Barry Desmond Dodge

Dodge, Barry Desmond -Passed away at Niagara Ina Grafton Gage on January 22, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones after a two year struggle. Cherished father of Megan McMath ( Owen Culp) and her mother Carol Dodge, loving brother of Debbie (Bill) Heelis, dear uncle to Ryan Heelis, Scott (Stacey) Heelis ,nephew of Bill and Doreen Dodge.

Barry was born March 15, 1946 in Middlesex, England. He emigrated to Canada with his family in 1957, to start a new adventure in his life, settling in St. Catharines. Perhaps this is where his love for adventure and travel began.

Barry was always very active physically and participated in many sports including skiing, sailing, raquetball, running and cycling.

Barry taught for the then Lincoln County Board of Education in the elementary system where his natural talents for coaching sports really shone. He began his teaching career at McArthur, and went on to teach at E.I. McCulley, Pine Grove and, eventually, retiring from teaching in 2001 at Virgil elementary. During the course of his career he coached girls' volleyball, soccer and baseball thriving on the competitive spirit and sportsmanship that he nurtured in his students. He inspired many a team to compete at their best level and along the way developed lasting friendships and mutual admiration and respect for his many students. Barry did a teaching exchange in Brisbane the suburb of Arana Hills, Australia, 1989-1990, with his family, teaching at St. Patrick's Road making lifelong friends in that country.

His extensive travels, after retirement, ultimately took him to the Philippines where he had stayed for the past ten years enjoying the warmer temperatures to the cold Canadian climate. He returned each year to St. Catharines where he enjoyed reconnecting with family and many of his former students, a testament to the endearment of these relationships.

Barry was a kind, gentle and trusting soul who always saw the best in people. He cherished his friendships and his family and always maintained an easygoing disposition.

A very special thank you to Betty, Jim Bradley's office, whose assistance helped bring Barry home to Canada.

A warm and special thank you to all of his compassionate caregivers at Ina Grafton Gage which became his home these last ten months. Here Barry received the loving care which he so badly needed and it was given unconditionally and always with a smile. A Memorial Celebration will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 85 Church Street, in the reception lounge upstairs from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Arrangements entrusted to HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street (905-684-6346)

If desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Niagara Ina Grafton Gage Foundation and may be done through Hulse and English.

On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.