August 7, 1933 - July 2, 2020
It is with sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather who died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Barry was predeceased by his parents Raymond (1999) and Margaret (2007), and brother Bob (2019). He is survived by his wife Jeanne, daughters Lynnel Kennedy (Greg) and Charlene Hawthorne, a very special grandson Matteo Kennedy and his fiancé Rebecca Flynn, brother-in-law Bill McKay (Barb), sisters-in-law Sybil Hawthorne, Donna McKay, Shirley McKay, Betty Smedley (Bill), and Carol McKay along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and very dear lifelong friends.
Barry was born in Chilliwack and moved to the Comox Valley at the age of eleven. He attended Comox Elementary and went on to graduate from Courtenay High School in 1951. In 1960 he happily married the love of his life. Together, he and Jeanne enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing and lots of family time. Barry worked in the automotive industry all of his career, and operated his own service station at 625 Cliffe Avenue for many of those years.
With a love for boats, Barry built himself two in his early years, and in later life switched to building intricate sailing ships in glass bottles. With his patience, skill and creativity he could build or repair anything.
Barry enjoyed spending time in nature and took pleasure in sitting by a lake or by the ocean watching the natural world unfold in front of him. He was a kind, gentle man, deeply content in his life.
The best gift that a man can give the world is to be a good father and Barry was just that. He adored his family, and that adoration is what we will carry in our hearts forever.
We loved him to the sun and beyond and he knew it and was so grateful.
In lieu of flowers or donations we ask that you take a moment to hug your partner, child, grandchild, or friend, and remember how precious life is. Take that walk in the woods or at the beach, enjoy yourself, time waits for no one.