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
Doug Pettit
Uncle Bob Cabana
Simply Shocking. HELENE Aka Marb and I loved Barry. He was always there for you. We go back to Hot Tub Days. Best story ever.
Capital Speed Way. The Hip, Ziggy Marly and a bunch of other Bands played. We need two Hot Tubs for back stage. Barry dropped off two Hot Tub and Cold Tub. All the Bands enjoyed the tuba. Bobby Baker and his wife plus the Baby jumped in. Great Moment. That is the kinda of guy he was. Will be missed.....RIP
Galina Hartley
I met Barry 30 of june1995 in Ottawa, one day before the Canada Day in Susan's house. We came from Mom Helen Sabberry's house with Maria and Dave Wormington( lovely brother and sister in law) It was wonderful day and I was happy to meet such a friendly, cheerful, beautiful Worthington's family. Barry made a lot of jocks to keep nice conversations during the day and nearly all night in night club later on dancing and singing non stop... Next day - Canada Day, He was as soul of the company. I spoke just a little English, but I didn't feel myself away..We become as friends very easy. He presented me a lot of music record's and soft panda bear toy and said " it is Me"...I still have it.
I can't believe Barry is not here any more, but he is in our memory.
My condolences to the whole family and friends.
Jose Perez
You will never be forgotten uncle B. Thank you for your amazing friendship. Thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you very very much Barry. ? RIP my dear friend.
John Major
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Wormington family on the passing of Barry.
Jomar macanlalay
I don't know where to start from here when I heard my good friend passed away so fast he was like a father to everyone and a brother hes the best co-worker I've ever known he used to tell me how strong he was and laugh all the time he had so many jokes and makes people die laughing everyone knows Barry hes a protector he recently messaged me to have a beer at his place but now it's too late to have a beer with him . It really sucks when it's all too late . I hope it wasn't true so we can keep enjoying our life but now where do we start from here dear Barry you are such a good friend thanks for your kindness and helping me and people you know you will not be forgotten forever ?
gladys alsina
Thank you Barry for you friendship. Our family will miss you and we will remember you forever. My most sinceres condolences for your loving family. Rest in peace
Ruth Kelly
So sorry for your loss. I bought a Softub, and became a friend of Barry's. He delivered, at no extra charge, an hour's drive away. He will be missed.
Bruce Cameron
BARRY WORMINGTON what can you say? He is kind, generous, approachable, a remarkable memory, funny, has a wonderful family, would help anyone if he could and on & on. I first met Barry in Ft. Mac. in 1980 through Gilbert Forget who I also had met there, they were both from Sudbury. Barry and I worked together in a place called The Pier 7 Showcase and Rock Bar - hottest bar in town.
We worked there for a couple of yrs. getting to be good buds, I had moved from Ottawa to Ft. Mac. in 75'. Eventually both of us had enough of the owner of the Pier 7 and walked out the same night together - too cool. Heavy party that night. In a couple of years Barry moved to Calgary and lived with his Brother Dave (deceased). I ended up getting married to someone too young for me and it didn't work out, oh well. I ended up also moving to Calgary a yr. later and stayed with Barry and Dave and others. Barry got into the Bartender scene and I got a Managers job in a Rock Bar called Frankie and Johnnys. Hottest Rock Bar in Calgary.
We also both met a good friend in Calgary by the name of Gary ' The Gibber' Gibbons, lots of good times. I had a tragedy in a suicide from someone close in 87' and ended moving home to Ottawa because of it. I did not see Barry again for two years so I took a shot at the phone book one day and 'BOOM' I found him back here in Ottawa living with The Gibber - go figure. Well hooking up again was awesome, I wasn't sure I would see him again. Barry had a few odd jobs until he started up his own business called Ottawa Softub with his brother Spike (James) but unfortunetly Spike had to leave the business (too early) for personal reasons and Barry carried on, with help on & off from his friends including myself and of course his sister Sue.
Eventually after 24 yrs. Ottawa Softub had to close down because of inflation and no respit for a small business from our Government. But Barry did not let this get him down, he eventually got back into the Hospitality business at The Best Western Hotel here in Ottawa making good money until Covid 19 struck our world. I actually saw him more then because he worked a lot of hours at the Hotel so he was always busy. Then on May 29/20 my best friend in the world passed away in his sleep peacefully. He had actually mentioned once years back if he was ever going to 'GO' he wanted to go peacefully so.....
Back when I first met Barry in 80' he was the 'BEAR' but so was I "TRUTH"! I eventually gave it up because it fit him way more - funny eh! I will never, ever forget you Barry, the past 40 years have been the best years of my life because of you, it's going to be really hard to live without you, but it will be OK because I will "NEVER" forget you. Your booming laugh and infectious smile, the hair that used to be........ ( sorry bud, had to), the guy I can always count on for anything. "The BEAR, the one and only", Thank You my dearest friend, I love You and will for the rest of my days on this earth.
It might sound like too much me (Bruce Cameron) in this but it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to tell any of it without me being there.
Patrick O'Neill
im sorry to hear of Barry's passing. my condolences to the Wormington family. My great admiration of Pink Floyd started with my visits to the house and listening to Barry's albums.
Rest in Peace Barry.
I have known Barry for years. Super nice and friendly man. Loved his bear hugs. He will be missed by a lot of people. Deepest sympathies and condolences