Barry Graham Tappin

It is with sadness that the family of Barry Tappin announces his peaceful passing on July 15, 2026, in Regina, Saskatchewan, at the age of 81. Barry left us surrounded by love after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Barry was survived by his wife of 54 years, Mavis Tappin; his brother David Tappin (Emmy Verdun) of Ottawa, ON; his son Dan Tappin (Leslie Tappin) and children Charlotte, Kathryn, Christopher, Caileigh, and Madison of Chestermere, AB; his step-daughter Kara Grywacheski (Lance Grywacheski) and daughter Jesse of Whitecourt, AB. He was predeceased by his parents William and Doreen Tappin of Regina, SK and aunt Margret Tappin of St. Albert, AB.

Born in England during the height of World War II, Barry survived the German bombings while sheltering in air raid shelters. His mother, Doreen, was a war bride, and his father, William, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The family immigrated to Canada, where his younger brother David was born in Regina.

Barry’s life was common themes of longevity, consistency, and deep commitment to service and community. He worked 40 years to the day at SGI as a commercial underwriter, goal judge with the WHL Regina Pat’s for 50 years, served 50 years as a member and volunteer at the Regina YMCA with the Y’s Men Club, and devoted over 70 years to his greatest passion — the Regina Exhibition Association — as an attendee, volunteer, employee, director, and ultimately Chairman.

Over the years, his other activities included playing and refereeing hockey, serving as a Scout leader, working as a part-time security guard, canvassing for the Salvation Army, role-playing for RCMP cadets and training medical residents, and even taking the lead role in a Louis Riel mock trial.

Above all, Barry was a devoted family man, friend, and volunteer who lived with warmth, humour, and a strong sense of community. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by his loving family, as well as a wide circle of friends from the many walks of his life.

The family also wants to thank his devoted caregivers at Helping Hands Care Home and the MSU / Palliative Care wards at the Pasqua Hospital.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at Lee Funeral Home in Regina, SK August 15, 2026 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Regina Humane Society (reginahumanesociety.ca), as this was a lifelong passion for Barry.