June 1, 1948 - May 25, 2007
Barry passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Comox. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Barbara (Rhude) and son Jay. Barry will be greatly missed by brother Jeffrey (Donna), sister Nancy Lulay (Mario), brother James, brother-in-law Robert Rhude (Bonnie), sister-in-law Wendy Koski (Kurt), and brother-in-law Warren Rhude (Christine). Nephews and Nieces will also miss a terrific uncle: Kimberlee, Cameron, Kristina, Michael, David, Lisa, Doug, Justin and Jeffery. Barry will be sorely missed by his adoring African Grey Parrot, Sailor.
He led a very full life and strove for perfection in all he did. While most of his working life was as an Air Traffic Controller, he also was an accomplished pilot and flight instructor at one time. Barry successfully owned and operated a yacht charter and marine outlet business in northern Ontario while he was an air traffic controller. He became a qualified instructor to train instructors in yachting. When he moved to London, Ontario, he was the unit chief at London airport. Barry was seldom satisfied to do only one thing at a time, so he got his real estate broker's license.
Starting as a teen, when he ranked 2nd in Canada on the rifle team, Barry enjoyed a life full of sporting hobbies. He trained hunting dogs, did down-hill skiing, dirt biking, off roading in the desert, flying, sailing, fly-tying, sport fishing and remote control flying.
Upon retiring in 1998, he and his wife Barb, took to the road in their motorhome and toured most of North America. They finally chose a gorgeous spot in Qualicum Beach to call home base. Since retiring, he developed a love for Texas Hold-Em that earned him a championship jacket in one tournament.
Barry put a passion behind each of his efforts that created his own standards and levels of success. His compassion for others and overwheliming appreciation of nature just skim the surface of the water that Barry will miss. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend.
Memorial service will be held at St. Stephen's United Church, 150 Village Way in Qualicum Beach on Saturday June 2nd, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Lupus Foundation or St. Stephen's United Church would be appreciated.