Barry Wayne Kearns, 72 of Selkirk, ON passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He remained in high spirits throughout and left us peacefully in his sleep at his treasured homestead; the cottage in Maple Bay, Lake Erie.
Barry’s story set about amidst humble beginnings and through his determination and hard work he became a self-made man and steadfast provider his family was proud of and could depend upon. In December of 1949 he was born to parents Charles (Chuck) & Greta Kearns (nee. Deleary) who were of Irish (pat.) and Native Ojibwe (mat.) descent respectively. He was raised alongside his younger brother Brian Kearns. Having lived in and become a part of many communities including Toronto, Milton, Hamilton and Selkirk he has made many connections with people from all walks of life. He belonged to many community-based clubs and organizations and was a socializer of the best kind who truly loved conversing and sharing with those he met along his travels. He worked many years as a truck driver and after retiring he enjoyed running a traveling mini-putt bringing his special brand of fun and love of golf to people of all ages with a focus on the children.
This comes as no surprise to those that new him as he was a giant kid at heart. In his lifetime, he had several names Barry, Dad, and Papa. He raised five children who all survive him; Robert Saylor, Rachelle & (Frank) Lupo, Mary & (James) Campbell, Jennifer & (Norm) Kearns and Wayne Kearns. His legacy will also be continued by his many grandchildren; Amanda, Bradley, Dalton, Michael, Katie, Chase, Cherish and Amber and great grandchildren; Chelsea, Christopher, Charity and Chloe. He was a widower these last few years and now joins his beloved wife for eternity; Arlene Saylor-Kearns, who has been patiently awaiting their reunion since 2018.
Barry had a passion for life and anything fun, his interests in no particular order included automobiles, bikes, trikes, boats, planes, indigenous history and issues, mechanics and tinkering, Anti-Trump anything, war history, golf, fun, music, T.V., gadgets, food, deal hunting, laughing, friends and family. He was known as an avid shopper who appreciated value and was an unwavering collector; although these points were only overshadowed by the depth of his generosity. He loved animals and will be missed by his cat Luchie, whom he doted upon.
A lifelong practical joker his antics will be sorely missed but retold, reimagined, cherished and continued by his family and those that knew and loved him. He loved reading and learning and no matter his age was always ready to try to advance his skills and experience. Reconnecting to his heritage was important to Barry, and he undertook learning his ancestral native language even though his age might have deterred most from trying. It is comforting to know that in Ojibwe there is no word for “Goodbye”, so I say “Minawaa giga-waabamin Dede”; which means “I’ll see you again Dad.”
A private family farewell has taken place and a celebration of life will follow in the upcoming future.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Barry Wayne Kearns Saturday December 25th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: HAMILTON, Province: Ontario
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Our condolences to Barry’s family and his loved ones.