Barry Michael Hartley

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Hartley, as he succumbed to cancer on January 5th, 2023, at 62 years of age. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Karen and three daughters, Leah, Jennifer and Alyssa by his side. He was diagnosed in December of 2018 and fought bravely against it, right until the end.

Leaving behind to mourn, are his wife and best friend of 39 years, Karen; his daughters, Leah Ficek (Mitch) Alexis, Jack, Max, Simon and Caedence; Jennifer Enns (Trevor) Caroline and Elle; Alyssa Nahirniak (Curtis) Emerson, Colby and Rory; his parents, Lloyd and Betty Hartley, and Karen’s mother, Alice Muir (Lawrence Muir predeceased). Also left to mourn are immediate family including Barry’s siblings; Bryan (Valerie), Glen (Josie), Gordon (Angie), Donna (Mark) and Karen’s siblings, Doug (Anne) and Ian (Nicole) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Barry was born in Winnipeg on June 22, 1960. He had many fond memories of his childhood, including traveling to California and Vancouver Island, spending a summer on his aunt and uncle's farm, building forts with his brothers, playing hockey, and helping construct his grandparent’s cottage on Lee River. His brothers were some of his best friends, both growing up and in their adult years. He always enjoyed spending time with family, whether they were traveling together, playing golf, working on a project, spending time at the Lake of the Woods, or just having a drink on the deck.

On March 26, 1983, Barry married the love of his life, Karen. They were true partners in life and laughter came easily. They loved to travel throughout their marriage, or I should say, Barry loved travel and Karen loved Barry! They had the opportunity to visit Hawaii, California, Florida, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Martin, Montreal, Whistler, Malaysia, Uruguay, Argentina, and Italy, but one of his most life-altering trips, was to Brandon, MB to research the purchase of his own company. When Barry decided to buy a swimming pool and spa company in Brandon, Karen was right alongside him and the two of them worked tirelessly side by side for the next 20 years. Here they developed many new and lifelong friendships. Their true pride and joy was in their three daughters, Leah, Jennifer, and Alyssa, and their 10 grandchildren, Alexis, Jackson, Maximus, Simon, Caroline, Emerson, Caedence, Elle, Colby, and Rory. Each of his sons-in-law held a special place in his heart - Mitch, Trevor, and Curtis were definitely like sons to him and he was always so proud of each of their accomplishments. He often referenced that he got the hat trick of sons-in-law. He appreciated getting to travel together as a family. Whether it was to Disney World (his happiest place on earth) or a camping trip in Alyssa’s backyard in Russell - together was truly his favorite place to be. Projects with the grandkids were always on the go and he never hesitated to include them in whatever he was doing - he loved a good teaching/learning opportunity.

Barry took great pride in his working life. He liked to share with his children and grandchildren that his first job was with the Winnipeg Tribune in Sales and Route Management - also known as a paperboy in layman’s terms! Next up was the Pancake House which helped him hone his love of cooking and put “money in the bank and gas in the tank”. (We all benefited from that job - Barry’s crepes and apple pancakes were a known specialty!) Better cash flow and mechanical experience came with his next role working at Lenore Gulf. He was also given the opportunity to manage the station during his tenure at Red River Community College where he was taking Business Administration. Next, he was approached by a client of Lenore Gulf about managing Aristocrat Pools on Pembina Highway. This opportunity then set him up for his next venture when his dreams of business ownership came true with Waterworks Pool and Spa in Brandon, MB. Hard work and dedication made this company land on the Top 50 fastest growing companies in Manitoba multiple times. When Barry decided to sell the business, he got to fulfill another dream of becoming a banker, ultimately becoming branch manager of the BMO Brandon branch until a move back to Winnipeg was decided on. His last 5 years were spent working on the Appeals Commission for the Worker’s Compensation Board and with the team at Thomas Design Builders. He remained active in both of these positions until recently.

Being a part of and serving the community was always important to Barry. He joined the Rotary club of Brandon in the late 1980s and quickly found his place where he could serve his community well. He took part in a variety of ways - from highway clean up days, the book sale, reading to children in the classroom, the Fort Garry half marathon, and the Teddy Bear picnic - Rotary was truly his passion. He took a lead role in starting the Rotary book sale in Brandon that is still thriving today and served as President in both Brandon and the Fort Garry chapter in Winnipeg. He was honored to have received a Paul Harris Fellowship award during his time serving with Rotary. This award exemplifies “service above self” and it was a truly fitting recognition for Barry.

The Celebration of Barry’s life will take place on January 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Thomson in the Park Funeral home in Winnipeg. For those who wish to attend the service virtually, click "Join Livestream" below.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Joel Gingrich, his nurse, Cheryl, his pharmacist, Bassem Ibrahim, the palliative home team, and Dr. Bruce Martin.

We would also like to thank our personal angels, Cherie and Shelagh, whose unending support from the beginning to his last breath made each of us - Barry, Karen, Leah, Jen, and Alyssa, feel safe and served. Your friendship to all of us will have an eternal impact. Because of you, Barry’s wishes to pass with dignity and with his family around him at home could be fulfilled.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Garry Rotary Club Half Marathon or the Brandon Rotary Club Book Sale.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Hartley family.