Parcourez la nécrologie de Michael Barron Barry Johnstone 2024 résidant dans la province Nova Scotia pour le détail des funérailles
Michael Barron «Barry» Johnstone – Truro,
Nova Scotia. Surrounded by his family, Barry peacefully drew his last
breath on Friday, March 1, 2024, in the Palliative Care Unit of the
Truro hospital. He leaves to grieve and remember, his wife, Ruby, and
the joy and pride of his life – Lindsay. Barry is survived by two
brothers, with whom he was very close – Harvey (Anne) and Lowell
(Raylene). Barry was predeceased by his brother, Emmett (Pat,
Theresa), and his parents Robert and Agnes (Barron) Johnstone. Barry
will be fondly remembered by a large extended family, including
brother-in-law, Paul (Jean), ten nieces and nephews, numerous
great-nieces and nephews as well as many cousins. Barry has
left us with memories that not only hang on the wall but will also
cling to our hearts.
Born in Sydney, Barry grew up in a boisterous household full
of boys and was supported by an extended family of aunts and uncles
who lived ‘up home’, just across the way. Barry
enjoyed fishing with his uncle and many adventurous summer days with
his brothers in Gabarus. He was a proud Cape Bretoner and was ‘never
unprepared’, truly honoring the
Johnstone family motto. His mother instilled in him her love of art
and music, and by the time he was a teenager, Barry was already an
accomplished visual artist and musician. Largely, self-taught, Barry
played drums, guitar, bass guitar, banjo, and bodhrán.
Throughout his teenage years and later, Barry played in numerous
bands, which helped finance his university education.
Barry left home when he was 16 to attend St. Francis Xavier
University where he obtained a joint degree in labour economics and
sociology. It was during this time that Barry developed his passion
and advocacy for social justice issues. He was a proud Xaverian alumni
who never shied away from showing off his X-ring (except during the
times it was lost!) Continuing his studies at McMaster University, he
was awarded a Masters degree in sociology. While working on his PhD
comprehensive exams, Barry literally bumped into Ruby in the
university library, and she would become his love and partner for
these 43 years.
In 1985, Barry and Ruby embarked on a ten year adventure in
Alberta. Barry was a professor at Athabasca University and Director of
Communications for the Provincial Government Official Opposition
(NDP). While in Alberta, Barry became actively involved in the labour
movement and the environmental movement, most notably standing up to
the Provincial Government and the mighty Al-Pac kraft pulp mill. In
addition to his leadership in these areas, Barry used his musical
talent to support the causes – organizing and playing at May Day
events and playing guitar on the picket lines of the United Nurses
when it was -40 degrees!
Barry and Ruby made life-long friends in Alberta, but the
pull of the East Coast always had Barry thinking about moving
‘back home’. Lindsay was still an infant when
Barry and Ruby picked up and moved across the country, settling in
Truro where Barry rekindled his love of Celtic music and his love of
camping and fishing. Many vacations and weekends were spent
in the motorhome, truck camper or Land Rover exploring the lakes of
Cape Breton and the mainland. Barry thought it was
particularly fun to get the truck stuck in the mud!
Barry worked at the Agricultural College and at the Nova
Scotia Community College. He even had the opportunity to be a
‘stay-at-home’ Dad when Lindsay was young. Barry
retired in 2012.
Barry will be remembered for his musical talents, his quick
wit and dry humour, and for having the best decorated house for
Hallowe’en! He loved Celtic music, Ugly Sticks,
his Land Rover, Labrador Retrievers, a good nap, Ruby’s
baklava, Lindsay’s Cape Breton style fiddling, Monty Python,
the sound of washing machines, and the ridiculous news coverage of
Donald Trump. His favourite movie was ‘The Dead’
(not what you think it’s about – see John Huston’s
last film).
Barry was not without foibles. Dirty dishes never bothered
him. He was known to have stapled the hems of his pants. He hissed at
cats when they ventured into his yard. Barry was certain that his
biggest contribution to the world was his daughter. He
adored her and was unabashedly proud. Lindsay became a sociologist and
teacher, like her dad, and she inherited her dad’s passion
for social justice. She also inherited his talent in the
visual arts and music. They played many gigs together at «pic
breaking speed». Thankfully, Barry’s hand never fell
off! Together Barry and Lindsay recorded a studio album «Fiery and
Precise», with Barry playing all five accompanying
instruments!
When confronting what he called ‘his
demise’, Barry said we should rent the movie theatre and
show ‘Death at a Funeral’ (British version) in
lieu of any service. We are 50 per cent sure he intended us to ignore
this request, so instead, visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m.,
Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young
Street, Truro. Cremation has occurred and the ashes are resting in a
beautiful urn, lovingly hand crafted by Lindsay. Tributes, words of
comfort and memoires may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Barry loved his family dearly and he often ended each day
with the refrain — ‘Good Night and Joy Be With You
All’. A fitting wish for us
all.
2024
Décès pour la Ville Truro, Province Nova Scotia
avis deces Michael Barron Barry Johnstone 2024
nécrologie Michael Barron Barry Johnstone 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Michael Barron Barry Johnstone 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.