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
Gary “The Gibber” Gibbons
Bruno Lair
Barry was a great friend and co-worker where we worked in different departments at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Very joyful person. Even after parting ways Barry never forgot friends he made. Very sad to hear of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his entire family and friends. Definitely will have a Red Stripe in his honor. Rest in peace my friend.
Jake Guay
I met Barry through mutual friends, on my birthday. We immediately became fast friends and always talked about our mutual interests in music and sports. He was a regular fixture and my annual Thanksgiving party and always made everyone feel.so loved and cared for. His death has hit everyone very hard. Even those who only met him once or twice mourn his loss. Will treasure the time we spend together and always have him in my thoughts. Glad he got to see his expos/ Washington nationals win the pennant last year. Cheers my friend
Love Jake and pedro
Randy F
I this special man about 4 years ago and he became a friend for life. And discussing Ferry over the last few days, the words genuine always came up in describing him.
We will all miss him dearly but he will always be in our hearts
Irene Perrin
Sending heartfelt condolences to all of Barry's family & friends . I did not know Barry but his obituary describes him as a person everyone would like to know . It is very easy to understand how you will all miss him greatly .May you cherish many beautiful memories .
Irene Perrin
My sincere condolences to all your family . I did not know Barry but reading his obituary makes you want to know him . Sounded like a great person who will surely be missed terribly by family & friends .
Wade
He was a shining light in our lifetime... touched many lives with love, laughter & kindness. We met on a plane headed to Jamaica decades ago and remained friends for over 30 years. You will be missed my friend... see you on the other side!
Randy Schuran
Our deepest condolences, I have so many fond memories growing up with Barry, such a kind and big hearted individual,
Jana Galik
I've crying without a break since I know Barry isn't here with us anymore. I can't even imagine that he won't come to my right, that he will never hug me again, give me a kiss, I will not hear his cheerful voice .. I loved him with all my heart. Also, what was he, unique. Good, nice, lovely, righteous and kind. He helped everyone he met and the people on the street, everyone he could ... He had an amazing soul and heart. We had so many plans together .. Without him I will never make them again. I loved his guitar playing, quiet singing and beautiful moments. Everything here has already been said, how unique he was. There are not more people in this world than he is. I could write a whole story about his personality here. Thank you for the opportunity to meet him, get to know him, love him and experience a small part of his life with him. Sincere condolences to Mom, family and friends.
Forgive me for mistakes in the text, I am from Slovakia, from the country of his ancestors .. and that connected us too.
Tom Muir
Words can’t express how much I will miss my dearest friend Barry.
The world will be a lesser place without him.
Love you man.
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