Margaret (Mark) Brockman; sisters-in-law, Rose Barnick and Lisa Jenkins; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Kevin, Tom and Loanne; parents-in-law, Don and Carol Herner; and brother-in-law, Dave Herner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to hopeinc.org in honor of Morgan Oberg. Donations can be submitted online or mailed directly to Hope Inc:
810 4th Ave South Suite 104
Moorhead, MN 56560

In the internal words of Jay, "May the force be with you."
Lunch will be served after mass followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery - North.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND