Don Barry
With profound sadness the family of Donald Kenneth Barry announces his passing on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Don was born on March 9, 1946 in Kingston, Ontario and moved to Atikokan in 1973. An active member of the community, Don was always the first to volunteer his time. From serving as People’s Warden and musician at the Church of the Good Shepherd to organizing Atikokan Sports Days, you could always count on him for a smile and a helping hand. His dedication to the people and community of Atikokan was unsurpassed and he will be missed by many.
Don began his career in Atikokan as a truck driver at Caland Iron Mine and then worked as a crane operator / heavy equipment operator for Pluswood (later Proboard and Fibratech) for over 30 years. He also served as union steward for the CEP. A talented man, Don loved music and performing. Whether he was singing, playing piano, or playing guitar, Don could be heard playing all over Atikokan and the region. Don also loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing and tinkering in the yard and garage. Don had the ability to brighten a room with his big smile, kind heart, and contagious laugh.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Gail Barry of Atikokan, Ontario; daughter Courtney (Robert) Ilie of Calgary, Alberta; brother Stuart Barry of Kingston, Ontario; niece Michele Barry (Elise, Sara) of Pickering, Ontario; nephews Scott Barry of Kingston, Ontario as well as Dan (Traci) Allen and Tim (Annette) Allen of Kingston, Ontario. He will also be missed by extended family members Marna & Howard Bobczynski (Fort Frances, ON); Pearl Langer (Winnipeg, MB); Lou & Joe Kaliska (Rainy River, ON); Barrett Wagness (International Falls, MN); Sharon & Steve Allen (Calgary, AB); and special friend Lil Russak (Thunder Bay, ON). Don was predeceased by his parents Ken and Lily Barry of Wolfe Island, Ontario; sister Marjorie Allen of Odessa, Ontario; and infant son Al Barry.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held for Don on Thursday, March 26, at Atikokan’s Church of the Good Shepherd with Rev. Ruth Ivall and Rev. Doug McClure officiating. Interment will take place at a later date on Wolfe Island, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Atikokan High School Music Program (Box 2640, Atikokan, ON, P0T 1C0), Want a Pet Animal Rescue (Box 1275, Longlac, ON, P0T 2A0) or the charity of choice.
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