ROBERT FREDERICK BARRY

It pains me to announce the passing of Robert Frederick Barry of St. Adolphe, MB on June 9, 2026, at the age of 72 years old. After battling an aggressive form of leukemia for approximately 14 months, he succumbed to the disease with his family by his side.

He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Louise Barry.

He is survived by his children, Eric (Tania) and Kate (Eric), the mother of his children Kim, his 5 grandchildren Faith, Lillian, Isabelle, Paityn and Maverick, all 7 of his siblings, Pat Sopher (Will), Judy Stratton (Alexander "Sandy"), Linda Elmhurst (Dale Lewicki), Joan Boone (Frank), Edie Pujo (Roger), Ken Barry (Sandy) and Brian Barry, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Robert was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 25, 1954. Alongside him were his 5 sisters that came before him, and his 2 brothers who came after. They lived in St. Vital on Glen Avenue where Robert attended Windsor Elementary School, then moved onto Glenlawn Collegiate.

He then pursued a career in social work at the University of Manitoba.

Throughout those years, he had numerous jobs, from the newspaper factory, to working at St. Vital Lumber, to taxi driving. He also had a wide group of friends from the area, many of whom he remained close friends with after all these years. These friendships saw him through the good times and the bad. They became more like family than just friends.

He fell in love with and married Kimberley Anne Robertson in 1982 and built a house in St. Adolphe, Manitoba in 1985. They welcomed their first child, Eric Robert Barry into the world in 1986 and their second child, Kaitlin Morgan Barry in 1991. As Eric and Kate grew up and were involved in hockey and figure skating, Robert made sure to be at every game, practice and competition. He never missed an opportunity to support and cheer on his kids.

Robert continued to work in his chosen field with Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie and Steinbach Child and Family Services as a case worker. This was not an easy job, but he was up for the challenge and was passionate about the welfare of children. He worked with many wonderful colleagues over the years, even still attending gatherings every few months since retiring from social work in 2009. He was ready to take on new adventures in life. He once again had various jobs keeping him busy, from long-haul truck driving for Eric's transport company, Eric Barry Transport, to working for Habitat for Humanity as a handyman.

His other greatest love was his cabin at Quesnel Lake, more commonly called Caribou Lake. This beautiful place served as an escape from the day-to-day stresses, a place where he could relax and have fun. He spent a lot of time there as a child with his father, camped out on an island and fishing until dark. He then had an opportunity to buy a seasonal camp site to call his own. He, Kim and the kids spent a lot of time there in the summer, enjoying the fishing, spending days at the beach and enjoying each other's company.

Robert was an outdoorsman at heart, taking after his father, and passing that love onto his son Eric. The interest in all things hunting and fishing has kept him busy each spring and fall, from deer hunting to moose hunting trips, to getting a few grouse on the way up to the lake.

In his later years, Robert played baseball for the Country Bums in a seniors league and in the winter, played pool with the Riff Raff at the Travelodge on Fermor. As if his plate wasn't full enough, he was also the manager of his team, a role he took very seriously.

Robert has also never been without a 4-legged companion by his side. From Magnum and Asta, to Toby, Zak #1, Axl and Zak #2, a giant chocolate lab.

In April 2025, Robert had been feeling unwell and after many doctor visits, a diagnosis had been reached. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He quickly achieved remission after just 2 rounds of chemotherapy. He continued to live life on his terms, in between bloodwork and chemotherapy sessions. He started to feel unwell again May 2026, and was admitted to hospital for testing. They had determined that the cancer had relapsed and that no further treatments were available. He was then able to live the rest of his days at home, with Zak by his side.

Robert's silly sense of humor, willingness to drop everything for his loved ones, his zest for life and his stories will all be greatly missed. We were very lucky to have a man like him in our lives and there will forever be a void in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held @ 10:30am on Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Mary's United Church, 613 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg MB. Parking is limited, though additional parking on the road is available.

An interment ceremony will be held at a later date for close family.

While flowers are welcome, please also consider making a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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