Barry Thomas Martin

Barry was both a gentleman and a gentle man who is remembered by so many family and friends as sweet, kind, caring, soft and gentle.

Barry was proud to be the firstborn son of Marg and Stan Martin.

He was one of six children raised in a home where family and being independent were so important. Stan was an electrician who was always a good provider for his family. In time Stan would be a contractor working at numerous gas plants in Alberta. Of course, this called for Stan to be away a lot, but he knew that his loving a capable wife Marg could handle whatever came up at home.

Home would be in several places in Barry’s early years, always following Stan’s quest for a better job. Winnipeg, then Edmonton, Redwater, and finally settling in Calgary.

Stan always taught self reliance and a powerful lesson of independence to his children and Barry took those lessons to heart.

Barry had a powerful work ethic and drive to succeed and even as a teen he worked. School was not Barry’s favorite place to be, so there was a fair bit of skipping class and hanging out at Phil’s Pancake house with his high school sweetheart, Judy, and other classmates.

By the age of 18 Barry was living away from home and working full time for Safeway.

In May of 1973, Barry married his high school sweetheart and would spend the next 46 years with his life partner, business partner and loving and accepting soul mate, and for 19 years with their toy poodle, Muffin. Their times together were private, fulfilling, loving, fun and challenging with countless rewards and memories.

Barry very much enjoyed their trips to Vegas and days at the race track that would be shared with numerous family and friends.

Barry worked for Safeway for the majority of his career but also owned and operated Barry’s Produce Retail store. He also owned numerous Thoroughbred race horses over the years.

Barry was a quiet and private as a person but he was also intuitive, giving and there whenever you needed him.

We who have shared in Barry’s journey are all better people for having known him and we give thanks for the shared joys, laughter and love with him.

He was dearly loved and will be missed far more than words can express.

He is forever in our hearts.

Barry is survived by Siblings: Katherine MacIndoe (Richard), Marilyn Martin (Murray), Donna Menard (Claude), Joyce Martin, John Martin (Vesna). Sister In-laws – Linda Hirsch (Merlyn), Josilin Burgoyne (Jaret), and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.

Barry was predeceased by his father, Stanley Martin and mother, Margaret Martin.