Obituary of Barry Still
Still, Barry James
November 2nd, 1940 – April 21st, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Barry James Stills’ sudden passing on Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 in his 79th year. His cheeky sense of humour, big heart, and willingness to lend a hand will be greatly missed by all.
Barry was always an adventurer. Born in England at the beginning of World War II, Barry emigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1965 with his wife Lyn. He immediately loved Canada and always felt that it was his true home. After several years in Toronto, he and Lyn moved to the countryside in Oxford county. He greatly enjoyed country life, despite keeping horses, which he would tell you were horrible. “They bite, they kick, and they smell,” he would exclaim, but he endured the animals for his wife and daughter, and he even learned to ride. Family lore tells of his last dramatic ride on a horse named “Shotgun” which ended in gymnastics by Barry.
After years on a farm, Barry decided it was time for a rest and moved to a house in the woods near Ingersoll. Horses were traded for a catamaran and he and Lyn learned to sail on Pittock Lake outside of Woodstock. They quickly outgrew the little catamaran, and graduated to a sailboat kept at Port Dover. Many happy summers were spent at the sailboat crossing Lake Erie to visit lakeside towns in Pennsylvania. Great friends were made and adventures had, including a frightening return crossing to Canada in which they were caught in a terrific storm!
As Barry neared retirement, he and Lyn discussed their next great adventure; to live abroad somewhere hot and sunny. In 2007 he and Lyn moved to Isla Margarita, Venezuela where they bought a house. Barry loved everything about Venezuela. He loved the climate, the wonderful friends they made, and all the pretty girls on the beach.
In 2012 they returned to Canada to be with their children and settled down in Leamington. Barry quickly got a fishing boat and took to Lake Erie again. Wonderful times were had with friends and family out on the lake fishing for perch.
Barry loved to feed people. In addition to being out on the water, Barry was an avid gardener who loved to grow tomatoes. He would share his harvests every summer, and no one left his house without taking tomatoes with them. Barry was happiest though when manning his BBQ, cooking up a feast for his family and friends. Pig roasts, fried perch with hand cut chips, ribs, and rotisserie chicken were some of his specialities. It made him so very happy to see everyone tucking into one of his meals and enjoying themselves.
Affectionately known as “The Bear” to his family, Barry was the loving husband of Lyn (nee Coomber) for 55 years. Adored father of Allison (Scott) and Jeremy (Amy). Barry unfailingly loved and supported his children no matter what they got up to. Grandad to Cassidy and Jacob, his grandchildren delighted in his antics, including his insistence on wearing an earring like a pirate. Predeceased by his sisters Suzanne and June, he will be greatly missed by his sister Marlene Ormiston in England.
Barry was adamant that he did not want a funeral, but rather a celebration of life. He greatly enjoyed social gatherings, and so his family will be hosting a party in his honour when it is safe to do so.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Lung Health Foundation by contacting the Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 14 Russell Street, Leamington (519-326-2631). Family and friends are invited to share stories, words of comfort and remembrance at www.reidfuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barry
Still 1940 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Leamington, Province: Ontario