July 14 1964 – August 31st 2022
In Barry’s lifetime he inspired so many people. He was a role model and encouraged others to better themselves. No one could ever compare to the strength and fight that he had. September would have marked 30 years that he was on dialysis. After 10 years of dialysis at St Boniface Hospital he was one of the first patients to dialyze at the Seven Oaks General Hospital.
Before Barry got sick he got his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg. He got his realtor licence and also worked at the Superstore on Gateway and McLeod.
By the time Barry was 28 his kidneys were failing and he had to start dialysis. In a way being on dialysis had saved Barry. He started taking care of his diabetes and looking after his blood sugar. He listened to his care providers so he could find ways to feel better and make treatments easier. Barry participated in the cycling on dialysis program everyday and was always listening to music while being dialyzed.
Barry moved back in with family at that point to get a handle on his health. Barry and his father Mike had always had a close relationship but from then on him and Mike were inseparable. Mike was the one who drove him to dialysis. On Barry’s days off they would go sit in Kildonan Park where Mike would make wood carvings and Barry enjoyed the outdoors.
There is a special place in Mike and Barry’s hearts for the family tree farm in Sundown, Manitoba. Barry has fond memories going there and helping his father.
Barry and Mike went on so many adventures in their youth. From selling Christmas trees that were grown on the family farm in Sundown to travelling with the Manitoba Museum. Mike and Barry often had a table at farmers markets at the Forks or in the Exchange District. Mike would sell his wood carvings and Barry sold his soap stone carvings.
Barry was determined to not be in a wheelchair. As quickly as he was able to, he was in prosthetics. Barry got his first “tattoo” of his favourite band Grateful Dead on his prosthetic leg and loved choosing different band stickers when it came time for a new prosthetic.
He had a genuine smile and infectious laugh. He loved watching hockey, even being a Flyers fan. The Sopranos and The Simpson’s were always on. But most of all he loved his Christmas movies. Quotes from A Christmas Movie and Bad Santa were heard year round. Barry had a wicked sense of humour. He always had a joke about his legs being amputated.
He loved his “special” baking that his niece would make him. It was the only thing that really helped with the pain he had. He often said “it was a wonderful thing”
Barry had an amazing group of life long friends and they were always on some sort of adventure, especially in his prized Dodge Duster. Barry loved to buy fireworks for his niece and he loved his music.
Thank you to the countless doctors, nurses, support staff, dialysis staff at seven oaks and anyone else he encountered. He had such a sincere appreciation for everyone in the medical community who had helped him along the way.
To the staff at the palliative care unit at Riverview, our family is appreciative of the care he received. Although he was only there briefly, he passed with his huge trademark smile. You made his final moments peaceful and our family is forever grateful for that.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Barry’s honour to the Kidney Foundation. Most of all, he wouldn’t want any one to be sad about his passing, just remember that smile.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Barry’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
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So sorry for your loss ❤️
Our deepest sympathies and condolences.
I’m glad that I was able to have a short visit with Barry just before he passed away (Jeff).
Jeff & Rhonda Dovyak
Oh Barry Unit 2 isn’t the same without you! I’m sorry I never got to say goodbye as I was on holidays. 😢 You were one of a kind and I enjoyed looking after you! I loved reading the tribute and the video at the end brought a tear to my eye. I will miss you but will never forget you! RIP Dear Barry!
Barry was a wonderful person. Always saying hello and reminding everyone’s name in the dialysis unit. His passing has left a void in the dialysis community. He will be greatly missed by many.💔
Oh Barry, you were such an inspiration, you always had a laugh or joke no matter what shape you were in! RIP dear man!!!
I met Barry in the 1980’s when he delivered milk the the Sherbrooke (self care) dialysis unit. We hooked up again when he tried peritoneal dialysis at home. We both moved on to the hemodialysis unit at 7Oaks & I watched him peddle around the world on the stationary bike at the foot of his chair (that he peddled away on 2 artificial legs.)
It’s been an honour & a privilege to care for you Barry. Keep on peddling!!!
I will miss you so much you we’re loved by all in dialysis . Rest In peace Barry.
I will miss you dearly Barry ❤️🩹
We always “walked the aisle”from scale to your chair. I will hold our memories close to my heart.
Barry I remember you fondly from the first day you started your Dialysis Treatments at Seven Oaks. You were always an inspiration to everyone who had the honour of knowing you. Your presence was huge , your sense of humour was infectious. I so enjoyed our many conversations over the years & you will be greatly missed… RIP
Barry , you were more than a dialysis patient , you were a friend ! Telling jokes and wise cracks eventhough your days were never easy ! I’ll never forget the day you ask the doctor to put in a sky light over your chair in unit 2 , since you had “seniority “ as you often said ! RIP my friend ! The sky is lit up for you now ! 🌈
I will miss your smile , your greetings and jokes everytime you’re in dialysis. Thank you for all the memories you shared with us. You did a great job! Rest now our Dear Barry, no more pain..
Barry, we yakked about the most obscure things that had us giggling for the rest of the day…I miss that. Your interest in “Wee Bradley” touched my heart, you took the same delight as me in his shenanigans! Meeting you and getting to know you, added to my life! Slain leat..(goodbye for now)…
I think I was in error as Barry likely delivered milk to SCDU in the 70’s. A friend for a long time. Miss you Barry
Oh Barry, I’m deeply missing you already😢😢😢. Your sense of humour and positivity touched my heart and many people hearts. Unit 2 is not and never gonna be the same without you😢.
Rest In Peace our Dear Barry🙏
Sorry for the loss of Barry. My condolences to the Kiriluk family
It was a pleasure knowing Barry all these years. He’s sadly missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Oh Barry! I remember you the most is when I asked you “ How are you doing Barry? You always replied “ Wonderful!” But the last treatment I saw, I asked “ How are doing Barry “ You replied “I don’t know Kim”. I miss you every time I work in U2. But I know you are no longer in pain.
I met Barry in 2007 when I was Transport aide in Dialysis at Seven Oaks Hospital then again in 2019 and to my surprise he remembered me. Barry had a knack for remembering a person’s name, from that time on he always had a hello and asked how you and your family was. I’ll miss seeing you and our short but always friendly chats. RIP Barry.
My deepest condolences to Barry’s family. I’m saddened that I didn’t get to say goodbye but feel privileged that I was one your nurses. So many good times on unit 2, lots of laughs and stories. Will miss you Barry😢
I knew Barry when he was a patient at St.B dialysis 20 years ago. And then lately when my son married his niece. He was one tough guy who went threw alot in his life, And also his father who did so much for him ! Good luck on your journey forward Barry. RIP.
Sad news on the passing of Barry, our thoughts and prayers to the Kiriluk family.
– Posted by: Joseph Hector Paquin (Old neighbour )