March 7, 1942 - August 14, 2021
Barry was born in Regina to Norman and Elizabeth Ritchie (Richardson) and spent his first seven years in the Qu'appelle River Valley. They moved west to Englewood and later to Beaver Cove on northern Vancouver Island, where he grew up in logging camps.
Barry lost his father to a logging accident when he was only 10 years old, however following this hardship he quickly obtained many skills, such as woodworking, from others in the community.
He built a mini railroad to haul groceries and baking supplies to the family home as his mother baked for the community. He and friends built a cabin on a local lake and spent many days camping, canoeing and swimming there.
At age 16 he set off on his own to Vancouver and later Victoria to complete his high school education. Barry then went to vocational school in Nanaimo and became a Heavy Duty Mechanic. His work brought him back to the North Island working for Canfor in Nimpkish and Vernon Lake.
His next move took him and his family to the interior, where he worked for Finning Tractor in Prince George and Quesnel. He and his family returned to the Island when he was recruited by the Tahsis Company to be Shop Foreman in Gold River.
Two years later, he had the opportunity to purchase a business in Campbell River, where he would stay. Campbell River Machine Ltd. grew until it merged with two other Vancouver Island machine shops and became Promac Industries.
After selling the business, Barry worked as Maintenance Manager for Hayes Logging until the softwood lumber market collapsed. With the turmoil in the industry he saw another business opportunity. He quickly built a business to scrap used logging equipment and sell the valuable parts around the world. That business is still thriving 20 years after he sold it and retired.
Retirement saw him busier than ever as he spent many hours, woodworking, gardening, maintaining & repairing River Spirit's dragon boats, volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, and travelling the world. He and Pat visited much of Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean and parts of Asia, as well as exploring the U.S and Canada in their RV.
Barry was a very hard worker, but his family was always his first priority. He never missed any of his boys' hockey games or events, and he supported them fully in all their endeavours. Barry and his wife Patricia and their two boys Brian and David spent many happy times camping and boating around BC. Boating excursions to Desolation Sound are some particularly fond memories cherished by Pat and the boys.
Later in life, there was never was a prouder grandfather than Barry. He was blessed with four wonderful granddaughters who he adored. He spent countless hours creating beautiful gifts and keepsakes for the girls in his woodworking shop, which they treasure.
Barry was predeceased by his parents and oldest sister Betty. He leaves behind Patricia his wife of 56 years his sons Brian (Marie-Josée), David (Jennifer) and four grand-daughters Alexandra, Elizabeth, Marlo and Gemma, as well as his sister Thelma Mattson (Dave) and brother Robert (Karen).
Barry was well loved and will certainly be missed!
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Parkinson's Society of B.C.
A memorial will be held at a future date.