September 8, 1962 — October 23, 2022
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Barry (Bearcat) Anderson on October 23, 2022 after a hard fought battle with pneumonia that his failing heart could not endure. He left us while lying in the arms of his beloved Kelly, surrounded by the love of family.
Barry was born September 8, 1962 in Didsbury Alberta to Marjorie and David Oldfield with sister Rhonda to follow. When Barry was a toddler, Marjorie met and married Ray Anderson (the original Bearcat) and a family was formed with the birth of sisters Deb, Jenny, and brother Michael.
He lived his formative years in the town of Carstairs where he was an avid sports enthusiast showing promise in both hockey and baseball, later developing a talent for the game of golf. Summers were spent in such places as California, Michigan, Northern Alberta or wherever his Dad was working. Fishing, swimming, and his first helicopter ride were some of his many pleasures during those trips. While in Carstairs, if you couldn’t find him in the arena with the rest of the rink rats, he was either playing street hockey or involved in shenanigans around town.
Barry moved from Carstairs to Calgary for a brief period, moving then to the Didsbury / Olds area where he settled into his life, eventually buying an acreage outside of Olds which he named the Fortress of Solitude. In 1985 Barry met the love of his life Kelly MacKinnon. Always living their lives to the fullest, loving one another until the day he passed.
His work life took him throughout Alberta from the rigs, to road construction during the summer months. Winter was spent with his “UIC Ski Team” enjoying the slopes. Road construction lead Barry to be a heavy equipment operator, where he found his passion. Barry was quickly recognized as a dedicated and skilled worker, which lead him to the Saunders family construction company where he remained for the duration of his career.
Barry is pre-deceased by his parents, Ray and Marjorie, and younger brother Michael. He is survived by his partner Kelly MacKinnon, sisters Rhonda Oldfield, Deb Porter (Jim), and Jenny Anderson. Together with a myriad of extended family and friends, his memory will live on in them all.
The world is a smaller place without him.
With sincere appreciation, the family acknowledges the comforting messages, tributes and other expressions of kindness during this time of sorrow.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Olds Legion November 5, 2022 - donations can be made to “S.T.A.R.S. AIR AMBULANCE” on Barry’s behalf.
