Harry Winfield Barrett

Harry Barrett passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 18th, 2021, following a 5 year journey with dementia. The love of his life, Cathy, predeceased him in 2000 after celebrating 51 years of marriage. Beloved father to his three children: Richard Barrett (Maggie Kargard), Barbara Forbes (Tom Forbes) and Beverly Pulyk (David Pulyk). His grandchildren Tami Netzband, Jeffry Barrett, Barrett Forbes (Kelsey Forbes), Alexander Forbes (Jen Forbes), Kevin Forbes (Julie Forbes) and Jonathan Forbes (Jeni Montano) continue as a celebration to him along with his great grandchildren Henry, Cecelia and Kaia Forbes. Harry was the second child born to Elsie and Percy Barrett. Harry is survived by his younger sister Mary Brown and predeceased by older brother Les just months ago.

Born November 22, 1927, Harry lived a full life filled with hockey. His passion for hockey began in Regina where he was a Midget Champ (1943/44), playing for Kinsmen Commandos (1945/47) and with Regina Pats (1947/49). He continued playing following his move to Swift Current in 1949 with the Swift Current Indians. Harry went on to referee one of the first Canada/Russian games in Montreal in the 60’s and continued refereeing around the province of Saskatchewan with the WHL. Family members can remember the smell of epoxy and fibreglass as he molded some of the first goalie masks in the basement of his home. His passion for hockey saw him as coach to the Swift Current Legionnaires where he was an inspiration to so many young boys/men throughout the 70’s. Harry and coaching staff took the team throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, Oshawa, Ontario, Portland, Oregon and Moncton, New Brunswick. He and the team won trophies, awards and national championships. No Easter weekend was complete without the annual Midget Tournament of Champions where Harry wore the same tie and shirt on each day of the tournament for good luck. Passing the torch to a younger coach didn’t mean that his passion for hockey was waning. Harry became a scout with the Saskatoon Blades travelling throughout Saskatchewan to find promising young players. Harry continued scouting until he was 85 years old. Finding and guiding players from recreational play to the NHL was a great joy in his life.

Harry worked for Standard Motors both as a travelling salesman and later as the General Motors parts manager manoeuvring from pencil and paper to the computer age; always learning and growing throughout his career.

Many of his happiest memories were with friends and family as he travelled far and wide. Enjoying trips with friends (Dot and Biss) and his wife to Hawaii, California and Parksville, and Ontario. These times were treasured. Christmas, Easter and summer holidays were spent with family in Edmonton, Kelowna, Medicine Hat and Nelson, B.C. His trips to Cuba and Paris with family were a dream come true. Summer and fall were spent on a golf course and he always enjoyed a walk with his buddies in Swift Current. Playing cards, reading, watching a game, enjoying a glass of wine or a rum, along with an occasional cigar with his friends and family brought joy to his life and the lives of those closest to him.

Known for his kind and gentle to spirit to those who knew him, he will be lovingly remembered by all that worked, played and enjoyed life with him.

The family would like to thank the staff at McConnell Place West and at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital for the time, care, attention and love they provided in the final years of his life.

As a tribute to Harry, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to KidSport Swift Current where it will assist kids from Swift Current with the opportunity to grow through sport.

The family funeral will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Edmonton on March 25th at 1:00. The service will be live streamed for those that would like to join us as we celebrate his life.

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Interment at Mount Pleasant Burial Park in Swift Current will take place at a future date.