Barr's commitment to the representation of workers continued throughout his life and he was president of the retired member's association for the GMB Union, and a branch secretary in Glasgow right up until his death. After his death, he was described by a spokesman for the GMB union as "one of the outstanding trade unionists of his generation. His passing marks the end of an era". "He leaves behind a legacy of great memories but also a reminder to workers the world over that if you stand firm you can win."
