Barry Wade Johnson

Barry Johnson, 65, of Vancouver, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, with his dearly loved Shay by his side. He was a bright light in this world, and his warmth, creativity, and spirit touched so many. He leaves behind his loving family, countless good friends, and a meaningful, lasting legacy through his photography. We are so proud of him, and he will be deeply missed.

Barry grew up in Sioux Narrows and Kenora, Ontario, a beautiful area that shaped his love of the outdoors. He carried that adventurous, independent spirit with him throughout his life. He left home and headed west while still a teenager, living for a while in Winnipeg. It was there that he discovered his love of social documentary photography. He also lived in northern Alberta before settling in Quesnel, British Columbia, where he achieved his dream of working as a newspaper photographer. During his long career he earned recognition for his photos and the stories he captured. When the newspaper industry changed he transitioned into a career in IT. But his greatest joy and passion was being a dad, and during those years Barry spent as much time as possible with his kids, living in Quesnel, Courtenay, Victoria, and then Vancouver. Encouraged by friends, he returned to photography in 2018, this time to document the spirit and resilience of the Commercial Drive and Broadway communities of East Vancouver. Even after his diagnosis of brain cancer in June 2025, Barry remained committed to his work, continuing to pursue and complete meaningful projects despite his illness.

Barry is lovingly remembered by his wife, Shay; his children, Samantha, Kayla, Jeremy, Armando, Anna and Abba; and granddaughters Khaleesi, Ivy, and Sophia. He is also survived by his mom, Adeline Johnson of Kenora; siblings, David (Susan), Perry and Becky; niece, Kristin (Clay) and son Brody, and nephew Eric (Laura) and children Isla and Banks; also extended family across Canada; and Shay’s family, Steve (Mandy), Gerald, Rebecca, Kim, Odin and Ellie. Barry was predeceased by his brother, Kenny (1958); dad, Ken (2007); stepson, Mark (2023); nephew, Greg (2025); his mom’s partner, Bill Williams (2021); and Shay’s mom Shelly (2024).

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Barry and his dreams throughout his life, and especially in the past ten months.

A Celebration of Life and a memorial exhibition of Barry’s photography will be held in Vancouver at a later date.