Barry Joseph McGillis

Barry was born and raised on a farm north of Edmonton. The oldest of ten children, he wielded the authority of his position by commandeering the couch to himself and taking the best portions at dinner. Though he left the farm shortly after graduating high school, his love for the land and his home remained with him always.

He met the love of his life, Annette, when he was twenty-two and wasted no time in making her his wife. They were married for forty-eight years, during which time they moved to a new province, raised four children and built a beautiful life together.

He took to retirement like a fish to water and spent his days playing golf, watching the Blue Jays, cheering on his beloved grandchildren and taking his cherished afternoon naps. He looked forward to Sunday suppers with his family every week and would toast the occasion with a caesar.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, he faced it head on with courage, optimism and humor. His last days were filled with family, friends, laughter, tears, stories, music and memories. He passed away surrounded by his wife and children.

Barry is predeceased by his parents John and Helen McGillis. He is survived by his wife Annette, son Neil (Danielle), daughter Kelly (Shaun), son Ryan (Holly), daughter Stacey and grandchildren Evynn, Haylee, Rhett, Cooper, Holden and Tristan. He is also survived by his nine siblings, his in-laws, countless nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors on the oncology and palliative wards for their incredible care, compassion and kindness.

A Private Family Service will be held.