Barry Matthews

The bell has been rung, it's 4 o'clock.  You know what that means.  It's time to grab a cold one and wander down to Barry's dock at "The Tongue" for some cheese and kielbasa, lots of laughs, and maybe some stories of glory days.

Barry (Bar-Man) left us at 4 pm on June 15, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer, peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, in his Superman pj pants.

Aside from his trademark laugh, Barry is most remembered for being fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and or his devotion to Joanne, his lifelong love. Barry was predeceased by his parents Walter and Millie Matthews, was the proud father of Carrie (Peter) and Jeff (Lacey), and beloved Papa to Lauryn, James, Palmer and Lennon Millie.  Barry is sorely missed by his brother John (Kay), sister Lynda (Iain d), and extended family.

Barry was born in Windsor, ON, and spent his formative years in Oakville, where he was valedictorian at Blakelock High School and met Joanne.  From there, Barry became a certified electrician and entrepreneur, starting his first business-Torbram Electric Supply (now CES)-in 1979.   Barry and Joanne eventually left the suburbs of Mississauga, finding their rural escape at the lake-where they lived and hosted friends, neighbours, and family for 25 years.  Barry's boat "Glory Days", Kubota and dogs were permanent fixtures in his life, along with efforts to keep tourists seeking a better view of the fall leaves off his dock!

Barry's children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews have fond memories dancing to Bruce Springsteen, foot stomping to Stompin' Tom, euchre tournaments and getting their height entered on their birthdays on to the wall, all before Barry would retire to bed at 9 pm.  No one escaped without a nickname, whether they liked it or not!

It was often said that Barry and Joanne could have fun no matter where they were, even if they were locked in the closet.  After 52 years of marriage, Joanne still laughed at all of his jokes...well, most of his jokes.  Throughout it all, even in his battle with cancer, Barry never complained and kept his great attitude and humour to the end.  He really was a glass half full kind of guy, and at 4 pm that glass was always filled with a Molson Canadian.

Family and friends who loved Barry are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, June 23rd at the Glenerin Inn in Mississauga.  Please drop in between 3 to 6 pm to share our memories & have a toast to Barry.

An additional happy hour will be hosted on his birthday Saturday, August 3rd at the cottage.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Though he was taken from us far to soon, we will be forever grateful for the love that he shared, the relationships that he cherished, and the memories he gave us.  In Barry's words  "Life is too short to miss a happy hour".

Celebration of Life Details:

Glenerin Inn

1695 The Collegeway

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada  L5L 3S7,   Sunday June 23rd, 2024  Please drop in between 3-6 pm.

Attire Casual