July 8, 1944 – June 11, 2019
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Barry on June 11, 2019 in the Vernon Hospice House with his devoted wife Sheila of 45 years at his side.
Predeceased by his father Horace and mother Florence. Survived by his wife Sheila and sister Linda Wolch of Winnipeg. Brother in laws Ralph (Mary Jane), Howard (Eunice), Lyle (Kerry) and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Barry was born in Watford, England to his father a Royal Canadian Air Force Bombier Navigator and his mother an English Rose. In 1945 Barry’s father moved his family home to Winnipeg, then shortly after they relocated to Saskatoon. Barry lived in Saskatoon throughout his childhood and during his postsecondary education. He excelled at all sports, but winning the Jr. Collegiate championship in golf was his passion. Life in Saskatoon was idyllic in the 50s & 60s with hot cars and car hops on 8th Street and his weekends were spent camping and fishing at Lake Waskesiew.
In 1970 Barry’s good friend Bob convinced him to move to Prince George so that he may enjoy the great outdoor life in BC. While living & working in Prince George he made many lifelong friends. Barry received a new job offer to manage a branch of a construction company in the sunny Okanagan in 1973. In Vernon, there he met the love of his life Sheila and her family. Three short years later Barry and Sheila were transferred to the company’s head office in Saskatoon, but his goal was to return to Vernon, which happened in 1981. Continuing in construction, he started his own company Embassy Builders which he ran successfully until he retired in 2018.
Barry was a lifetime member at the VG&CC and he proudly displayed one of his “TWO” Hole-in-One certificate’s on his office wall. Sadly, his health forced him to give up those wonderful days on the golf course. He then renewed his lifelong interest in history and collecting. Barry especially enjoyed sharing information with other collectors everywhere he went.
As Barry’s health declined further those happy days of collecting and sharing morning coffee with the boys at the Diner were no longer possible.
Barry “Big Bear” as he was fondly referred to, was a gentle private man, who loved simple pleasures like a cold beer, a good steak and a piece of his mother-in-law’s chocolate cake. But most of all he loved Sheila and their life together with their two cats.
Sheila and family wish to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Pritchett for his many years of exceptional care and the North Okanagan Hospice House. Donations in Barry’s memory can be sent to NOHH, 3506-27th Av, Vernon, BC V1T-1S4 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 1551 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y-9M9
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 8, 2019, at 4:30 pm at 5671 Pearson Road. To get there, turn left onto McDonald Road at the corner of Silver Star Road heading North (drive past Butcher Boys). Pearson Road will be the second road on the left side.
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