Barry was born in Winnipeg on March 25, 1950, the second son of Bluma and Morris.
His parents, who immigrated to Canada after World War II, instilled in him the values of having a goal, working hard, and respecting others. Barry never shied away from hard work. Whether it was his schoolwork, his professional work, or his recreational pursuits, he put in 120% all the time.
Barry graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1974 and began his career in Winnipeg. He worked with three different firms over the years in Winnipeg, the last being Taylor McCaffrey. In 2002, he moved his family to Calgary and joined McLeod Law where he became a partner and worked until he fell ill. His clients and co-workers have a deep respect for Barry, and he worked tirelessly for them. He was well respected by the legal community in Winnipeg and Calgary and gave talks on personal injury law to his peers.
His hard work was also evident in his recreational pursuits. Barry ran marathons in Winnipeg, hiked to the base camp on Mount Everest, and did a cycling road trip in New Zealand. He played baseball in the law leagues in Winnipeg and Calgary. Barry “the lion of Zion”, trained and also fought in a semi-pro boxing match in Winnipeg as a fundraiser for the local Jewish Community Center.
Barry was active in the JCC in Winnipeg and in Calgary. He was a big supporter of Israel, of Jewish culture, and of the need to educate people about the Holocaust. He was dedicated to seeing that all people’s human rights were protected. He loved Canada and the opportunity and acceptance it provided his parents and family.
Barry leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Jo; his children Roz (Moshe), Ben (Maggie), Bryan (Amy), Eli (Rebecca), and Aidan; his grandchildren Danielle, Noa, Ori, Elad, Ella, Anissa, Copper, and Dylan. He will be fondly remembered by Mary Jo’s Children Joey (MJ), Heather (Kurt); and grandchildren Logan, Jackson, and Oliver. Also mourning his passing are his brothers Leo (Maureen), Sam (Karen); and his nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel, (North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W.) on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with interment followed at 37th Street Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
We would like to thank Rabbi Glickman for his support, spiritual guidance, and friendship. Thank you to Dr. Kelly, the neurosurgical staff and Cancer care staff at the Foothills Hospital, Dr. Wilson and the homecare palliative care team and nurse Clare for their dedication and care.
If friends do desire, donations in Barry’s memory can be made to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada https://www.braintumour.ca/ The Canadian Museum of Human Rights https://humanrights.ca/ The Calgary Jewish Community Center http://www.calgaryjcc.com/
Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone: 403-244-4717.
