In June 2007, Barker was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of terminal cancer.
After his diagnosis, he was active as an inspirational speaker on how he used humour as a vital coping mechanism in his personal fight against cancer.
His first year of cancer treatment was the subject of a CTV documentary entitled That's My Time.
The documentary debuted at the 2008 Atlantic Film Festival and was nationally televised in September 2008.
"[citation needed] He died in Toronto on June 21, 2010, shortly after his 58th birthday, from his cancer.