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Barry Campbell

Image by Nick Andréka

BARRY CAMPBELL

June 17, 1952 – May 25, 2020

On May 25, 2020 after a lengthy battle, Barry passed away just after 4:00 p.m. in St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 67 years.

 

He is lived on through his sons Kevin and Derek; sister Catherine (Wayne) and brothers Terry (Arlene), Larry (Arlene), Peter and Donald. Barry is now reunited with his parents Edna and Terence; brothers Franc, Gary, and Paul, as well as good friend Graham Besse.

 

Barry was born in Montreal, along with one sister and seven brothers, to a father who was a decorated soldier in the Air Force and a mother who stayed at home to keep the large family in line.

 

He started working on the runways and in the hangars with Air Canada in Montreal, which presented him the opportunity to move to Winnipeg and work the mail room. Here, through hard work, he eventually became a lead auditor for the company. He travelled many places for work and used his “perks of the job” to see even more of the world in leisure.

 

Barry had an interest in motorcycles and photography. Early on, he spent plenty of time on the racetrack, racing bikes and taking photos of all the other riders. His volunteer work at the track even won him awards. He was a member of vintage motorcycle clubs and most of his yearly motorcycle trips would be planned around BMW motorcycle rallies and visiting friends.

 

In the early 90s, Barry bought land in Menisino, Manitoba. His good friend Graham Besse, flew to Winnipeg with another friend Roscoe, to build the main cabin on this land. Since then, Barry had devoted a lot of his time to the cabin, constantly working on it and increasing the “luxuries”. He would invite friends to join him hunting. Barry was also pretty good at providing friends and family with deer sausage after hunting season!

 

For a period of time, he was a member of the woodlot association and would host tree planting festivals on his property. Hosting these events made him very happy, good times were always had with lots of food. He even built a small stage for one of the festivals and hired the band "The Blues Benders" to play.

 

Barry had a hard work ethic and a thirst for knowledge. Later in life he continued to enroll in trade related courses, no doubt to sharpen his skills for more cabin projects. He was always encouraging his kids in their trade careers and instilled the same work ethic in them. With his old school, hard work mentality, it was no surprise that he went his whole life without getting a cellphone, which is something he liked to joke about even up to his last days.

 

He often made donations to Siloam Mission, a pattern that continues even after his passing. In his will, he left several donations to different foundations, including some in the form of scholarships for trades programs.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry’s memory to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation are greatly appreciated.

 

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, Barry’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by commenting in the comments section to the right.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Bob Chiddenton

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

A "TRUE FRIEND" that was Barry I met Barry in 1992 working together to submit our teams idea for Air Canada's "Idea Action Program". When the Idea was rejected (with an option to appeal) Barry said @*&$# %*%#@ we are going to review, reword (he was very good at putting words to paper) and most importantly get support from those who understand the full concept of our idea. Barry was not one to just give up ------ the idea was approved on appeal and the prize was a "trip of a lifetime" to San Francisco. "OH" what a trip it was. Barry had just built his cabin at Menisino and I was quickly drawn into activities at the cabin. When I arrived for the first visit and saw a sea of little trees to be planted, I thought "man this guy really means business" Barry always had an agenda ---- Insulating the floor of the cabin from underneath (laying on our back), building a (heated) tree stand for hunting season, installing a metal roof on a work shop --- and the list goes on, but the highlight of the years was the "tree Festival' in the summer, lots of great food, and entertainment. Barry was in his glory when he could thank his friends for their help. Rest easy "Big Daddy" (that is what I called him) "I AM GOING TO MISS YOU"

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Barry’s family and friends as we remember his life and legacy. My father Cyril and his Dad Terence were brothers and our families shared many happy holiday memories in PEI in the early years. When I was studying in Toronto years ago, Barry used to look me up when he was in town on business for Air Canada. Those are great memories. Barry had a good sense of humour And the the same twinkle in his eye as his Dad Terry when he told a joke. Barry always kept in touch with his Campbell relatives from PEI and was always there when times were rough. We deeply appreciate your presence and love you always Barry! Cousin Joan Campbell from PEI.

