Barry Gardner
Barry (Barrington Eric) peacefully passed away in his sleep at home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the age of 81, with his wife and best friend Lynda by his side. His daughters Ruth and Catherine were close by as they have been for the past 10 days. Barry had bravely fought the ravages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a dreadful disease, for the past seven years.
Barry was born in Blackley, Manchester, England. He moved to Kendal, in the Lake District, after marrying Lynda in 1966, and began his career in the shoe industry at K Shoes. In 1981 Barry, Lynda and their daughters immigrated to Kitchener where he initially worked at Greb Shoe Industries before becoming Plant Manager at Kaufman Footwear. He enjoyed the challenges of working in the shoe industry and made many friends.
When Kaufman closed, he surprised everyone by taking up trucking across North America. Through the kindness of TransFreight and Hoss, he often took many a friend or family member with him on the long hauls across the continent to share with them the beauty of this vast land.
Barry was at his happiest when he had a hammer, drill or screwdriver in his hands. Nothing was too great a challenge for him. From building - stone walls, fireplaces, docks, decks, a superb workshop and more. What he built will be enjoyed for years to come.
In 2008 he became a proud Grandad to Mary and Sarah and they became the focus of his life. He treasured spending time with Sarah in Toronto and travelling to North Vancouver to have quality time with Mary. His family life was complete when Astrid and Anders arrived in 2013 and he and Lynda enjoyed extended visits on the west coast. His daughters and four grandchildren were the light of his life and family time at the cottage was precious.
Barry is predeceased by his parents Emily and Jack, his dear brother Jackie and cherished son-in-law Rob.
He will be fondly remembered by his sons-in-law John and Dan; sister-in-law Jennifer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law David and Shula, his nephew and six nieces and many great nieces and nephews. Gone but not forgotten by his cousins, extended family, good friends, co-workers and neighbours.
Lynda, Ruth and Catherine would like to thank Barry’s medical team - Dr. Raco, Dr. Kozij and Dr. Tan – along with the many branches of Ontario Health at Home Services. They have all been extremely thoughtful and caring.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Barry will be held at the Charcoal Steak House, 2980 King Street East, Kitchener on February 26 between 1:30 – 4:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, in Barry’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation as an expression of sympathy. A cure is needed for this terrible and challenging disease.
Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Barry’s obituary notice on Facebook.