Bernard 'Kerry' Barrie
Passed on: November 5th, 2012
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bernard Kerry Barrie, 71, at the AnCala unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Nov. 5, 2012, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.
Kerry is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Phyllis (MacRae); sons, Bernard, Michael (Liana); daughter, Tanya (Karl) and eight grandchildren, Karalyn, Cheryl, Ryan, Lauren, Bradley, Kyle, Brianna and Sean, all of whom were the lights of his life.
Kerry was a devoted family man who enjoyed taking nature walks with his grandchildren, teaching them how to fish, and he loved spending quality time with them. He was known to be a loyal friend to one and all and spent a lifetime giving to more than just his family and friends. He served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 22 years and served overseas in Germany and Cyprus.
Kerry was very involved in his community and devoted thirty five years of his life with the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department, retiring with the rank of Captain. Kerry enjoyed many amazing friendships with his fire department family and was especially close to Laurie, Curley, Henry, Rannie, Tommy, Bob and Brian.
Kerry also enjoyed a large circle of friends in Ben Eoin Beach and loved spending time with the ‘fireflies’ around the campfire. Kerry was a kind and devoted friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand or a tool whenever needed. He also shared a special bond with Riley, Ashley, AJ and Shaun. Kerry was known to have a very quick wit and maintained his sense of humour, even throughout his illness.
Kerry will be deeply missed by his sisters, Karen (Bill), Arlene (Kenny), Bernice (Jack) and a brother, David. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he adored. He especially enjoyed his visits with his nephew Steven, who often caught fresh fish for Kerry to enjoy. Kerry loved all of his extended family and will be profoundly missed by Greg, Donna, Wanda, Shirley, Lloyd, Joanie, Colleen, Dave and Mae, and he shared a beautiful bond with his mother-in-law Winnifred MacRae.
Kerry was affectionately known to some as ‘Duck’ and will be deeply missed by his lifelong friends, George, Duke and Heckie.
Kerry was predeceased by his parents, Percy and Bernetta Barrie, a sister, Helen (in infancy), his beloved daughter-in-law, Donna, his father-in-law, Harry MacRae Senior, brother-in-law, Harry MacRae Junior, brother-in-law, Sonny Ingraham, brother-in-law, Buddy Andrea, and his grandmother, affectionately known as Mossy.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, from 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney. Funeral service will be held at Chants Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. A reception celebrating Kerry’s life will be held at the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department immediately following the funeral service.
Special thanks to Jackie, Palliative Care Coordinator; the staff of the Victorian Order of Nurses; Continuing Care Services; Linda palliative care RN, and Dr. Cheryl Tobin for their amazing care and compassion for Kerry and his family.
Memorial donations in Kerry’s memory may be made to the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Departments Truck Fund, the IWK Children’s Hospital, or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chanftuneralhome.com.
