On John Barnum, from WFFM President Carolyn Foster

On John Barnum 

Dear Friends,
 
It is with great sadness that I write to let you know that our very good friend John Barnum died on July 23 2018, aged 89 in Waquoit, Massachusetts USA.
 
John was a seminal figure in the World Federation of Friends of Museums and made a huge contribution to our organisation. As a distinguished lawyer he was involved with the legal side of WFFM and the formation of our by-laws.  John could always be counted on for clarification and assistance with any legal matter that involved WFFM. 
 
John served as the President of the US Federation of Friends of Museums and also as Vice President for North America of the World Federation of Friends of Museum.
 
When he moved to Europe in 1994 he joined the law firm of McGuireWoods in their Brussels office.  During this period John had a good relationship with those of the Belgian Federation of Friends of Museums.
 
As recently as 2016, John and his Committee in Washington DC held a most successful Council Meeting and General Assembly in Washington with a well organized program of diverse cultural events.
 
John and his wife Nancy generously hosted a reception at their apartment. This charming event encompassed much of what WFFM is trying to achieve at our meetings.   A chance to for the WFFM family to enjoy time together in a relaxed and a beautiful space to discuss the benefit of our join goal of ‘Friends of Museums’ and to appreciate one an others culture and to learn.
 
At this meeting there was a group of our Young Friends who had the opportunity to meet John and get to know him.  I know that they too will be mourning the loss of this remarkable man who reached out to the younger generation of Friends.
 
His intelligence, insight and wonderful sense of humour ensured that he was always good company.  He was a great contributor at our meetings and brought his expertise and valued corporate and expert knowledge of all things WFFM to our meetings all of which will be hard to replace and he will be greatly missed as part of our Federation.
 
Attached is his obituary from the Washington Post which gives an indication of his contribution to society and to his country. 

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=john-barnum&pid=190055654
 
The arts were a life-long love, and he used his legal expertise to help arts organisations, serving on the boards of the New York City Center for Music and Drama, Arena Stage in Washington, and the Corcoran Gallery of Arts.
 
On behalf of all the members of WFFM I have written to his wife Nancy Barnum and family expressing our deepest sympathy and our gratitude for John’s considerable contribution. He will be greatly missed and long remembered for his very valuable and important role in the success of WFFM.
 
Most sincerely,      


Carolyn Forster
WFFM President