Barry Allen Irwin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Allen Irwin on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his children, Doug and Karen, and daughter in law, Diane, at his bedside. He is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Carla, and his brother, Terry. He survived by his grandchildren Kristen and Sean and his sister Sharon and other brother Rick.

Barry was born to John (Al) and Mable Irwin 83 years ago in Plumas, Manitoba. He moved to Victoria, British Columbia, after a long car drive across the prairies, at an early age with his parents. While in Victoria, he met and married Carla in October 1961.

Barry was a great father who loved to share adventures with Doug and Karen including a canoe trip with a family friend down a long Alberta river. Camping was also an adventure as there was no “glamping” on the Irwin family holidays.

Barry was very active over the years. He played and coached many sports including softball, football, rugby, soccer, curling, pickle ball and golf. He coached his young son, Doug, in soccer and football. Later they both enjoyed playing squash and golf together. He also taught Karen how to play golf and was proud of her when she won the Amherst Juvenile Girl championship (it didn’t matter that she was the only girl to enter the tournament.)

Barry golfed until a few months of his passing and will be missed by his many golfing buddies. In his later years, he took up wood craving and enjoyed it and the company of other cravers immensely. Barry loved to meet new people and often setup shop in his garage. In fact, Google StreetView caught him holding court there.

Barry and Carla liked to travel, especially to the United States, where they visited over 35 states. They often wintered in Arizona and Barry always enjoyed meeting new friends. He loved hiking in the desert where he would often out-hike fellow hikers, including his daughter in law. In his latter few years he was a volunteer Steward on some of the trails around Scottsdale. They travelled to Europe several times, however, their favorite adventure was to Africa, where Barry and Carla enjoyed a train trip and several safaris. Barry’s favorite memory is his walk among the lions.

Barry had many early odd jobs supporting his young family while in Victoria and then Kamloops. But in the early 1970s, he became a Certified General Accountant and began his career as a Public Servant in High Prairie, Alberta (1973). Both Barry and Carla had made an early decision to see, live and enjoy as much of Canada as they could and his career choice enabled them to do exactly that. Job transfers took them from coast to coast to coast which included the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife), Nova Scotia (Amherst), Ontario (Ottawa), and finally back to Alberta (Edmonton, Stony Plain). Barry retired after 35 years of service.

He will be sadly missed by his family and his many friends across Canada.

Rest in Peace

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Barry in the spring of 2025, date to be determined. It will be a casual celebration. Hope to see you there.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Canadian Cancer Society