Barry Hembroff

Barry Charles Hembroff passed away on December 15 at the Hospice at Glengarda in Saskatoon after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought valiantly to stay with us, but in the end the cancer won. He was born on February 9, 1954, in Russell, Manitoba. The family moved to Davidson, where Barry finished his schooling, in 1965.

Barry worked hard all his life, from building granaries at age 12 to a successful career first with the Co-op as a building estimator and Home Centre Manager in various SK towns and then as a wholesale sales representative in the flooring and coatings industries. His loyalty was to his customers first. He was a man of many talents and interests, gifted artistically and athletically and a trophy-winning chess player, all of which took second place to family and work. He was passionately interested in politics and current events, especially after retirement.

Speaking of politics, one of Barry’s friends shared this story. He and Barry recognized early in their friendship that they could have different viewpoints and simply agree to disagree. His thought was that this message, on the soles of funny socks, perfectly summed up that acceptance: I hope you realize if I agree with you, we will both be wrong. Barry met the world with humour and could generally lighten the mood in good times and bad.

Barry is survived by his wife, Marilyn Hembroff; his children, Jamie (Christina) Hembroff; Randy Hembroff; and Amanda (Jordan) Stewart; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his brother Brian (Marg) Hembroff, and his sisters Betty (Jim) Steinhauer and Barb (Brad) Dolan to miss him dearly. Barry was predeceased by his parents Walter and Gertie Hembroff.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at Faith Lutheran Church (2801 Preston Avenue South, Saskatoon) with Pastor Rudy Pastucha officiating.

Barry’s family extend heartfelt appreciation to the team of palliative care nurses who made home visits for well over a year, to the Palliative Care Team at St. Paul’s Hospital and to the caring staff at Hospice at Glengarda. We also thank all of the friends and neighbours who have helped in so many ways.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital or Hospice at Glengarda. To join the service via livestream https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/101033.