Julian Barry Snell

The family of Julian Barry Snell is very sad to announce his death on January 17, 2022. Barry was born in Calgary on September 20, 1933, and was an ardent Stampeder/Flames fan, much to the chagrin of his Elks/Oilers loving spouse.

Despite that, they persisted and thrived for 33 years on an incredible adventure together, miles of highways behind them, chasing great music, cabin projects, sometimes the dogs, gym and cheer competitions, the perfect margarita and the company of wonderful family and friends.

Missing him terribly and remembering his stories are his wife Lori, his daughters Jesse Aluki, Robin (Stuart) Dakus and their families, sons Mike Snell and Chris Lak, sister’s-in-law Katy (Rick) Campbell and Jan Sutherland, niece Courtney (Parker) Wells and their family, the Calgary “gang” Patty Moar, Lindy Maschmeyer, and their families, cousin Margaret-Ann Young and her family, Kelly Goodman Jelich in Anchorage and many others from Las Vegas to Ft. Liard and back again who had the chance to spend time with this remarkable man.

He was predeceased by his brother, Brian, his mother Edna Ortega, his step-father, Jesus Ortega (the “Mighty Ursus”) and his sister-in-law, Sue, as well as his life-long friend and fellow musician Ron Brown.

Barry (at various times in his 88 years) was an entrepreneur, a jazz musician, a gifted watercolor artist, a teacher, and most of all, a compelling storyteller. He loved the details but brought color and music and a subversive eye to everything he did from gardening to parenting. He had experienced it all and his indomitable will to stare any challenge down carried many of us when we needed it, keeping us thoroughly entertained the entire time. You did not mess with him, in Sobey’s parking lots or at the US border crossing. There was no one like him. As Jan described him, the best corner guy you would ever want to have.

To honor his passion for jazz, and his encouragement of those who played it, donations can be made to the Bobby and Sharon Cairns Memorial Award; https://give.macewan.ca/barry_snell , supporting emerging jazz musicians at MacEwan University.

A private ceremony of Barry’s life will be held at a later date.