Barr, Paul Byron – We, the family of Paul Byron Barr, sadly announce his passing on April 29, 2021 in Truro, at the age of 83.
Paul was a son of the late Ted and Etta (Boyd) Barr of Millidgeville, N.B. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 17 and served for five years in the communications sector.
After leaving the service, Paul found joy working in radio and television broadcasting in the private sector while continuing his education.
Paul eventually found his way to the CBC where he had a stellar career in radio and TV news in both Fredericton and Halifax. His attention to details, quick wit, ready laugh and love of life earned him a faithful audience and the respect and friendship of his colleagues.
Paul was with CBC in Halifax for 22 years and was a long time member of the Armdale Yacht Club and served as Commodore, a job he took very seriously. His family knows he spent many happy hours there “just messing around in boats”.
He firmly believed his life would have been much more orderly if he hadn’t discovered sailboats, airplanes, scuba diving and golf.
Paul loved all things fun – including visits with friends and family and silly jokes, many made at his own expense. He also said he’d only believe in miracles if, just once, he could reach into a bag of bagels and find one sliced completely through.
Paul also said the most beautiful thing in a newsroom typewriter was a blank piece of paper and it was all his. He couldn’t wait to get at it. Then he’d say the scariest thing in a typewriter was a blank piece of paper and the clock was ticking to news time.
Paul is survived by his wife, Wendy Chapman; sons, Andrew and his partner, Achula; daughter, Kiersten MacGillivary; two granddaughters; three grandsons; two great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Tanya (Peter), Stacey (Kevin) and Jason (Tara); two step-granddaughters; four step-grandsons; sisters, Connie Heighton of Hampton, N.B. and Joan (Bucky) Cannon of Dartmouth; brother-in-law, Hugh Fraser of Fredericton and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Jacqueline Fraser of Saint John; sister, Shirley Green; younger sister, Marilyn; younger brother, Randy; brothers-in-law, Jim Heighton, Lincoln Green and Angus Fraser.
Paul and Wendy enjoyed the last 12 years together travelling and visiting their many friends and wonderful home in Florida.
If so desired, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or VON Canada.
Many thanks to Dr. Smith, Angela, Dr. Rowe, Julia and the VON for supporting us and making it possible for Paul to remain at home during his illness.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Byron Barr April 29 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Upper-Musquodoboit, Province: Nova Scotia