Barry Stephen Cooke, 57, a lifelong resident of north end Halifax left our world on May 4th at his home. He was the youngest of three sons born to Harvey Benjamin Cooke and Sadie Elizabeth Cooke (Arab)
LiL’ Barry as he was most affectionately & respectfully known in his music world of Blues was held in highest esteem for his talent as a musician. Barry lived, breathed and played Blues and over the years absorbed all history and music in its legends. One close friend and musician cited Barry as: One whose Blues history knowledge was unmatched: Barry played keys and bass with many performers remained versatile in his ability to accompany anyone.
BEARLY’S was Barry’s comfort spot and performed there most weekends to his true Blue followers. Barry performed with bands across Canada and internationally and would return home with hilarious stories of escapades at the venues at which they played. Barry was known as the: Blues Icon of The East Coast: His visual presence on stage was magic to watch and hear.
Barry came into this world a tiny, beautiful baby weighing 2 lbs 6ozs. With varied medical issues that accompanied him throughout his 57 years. Barry didn’t remain tiny in personality, character and talents. He grew into a giant of a presence {but he was still short}, an accomplished musician &, played a variety of instruments. Barry found his happy place, purpose, and a means to rise above his discomforts. We were all blessed to have this strong being in our lives.
Barry was always a gentleman, a sincere giver of compliments, a deep and quiet thinker, dry sense of humour, sensitive, loving and selfless. Barry truly enjoyed gatherings that included varied foods especially those of his Lebanese heritage and most importantly many desserts. He was always a pleasure to feed. Tom Crilly shared: The depth of Barry’s sarcasm& stomach were bottomless:
Barry was a minimalist with his surroundings and personal needs. He chose to make his priorities nurturing and maintaining his core friendships of which he had many. Barry’s music community was large and was his lifeline offering fuel to continue on. Barry was a family guy who was blessed and supported by uncles, aunts and cousins who shared his music passion and talents for music and assisted him in his music journey. On the flip side of a minimalist, Barry literally surrounded himself in CD,s an Vinyl of all imaginable blues & jazz artists.
Barry is survived by brother Bob (Norma) their children Chris (Lisa) and daughter Elizabeth; brother Gerard { Deb} children Jeff (Suzie) daughter, Allison (Sylvan). Barry had seven nieces/nephews who loved him dearly
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Thursday May 16 from 1-4pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
YOU WERE THE BEAUTIFUL MELODY IN THE RHYTHM OF OUR LIVES '
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