Barry Mellon

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Barry Mellon on December 2, 2025. He will be profoundly missed by his wife of 63 years, Winnifred, son John (Kyrsten), daughter Michelle (Martin), and grandchildren Nicholas, Colette, Kieran, and Jessica.

Barry was born in Edmonton on August 5, 1931 to Tom and Millie Mellon. He had a simple but happy upbringing along with his brother Jack, and sister Pat, during the difficult times of the depression. He was the first of his family to attend university (Alberta), which eventually led to a Phd in Geology from Penn State University. Returning to Edmonton, Barry began an accomplished career at the Alberta Research Council where he formed long-lasting friendships, and, most importantly, met Win - a fellow geologist who became his lifelong partner.

They settled in south Edmonton and started a family, adding John in 1963 and Michelle in 1973. After leaving the Research Council, Barry became the Deputy Minister of Energy for Alberta, and eventually rose to the top ranks of the civil service as Chief of the Privy Council in the Lougheed and Getty governments. Known affectionately as “Doc” in the legislature halls, he was privileged to travel on government missions and be involved with many important energy policy decisions.

In retirement, Barry loved spending time at the family cabin at Lac La Biche. His sense of fun and caring made it a wonderful place for children, grandchildren, and friends to visit. He was an accomplished gardener, gourmet cook, and wine connoisseur, and took pride in hosting fine dinners and celebrations for friends and family. Barry had a tremendous intellectual curiosity spanning wide-ranging topics that always made for engaging conversations.

Over the years, there were interesting adventures, including goose, duck, and upland game hunting expeditions and travel to exotic destinations around the globe. Barry was an avid cross-country skier and enjoyed numerous back-country trips, including annual visits to Skoki Lodge.

He touched many people with his generosity throughout a long and eventful life. We will miss him immensely and remember him always.

A commemoration of Barry’s life will be held in the New Year.