Eileen Elizabeth Barry

Eileen was born in Whitewood, SK on June 11, 1917 and passed away in Victoria BC on July 14, 2015 at the age of 98. She was the eldest of six children born to Lily and Alex McKenzie. She spent her early years on the family farm, and then lived in several small communities. The family eventually moved to Spiritwood, where she took her first three years of high school by correspondence. She completed Grade 12 at Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon. Regretfully, university was not a possibility so Eileen returned to Spiritwood to work in a local store. There she met James Lloyd Barry (her darling Jim). They were married in 1940 and were blessed with four children. After WWII, Jim returned to his banking profession. Typical of the time, the family was transferred around Saskatchewan and Alberta every three years. Then, in 1957 Eileen took up her own profession. She was employed as the Town Clerk in Carrot River SK. While so employed, Eileen was instrumental in the construction of a sewer and water system and paved streets. In her words, “a little pioneer town developed into a thriving modern community.” Eileen and Jim both served on the original Pasquia Regional Park committee. After Jim’s retirement, they moved to Battleford where Eileen became the Town Administrator. She was particularly proud that she helped to preserve the heritage post office. She also helped launch the Battleford Chautauqua and the Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival. In 1979, Eileen took early retirement so that she and Jim could move to Qualicum Beach BC. They spent many happy years there travelling and golfing. While in Qualicum, Eileen also became an accomplished rug hooker. She often referred to herself as a “happy hooker.”

Left to mourn her passing are her brother Bill, children: Bill, Betty Anne (Fred), Mike (Lorr), Tim (Janice), 10 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, 3 Great-great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. We will all miss her love and support.

We would like to thank the staff at Glenwarren Lodge for their compassionate care during the last years of Eileen’s life. Gary, Kin and Roger were particularly kind to her. Special thanks also to Mary van der Mullen for being a wonderful roommate and friend.

There will be a memorial service on August 5th at 2:00 pm in St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Qualicum Beach. Following the service, Eileen’s ashes will be interred beside Jim.