April 2, 1942 – July 12, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Colin Leary of Kitimat, BC on July 12,2024, at the age of 82.
Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jacqueline (nee Vance), his daughter Heather (Cam) and his son, Scott, as well as four grandkids – Amy, Jake, Hannah and Calder. He is also survived by his sister Sharon (Gary) Lampitt, his niece Nadine (Willie) Vass, nephew Dwayne Lampitt, as well as countless cousins. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Joan Leary (nee Walker) of Miniota, Manitoba.
Barry was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, but grew up in Miniota, Manitoba. His family moved to Calgary, Alberta when he was a teen, where he later met and married Jacqueline Vance, and they raised their family. Barry retired in Carstairs, Alberta, where he spent his time playing guitar with “Not Exactly Serious”, a band of family and friends. He spent his last 8 years in Kitimat, BC.
Barry was a cowboy at heart, and always said he was born 100 years too late. He was a true old gunslinger and proud founding member of “The Guns of the Golden West”, where he loved to compete and perform old west shows. “I wasn’t always the fastest, but I rarely missed my target”.
The family would like to thank Dr Marius Wahl, Dr Willem van der Westhuyzen and their staff, as well as all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Kitimat General Hospital, for their care and compassion. A thank you as well to the staff/families of the Mountainview Lodge. There are too many to mention. Barry considered all of these people friends, and appreciated the time he spent with them.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1pm to 5pm at Legion Branch 53 in Carstairs, Alberta. We hope you can join us to say a final adios to an old cowboy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or to Heritage Park, Calgary. Happy Trails, Barry.
