Gordon Barnett MBE, R Sigs and SR had been suffering from cancer for about a year prior to his death. He was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at the beginning of Easter week and died on Good Friday from complications related to his cancer. There was a private family funeral on the 23rd April in Romsey.
Gordon assumed command of SAF Signals in 1986 as the first full colonel commander of the expanded signals regiments. He served in this appointment until 1989. Chris Fielding who served with Gordon writes: There were only 3 R Sigs personnel at the time, Col Barnett, myself as a WO1 (Fof)S and WO1 (YofS) Mike Hawley. Col Barnett kept a very close eye on us and though at the time I did not agree with all the decisions he made concerning where I was to serve on reflection they were wise and for the best interests of SAF Signals and myself. I saw the whole country not just MAM and for that I will be eternally grateful.
He later retired with his wife Carole to Milford on Sea where he was a prominent member of the Royal British Legion.