Barry Whidden

Whidden, Barry; Januray 20, 1946 - March 14, 2012 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather. Survived by his beloved wife of 37 years Vicki, and his 2 children Brandi(Patrick) and Robert and his 2 grandsons Kaden and Logan. Also survived by his brother Bruce and family. A Memorial Service will be held on March 31st at 1:00pm at Henderson's Funeral Home 20786 Fraser Hwy, Langley BC. A tea will follow.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Langley Funeral Home

Barry John Whidden came from a long line of Whiddens dating back to 1761 in Canada.

Barry was born on January 20, 1946 in Vancouver, B.C. the second son of Agnes and Joe Whidden. Barry’s older brother’s name is Bruce and he was born September 10, 1941. His mother said that he was her “miracle baby” as she believed that she would not be blessed with anymore children.

Barry grew up in the Marpole district of Vancouver. He was a happy child, he loved swimming at the local neighborhood pool with his friends and he belonged to the Scouts and loved camping. He delivered the Vancouver Sun newspaper and even received a service award for being an “Ace Carrier”

At the age of 13 Barry started working part time at the Market Basket Grocery Store in Vancouver. He attended Sir Wilfred Laurier Elementary School and Graduated grade 12 in 1965 from Winston Churchill Secondary School. He then went on to attend Vancouver City Collage for his first year of University.

With aspirations of becoming a Machinist, Barry then went to the Vancouver Vocational School. He apprenticed with Murray – Latta Machine Company for five years. In the summers Barry worked at the Vancouver Shipyards to earn his tuition for the fall term and then continued his studies at the Vancouver Vocational School. At the end of his apprenticeship Murray – Latta was so happy with his work that they hired him on full time.

Barry belonged to the Marpole Curling Club, where he regularly curled on Tuesday nights and entered end of season Bonspiels (tournaments) with his team. He also bowled on a league team twice a week and even skied during the peek months. Barry loved going to the movies on a Saturday night, especially to the ones the critics didn’t like.

In 1973 Barry met his future wife Vicki at a mutual friend’s house party. They dated for nearly a year and married on August 10, 1974. Barry and Vicki honeymooned along the Pacific coast in the U.S.A. Early in their marriage they had the opportunity to travel. They visited Nevada and California, and then they roamed the interior of B.C. Their biggest adventure was going to England and Scotland in 1977.

On May 13, 1978 Barry and Vicki welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl. She weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and they named her Brandi Leigh.

Early in the 1980’s Barry worked as a Machinist Union Representative. It was an interesting job; however there was too much dishonesty and office politics. Dissatisfied, he went back to the shop floor which he enjoyed more. He was able to use his talents for many projects including building machines, ski lifts, and canning equipment. He also did repairs for many companies including Carling Brewers and Gen Star Company.

On May 12, 1983, Barry and Vicki welcomed their second child Robert William, weighing in at 8 pounds 10 ounces. Robert was born on the 46th anniversary of his Great – Grandfather, John David’s death.

Over the next 20 plus years Barry and his family moved from Vancouver to Burnaby to Langley. He also worked for several companies including Detroit Diesel – Allison Ltd., Cam Chain Machine Company, Richmond Machine Co. and Mayfair Machine.

On July 20, 2002 Barry walked his beloved daughter Brandi down the ally and gave her away in marriage to Patrick Shawn Burgess.

They blessed Barry with his first grandson on August 28, 2005. He was named Kaden John Whidden Burgess and weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces. Three years later his second grandson was born on May 25, 2008. He was named Logan James Whidden Burgess and weighed 10 pounds, 10 ounces.

Barry loved his grandsons and they loved him. He always said that they brightened up his day. He enjoyed being apart of their lives and being able to spend time with them, whether it was reading stories, bring out the tickle monster, wrestling or cuddling.

Barry always worked hard and was the foundation that held our family up. He was truly devoted to his family and always put us first, he was our “rock”

Words can not truly express how much he will be missed by all who loved him.