We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of our wonderful Barry on May 29, 2020, in his sleep, as a result of a heart attack. Barry was a gentle giant, kind, generous, optimistic, caring, fun, a hugger, a great friend, and a beautiful son, brother and uncle.
A great all-round athlete who excelled as a pitcher and booming hitter in baseball, he loved sports of all kinds especially hockey (Boston Bruins) and football (Buffalo Bills and the Redblacks). He enjoyed fishing, Nascar, and relaxing on any deck with a coffee or a drink in hand. He loved music – rock and Reggae (and Jamaica) in particular, and played his guitar daily especially during these times. Barry was a gifted artist, an animal lover, a big fan of James Bond movies and John Candy, a perfect Santa Claus, a proud Canadian and so much more. Barry’s biggest joy, however, was spending time with friends and family, adults and kids alike. He loved a good party or event. If you met Barry, you were his friend for life. He was such a people person.
Barry was born on December 13, 1961 and raised in Sudbury. He travelled to Fort McMurray at 18 to start his working life in the hospitality industry (he would have said “I was a bouncer and a bartender”). He moved to Calgary, and then to Ottawa in that field, and eventually with brother James became co‑owner of Ottawa Softub for many years. Barry joined Best Western Hotel in 2018 and was really missing his work family because of the recent shutdowns.
Barry is survived and will be greatly missed by his beloved mother Helen of Sudbury (dad Spike, predeceased 2003), his sisters Susan (Tino Colussi) of Ottawa and Donna (Bill Wyatt, predeceased 2012) of Cobourg, and brothers James “Spike” of Sudbury and Grant (Lorraine) of Gloucester. His oldest brother David (wife Maria) predeceased him in 2016. Barry is also survived by nephews and nieces Andrew, Michael, Judi and Karyn Wyatt and their families; Anna Wormington; and Brendan Chase and his family, and Taylor and Hayley Wormington. His family loved him very much. Also missing Barry are his very special friends Rob & Christine Dube, Pete, Bruce, Gary, Brian, Gilbert, Dennis, Steve, Will, Dylan, Dan, Dave, Ron, and so many more, and Liam, Jig and Quinn (the band Zig Mentality) to whom he was a special “Uncle B.”
If you met Barry even once, you likely understand why we are so heartbroken to lose him. He had a special way of touching everyone he encountered with warmth and caring, and a joy that would brighten your day.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at a later date when we can gather safely. Rather than flowers, Barry would ask you to do a kindness for someone, and maybe raise a drink to his memory.
Digital Guestbook
Jenn Lytle
Pauline Carlson
So sorry for your loss. Ha sounded like a great person. Shared a table with Barry at Brendan and Megan's wedding and he did make us laugh. My thoughts and prayers are sent to the Wormington Family.
Dan Lyons
My deepest condolences to the extended Worthington family and all of Barry's many, many friends. He will be sorely missed. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. Love you Barry! ❤️
Dylan Nosé
An excellent homage to a great human being. I was glad to have been his friend and neighbor and I will carry on his legacy of doing kind things to others with no expectations in return. He is and will be forever missed. Ashley also sends her condolences along with my brother and father who also knew Barry and his limitless altruism.
Charmaine Gooden
I met Barry years ago through working with his brother Spike at the TD Canada Trust Westgate Branch. He was a very friendly gentleman and as soon as he found out I was from Jamaica we would spend time talking about his live of the island and food every time he came in. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his family and friends. May he sleep in peace and as we say in Jamaica "walk good my brother and see you someday on the other side."
Pierre turgeon
Love you for ever bro xxoo✌
Musset Pierre-Jerome
Je suis très attristé par cette nouvelle. Je présente mes sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de notre cher ami. Puisse t-il reposer en paix
Suzanne Perrin
Very sorry for your loss.Barry seems to have been a fun person with great qualities.My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Gary “The Gibber” Gibbons
We all lost a good hearted genuine one of a kind with the loss of Barry. We went on many a frippitty rip together over the years. From Sudbury to Calgary good times and a few bad we’re had. When Bear drove it was in style either with him looking like Bert Reynolds in his Trans Am, or kickin back in 1 of his custom vans. At one point I didn’t think his van was ever going to leave the parking lot of the Chateau Laurier. In Calgary he always had a good spot for the Stampede and could always talk his way right through any doormen or line ups. Somehow during the 88 Olympics Bear had tickets for the hottest reggae concert, the Jamaican bobsled team and Eddie the Eagle! He loved giving gifts and was always a perfect host.
I guess our trips have come to a end, like all good things must. Thanks for the memories
BEARMAN
Jamee
I’m so sorry to hear of this news... my thoughts and prayers are with Barry’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of getting to work with Barry at Best Western. Always the life of the party and made people’s days - colleagues and guests alike. On my last day working at the hotel, he gave me a small tin of chocolate as a parting gift. I’ll never forget that simple gesture. I’m saddened to hear that we’ve lost such a friend.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Barry's sudden passing. I want to extend my condolences to his family and friends. I worked with Barry at the hotel and he had such an impact with everyone he encountered thanks to his big heart and positive outlook. His storytelling, kindness, and caring will be dearly missed.