I'm Kathy Christie, and I'm Brian's sister. 
I'm writing this today (June 23, 2021) because I have been brought to tears, .. again, when I see that others also miss, and think about Brian as recent as 2020.  I know that I should not be surprised. but this touches my heart deeply.
Yes Brian was someone that you never forget.
"Brass" was my 'Big Brother' in every way. He was caring, supportive, understanding, thoughtful and generous.  He always tried to keep me out of trouble and he always "had my back"!
My family and I, miss him still, and always will.
Kathy Christie



This is my memorial to Brian Barras and his family. I know it might be late as it is 2020 but I must confess, I think of Brian so often I must share this with anyone who reads this. It is never too late to share a  memory of somebody as great as Brian.
Brian was a college and the most amazing friend. So amazing that I still miss him to this day. As you know he was such a loving husband, father/dad to his beautiful children and wife and an  amazing mentor for anyone sharing his profession. I knew Brian later on in his career as an administrator at WCI and once retired a struggling artist. As you know, more than squash, he wanted to learn how to paint. He took several workshops from me to the point where he played a trick on me one day and called me up to his office just before lunch  in a stern voice saying"Mr. McCarthy I want to see you in my office". I thought, what angry parent is upset now! I arrived, he said come in, close the door and sit down! By that time I had chills running up and down my spine. I nervously sat down and I said what's up and he reached down from his chair and pulled out an unfinished painting and said "Can you help me with this?" Well I almost had a heart attack!
 He was very good at pulling some pranks on the job. I got him back on occasion by sending him my very best students up to his office for no reason. I just thought during his crazy day, he should meet some very good students.  We often shared some crazy moments and we enjoyed each others company. Once retired he really wanted to learn painting. It became his passion and obsession and I was the one to show him the way. Brian learned how to paint and he achieved greatness! And from travelling, Brian, if it wasn't for you I would not have painted my favourite subjects. I miss you dearly my friend. Best comment at your Eulogy was..."you made everyone feel like we were your best friend!" That was so profound and true. I carry that now in my relationships. I love you and miss you still!

I know this is late ,but memories are timeless
Brian  came to Mimico H.S.  as a young man  a young teacher
Full of  enthusiasm  and a willingness to take on new things.
I was a wrestler at the school, I remember spending last period 
spares wrestling with Brian  in the gym .You see this was a new 
sport for him - he had volunteered to coach a team he knew little
about.- long story short - we went on to win 2 borough championships 
A good man-
John Rose

I had the honour of working with Brian throughout his career at KCI. He was an amazing teacher, coach and colleague. He would always greet you with a big smile and ask how you were doing when you met in the halls. He will be sadly missed. God Bless Brian!

I had the honour of working with Brian at Jacob Hespeler. He was an inspiration to me. For many years after we worked together, he continued to be supportive, upbeat, encouraging and caring. He has touched many of our lives and been a role model for us. To the entire Barras family - my heartfelt condolences. I am a better person for having known and worked with Brian.  Cathy Vollmer Ashley

When I met Brian at KCI, I was a young teacher new to high school. Though he was in Phys Ed and I was in French, I looked up to Brian and took my cues from him on how to be relaxed and fun and still respected by the students. He showed me that there was a right time to insert all of your personality into teaching. It is all a question of timing, patience and balance. Thanks, Brian.

Hello Barras family, At this time of your grief, hopefully there is comfort in what I say. "Bear," was one of the nicest men I ever knew.Glad I saw him again at the KCI guys reunion, he was his usual upbeat self. He always greeted me with a big grin on his face and he called me "Wigs." He always asked how my wife Gladys and our girls were doing. I was really shaken when I got this news. I will cherish lots of fond memories of Bear.I will truly truly miss him. God bless him!

OBITUARY

Brian Barras

November 28, 1946 – August 3, 2011

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

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