Barry passed away at home on May 10, 2009 at the age of 55, after a courageous and dignified 5 year battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, wife Sue of 26 years; daughter, Michelle; sister, Gail (Clay); nephews, Brad (Lisa), Brent; niece, Carrie (Marcel); father-in-law, Gus; sister-in-law, Eva (Richard); nephews, Troy, Jeff, Daniel; nieces, Annie, Donna; aunts; uncles; numerous cousins; close friends and neighbors. Predeceased by his father, Gus and mother, Edith. Barry was a well respected carpenter by trade. It was while he was working for Dura Construction in Port Hardy, where he met his dear friend, John Knappett, whom he worked for 24 years, until being forced to retire due to his illness in September 2008. Barry was an avid sportsman having played soccer, hockey, golf, curling and baseball. He also enjoyed his years of coaching little league. His greatest achievement came while coaching the Traveller’s Inn fastball team to the national championship in 2001. He also enjoyed fishing trips with the gang. Barry will be deeply missed by his numerous friends at the Victoria Curling Club, his favorite watering hole, The Tally Ho and the Garage where many get togethers created lasting memories.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 2:30 pm at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. Donations to the BC Cancer Agency will be gratefully accepted.
19 Responses
Dear Sue and family,
I was saddened to hear the news of Barry passing away. I have fond childhood memories of growing up on Homer Road with both Barry and Gail. We were lucky to live in such a great neighbourhood filled with lots of kids. The Maclachlans, Taylors, Andersons, Colliers, Lees, Alexanders too many to list. It was a great neighbourhood. Many a night that our parents yelled and screamed for us to come in after a fun filled day of hide and go seek, riding our bikes down the Homer Rd hill and of course sleigh rides on the Lee families front yard. Sue I curled for a few years in the ladies league where I was fortunate to meet you. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Sue and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family
Gorge Soccer Family
Dear Sue & Michelle
Our thoughts are with you
Love Paul , Rose & Family
Dear Sue, Mick, and Family,
We are so sad to hear of Barry’s passing. Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts go out to you. When I first met Barry we were opponents on the ball field 30 years ago. Wow, did he compete!
I got to “know” Gus when I was blessed first to coach Michele in the Minors at Hampton and then to coach with Barry in the Majors. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for those kids. The impression he made on our son,Shaun, is seen today. It is an honor to be able to call him friend. We have lost one of the good ones and we will miss Barry dearly.
Our Love and Thoughts,
Rich, Marlene, Shaun and Stephanie Gurney
Sue and Michelle: our thoughts are with you as you make sense of this challenging time. although no longer with you, Barry will always live on in your hearts.
Scott and Linda
Dear Sue, Michelle and the enitre Gang;
Being involved with Gorge Soccer and Hampton Little League from the 50’s through the 70’s, I watched Hiltie grow up!
Barry was person that grew on you. He was always one of my favorite Kids of that era.
Barry’s dry sense of humor and his competitive nature, lived with him always.
The times I spent with Hiltie are fond memories and I will cherish them forever, for, there will be no more!
My thoughts are with the Family and from my Family, our heart felt sympathy.
A great Sportsmen, a great Sport and a Great Guy.
With much love,
Gerry and Stephanie
I considered Barry quite a close friend to me over my many, many years working at the Tally-Ho. I always thought he was one of the “perks” of my job!!!! I will (and do) miss him terribly.
And if this is how I feel, I cannot fathom how you, Sue and Michelle, are feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.
Knowing Barry was a pleasure and our Saturday afternoons at the curling club won’t quite be the same without the “humour” that Barry always displayed. The wit and devious smile were his trademark and they will truly be missed. Take good care of yourselves, and celebrate a great man, for he has definately left his mark, with all of us.
Dear Sue and Family,
We are very saddened for your loss .
Our deepest sympathy,
The Thomsons.
Sue, Michelle and family,
I wish to express my deepest sympathy for your loss and let you know my thoughts are with you and yours during this difficult time.
Theo