Former HIG Executive Committee chair, Dr. Phil Barnes, passed away in his beloved Hilo, Hawaii on
January 19, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis on April 29, 1945, to William Barnes, Sr. and Cecilia Doyle
Barnes, and graduated from Cathedral High School. His father was a Forester, so the ulu didn’t fall far
from the tree.
Phil was a gentleman and a scholar and brought a depth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to every
endeavor he undertook. A lifelong student in biology and history, Phil earned his bachelor’s degree
from Purdue University, his master’s from Indiana University, and two doctoral degrees from the
University of Miami. He was an educator for thirty years, and a founder of the Learning Unlimited
program at North Central High School in Indianapolis. Phil later spent more than ten years teaching
Hawaiian Studies and was the author of A Concise History of the Hawaiian Islands.
In addition to his leadership role with the Sierra Club, Phil was a past chair of the Hawai’i Island
Democrats and a member of the Hawaiian Historical Society. He also supported Down Syndrome of
Louisville and the Kindness Warrior Walk, particularly the Will’s Walkers team, in honor of his grandson.
Phil’s was a life well-lived. He was supremely proud of his daughter Brooke and grandson Will. A world
traveler for many years, he and his wife Diane traveled to all seven continents, from an African safari on
their honeymoon to trekking in the Himalayas and hiking the Appalachian Trail. An avid hiker and
birder, Phil served as a HIG Outings leader and was arguably the best personal tour guide on the Big
Island, while also hiking and kayaking throughout Hawai’i with other Sierra Club members. He was the
founder of Eco Expeditions and was a long-active paddler for the Kamehameha and Laka canoe clubs.
Phil also loved sports, particularly the Colts, Pacers, and Indiana University; Phil’s first act beyond the
veil may have been securing IU’s first national championship and undefeated football season.
Phil is survived by his wife Diane Fournier, of Hilo, HI; daughter Brooke Barnes and grandson Will, of
Cincinatti,OH; brothers John Barnes (Kelly) of Verona, WI and Bill Barnes (Lucy) of Sioux Falls, SD;
numerous nieces and nephews; and cherished extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Phil’s memory to the
https://www.audubon.org/ .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store .