Hughie Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

To Kevin and Derek I would like to express my condolences for your loss. for years we talked back and forth on the phone and out of the blue Barry would arrive to the joy of us all here on P E I  My Dad-his uncle Cyril got a great kickout of him and on one trip to the island Barry brought Dad a jug of Pusser Rum which both enjoyed so much as Dad was WWII and Korea Navy Vet. Barry flew down to Aunt Margarets Dads and Brother Pats Funerals and all us Campbells will never forget him for this. we all loved Barry and will miss his Hearty laugh and smile. We shared many memories and stories over the years.  R I P and may God Bess You.        Hughie Campbell  Cousin

Elvira Sarmiento

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Good bye my dear friend of youth. I’ll always carry you in my heart. Fly high and reach all you always dreamed of. Now you’re closer to God, taking care of your kids and all of us who were close to you. Love forever ❤

mikeedm90

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Goodbye Barry I knew Barry and all the Campbells for as long as they lived in Baie d'Urfe. Went to Concordia at the same time as Barry. He visited us a number of times in Edmonton and it was always great to see him. I told the rest of my family about his passing and they all send their condolences. My sister said that Barry was a great guy. God bless and goodbye.

Claude Nolin

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am an airport agent at the Winnipeg airport, and quite over the last number of years I processed Barry at the checking counters and boarded him at the gates. I never knew Barry personally, but at all times this man was a sincere pleasure to deal with, and always presented himself with decorum. For  the times we interacted, it was an extreme pleasure. For Family and Friends, I wish you my sincerest condolences. 

Bryan Doyle

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Barry’s passing. I worked with Barry at the Air Canada mailroom at Dorval Airport in the 70’s. We became good friends. He was a real character. I am going to miss him. Here are some of my memories. I hope you might enjoy them. He got me involved in crazy adventures. He once borrowed my rusted out, hand painted $300 1969 Toyota Sprinter for a wedding because his old Volks Bug leak so much in the rain. I took his car in return and it broke in two that weekend while I was driving it. When working at Maintenance base at Air Canada he would smuggle in motorcycle parts to be refinished and painted. He would then ship them through company mail for me to smuggle out of the Airport mailroom. He had crazy parties at his place in NDG where I would wake up the next morning sleeping on the floor. He got me involved in being a volunteer safety marshal at motorcycle races in the Laurentians. It was very exciting. After moving to Winnipeg he would popped back into Montreal (always on very short notice) and call me up. He always had an agenda. From something as simple as grabbing a smoke meat sandwich to things like getting me to help him build a crate for his motorcycle stored somewhere on the West Island. He once took me on a whirl wind tour to Montreal businesses to collect copies of old receipts in an attempt to nail a fraudster as part of his job as auditor. He also somehow got me on skis again for a day on the slopes when it was -25C. My wife is from Winnipeg originally so we would fly there occasionally to see her friends and family. We were married there. I was at Barry’s first wedding and he was at mine. Whenever I would fly in and call him he would pick me up and drag me around on all sorts of errands. In truth he did exactly what he normally had planned for the day and I was just along for the ride. No matter what we did it was never ever boring. I never saw his country place. He invited me numerous times but I got scared off with talk about how much fun we will have planting 10,000 trees. I was afraid of hard labour so I passed. Now I regret it. One thing for sure is that every time we met we functioned under his agenda. It was a good thing as his agenda was always more exciting and interesting than mine. With Barry it was always an adventure. It was blast to talk to him about topics just to hear his take on things. He always had an opinion. He was a man of many interests and a high energy level. I was always amazed to hear about all the things he was involved with. I was jealous of his zest for life. In one of Barry’s more recent visits he was here to spread his brother’s ashes at designated spots in Montreal. He was so determined to do the right thing. You could tell that beneath that gruff exterior was a person with a real compassion for people. I am ashamed to say he was always better at keeping in touch with me than I was with him. Sadly the last time I heard from him was in 2018 when he was biking through the US and was rolling into Montreal. I had a medical appointment so I could not see him. Now that he is gone I wish I made more of an effort. I glad he did not give up on me. We had a lot of fun together and I will sure miss him planning an agenda for me. I will miss him. Bryan Doyle

Claude Lord

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Hey Kevin, Derek, Really sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.  He and I could relate well as we went on our somewhat parallel life paths. We were the same age (Sept.1st.1952) same position in large families (7 boys, 2 girls),  Of the same stature and similarly shiny hairless domes. We both had interests across the spectrum of the arts and the crafts, nature, wood lots, great food and company. We didn’t meet often but it was always like we’d just left off. Like brothers.  Looking forward to meeting him again. I’m sure he’s in a good place, much like Menisino, but without the mosquitoes and the 40 below! Claude Lord

