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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