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
Tom D'Ippolito
Micheel Wyatt
Barry was an incredible uncle .I got to know him and all of his amazing group of friends very well during my years in Ottawa. Countless hockey and football games watched at his house, so many joyous memories. I cannot think of a single time I ever saw Barry in a sour mood. Always smiling and always willing to give more than a helping hand. He will be fondly missed.
Ashleigh Hope Morgan
RIP My Special Friend. My heart is breaking. I seen you just the day before. I am truly lost for words and so very sad. You will forever be in my heart and I will NEVER forget you. May you always be smiling down on the ones you loved and may you always watch over the ones who you loved you. I miss you Barry. My gentle giant. I miss your smile, your laughter. I will forever hold in my memory the last time we seen each other. . I truly miss miss you. ❤️❤️
Ross Goard
So sad to hear about Barry's passing and my condolences to the Wormington family. Barry, Dave, Pete and I were roommates in Calgary for several years and locations. While they were "party houses" (really 3 engineers and a bartender?) we got to go to Flames games together and maybe had a beer or two. When the 3 of us would be fading he would be coming back from work and would spark us back to life " Drink up, party, sauna"
I had played hockey with Dave when we were rommates back in university days and first met the Bear.
I remember the sheer thrill /borderline terror of Barry putting the pedal to the medal in his Firebird Transam muscle car just out picking up groceries for the boys. It was priceless!
Kind of taught the two how to fish for trout and salmon back on Manitoulin and in Calgary on a secret spot on the Highwood. We loved the classic fishing report from Barry when he had one on that was too big so " I had to cut the line". He went on to catch the biggest Rainbow that year on the last day of the season. Loved him of course. We had a lot of good times.. Miss him.
Susan Wormington
On behalf of Barry's mom Helen and the rest of the Wormington family, thank you for your kind condolences and for sharing beautiful comments and great stories about Barry. Your words have helped to bring us all great comfort.
Jana
Year passed, year without you. It's hard every day, I cry every day ... your reminds me of so many things and I miss you so much. I believe you are happy in heaven. Life without you, without your love and friendship is incredibly difficult. You are still in my ❤.
Hey James, so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Deepest condolences to you and the entire Wormington clan. I still remember his laugh and smile that would peak out from underneath his moustache back in the day when you two were running Soft Tub. Take care my friend