Denis LeGros

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I was one of the fortunate ones that got to spend many a day working with Barry on his "cabin at the farm". Lots of work made easier because of Barry's humour. We would meet at his home or mine and compare notes on which one of us made the best wine. NO CONTEST....Barry won hands down. On one occasion I bought a bottle from the L. C. and transferred the wine into one of my bottles. His comment to me was "you must of had a bad day when you made this s..t".  Of course we talked a lot about Kevin and Derek, hunting and motorcycles. Though we lost contact with one another, memories are still fresh in my mind because of  what Barry was....a real and unique character.  Denis LeGros

Marty Sluyter

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Thank you Derek for letting me know of your Dad’s passing! We met as BMW motorcyclists at several National Rallys and I visited with him in Winnipeg and at his farm each of the last 2 years and had hoped to do so again this year! Alas! It will not happen! Barry will be missed by his many BMW friends and I have made it known via social media of his demise! All the best to the family!  Marty Sluyter  Englewood, Florida 

Larry & Arlene

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

You new Barry was going to be a business man when the 11 Campbells were gathered for supper before the main course Barry would say to all that if anyone did not want their pie that he would take it. Hard work separates the men from the boys and that was Barry's way. He suffered a lot at the end & was not immune to it during his life. Kevin & Derek thanks for being there for him at the end . Life is about loss & renewal & nature is a good example. The farm will remind you about this & will also remind you of your dad. In his weaknesses & strengths he love you both. I and Arlene will continue to pray with and for Barry till we meet again. Shalom, Larry & Arlene

Debbie Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Your phone calls to check up on things after Paul’s death was very appreciated and will be missed Barry.  Be at peace !  

Terry Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Big family. One girl, then 8 boys! I was the oldest boy, always having to set the example....at times not fun....given what the middle of the pack would get up to. When Barry was around, I always told everybody that I was the older, better looking brother. One value that our parents instilled in all of us was, honesty. Barry was the most eclectic of the clan, with quite a range of interests and passions. And a stubborn streak that took a while to soften, but he eventually succumbed to logic....most times. Gonna miss all that... and you too Barry. ❤ Terry 

Miguel R.

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

If you spent any time with Barry, you knew he was as honest as they come.  I had the privilege of working for him for several years.  As a colleague and as friend, he could be trusted to tell you what you needed to hear.   He was no stranger to long journeys, whether on his motorcycle or by air.  May he have a peaceful journey now.

Arlene Wood

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Be at peace ... your  parents and brothers are there to keep you company and enjoy and swap stories...always a firecracker..hugs Arlene W.

Joe May

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Barry was a good friend during our time at St Thomas High School in Pointe Claire, Quebec. And afterward, until we were out of touch a few or more years ago after a couple of visits to his cabin in Menisino - once to plant trees and party with his friends and a great blues band playing in his driveway. What a time we had! We met in late 1967 or early 1968. Barry introduced me then to his school days buddy, Graham Besse, who also visited and hunted with Barry in Menisino - another good guy who attended St Thomas High School. I hope there's a chance to attach a photo of Barry and I as young teenagers on my family's front porch in those early years. We just got back from the Beacon Hill Park hockey rink. There might be a few more photos posted, if I can find them. We spent many good times with our gang at Phils Tavern in Ste Anne de Bellevue, and at the Maples Inn on Lakeshore Road. I recall picking him up with our family car at his home in Baie-D'Urfe, where I met his family. Included with the video that is posted on this webpage, there's a photo of our gang standing in front of small farm building with red wall - located at Craig Lake in Eastern Quebec not far from the Ottawa River. Barry is standing at the far right side with a beaming smile, holding a "stubby". He had a great sense of humour and hilarious laugh when the jokes flowed on a tide of cold beer with good friends. I just discovered this webpage, which is disheartening. I thought we would see each other again for another fun night-time ride in his pickup truck amongst grazing deer along the roadsides of Menisino. Sadly, we will not, at least not yet. Please accept my condolence for the loss of this unique fellow and old friend, Barry Campbell. I miss him. Best wishes to his family and friends. Joe May September 25, 2020 Vancouver, BC
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