I am very sad to hear of Barry's passing.  I always enjoyed working with him when I was in HQ. He is a wonderful person who will be missed by many friends in and outside of FDA.

I was sadden to hear about your fathers passing. Barry was a good person to work with and always kept you laughing.  He will be missed dearly.

I first got to know Barry in 1980 at the start of my FDA career.  I came to discover that there were two different types of people out there.  The first are those who hold information close to the vest and only answer the question that was asked. The second kind--and Barry was very much in this camp--who answer your question, but then proceed to answer questions you didn't even know to ask, by volunteering information so that you fully understand the issue at hand.  He was smart, funny, and most important, always kind.  He told me that he wanted to retire this year, but did not want a going away party, or for that matter, any fanfare or hoopla... Some of us would have liked to give him a little fanfare. 

Rest in peace, my friend.  You will be missed.

To Barry's family, my heartfelt condolences.  I worked with Barry at the FDA back in the late 80's to mid 90's while in CDER.  I found myself continuing to be in contact with Barry once I went over to CDRH.  I will always remember Barry as very smart, kind, gentlehearted and most of all very funny person.  It was a true pleasure to work with him.  He will be missed very much.  
Joyce Raines

There are people among us who shine so vibrantly that when they are no longer with us the world seems less colorful.  Barry was one of those people and the world definitely seems duller without him.  Words cannot describe what a loss this has been.  To Barry's family, I express my deepest condolences.  He will be incredibly missed.

Quick to praise his "peeps", quick to open his wallet for the staff party, quick with a good story, and quick with a laugh.  We'll not soon see the like of Barry Poole again. Enjoyed 10 great years working with Barry at FDA.

What a loss to the Maryland Pharmacists Association.  Barry was such an asset to the organization and a fine and generous soul. He was a kind heart and will be sorely missed by all.

Dear Poole Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss and am grateful for the short amount of time I was able to spend with such an incredible man. Barry will always have a special place in my heart, and is remembered by my family as the man who called and offered me my first job. He is also remembered fondly as the great grill master for his grilling skills displayed proficiently at every work BBQ. Barry was always cracking up the office, bringing in a spirit and comraderie that we are lucky to have and greatly miss. One of my favorite memories will be from last week's Holiday Party where Barry cracked us up once again with his bowling "shuffle". A little hop, skip, and a jump seemed to be all he needed to whip a ball down the alley in duck pin bowling. He was generous, caring, and so very funny - he is missed terribly and we will all be forever trying to make him proud.

Dear Poole Family,
I worked with Barry for 23 1/2 years at FDA.  He was like a father to me.  I couldn't not have asked for a better boss.  I will miss him terribly.  He was a very generous man who charished all of his staff.

To the Poole Family:
I am so sorry for your great loss. Barry was one of the best people I knew and I considered myself lucky to call him my friend. We have been friends since we met at FDA in 1986. Barry had a prickly exterior, but had a very kind heart.  His great love of his family and friends, his protectiveness of his employees and his dedication to FDA were equalled by none.  Barry had a terrific sense of humor and could always find humor in any situation.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In the workplace Barry was well-known and well-liked, and highly-respected by people throughout the FDA. Not only did he have vast knowledge of all things drug-related, but he was so utterly human--he was no pretense--"what you see is what you get," warts and all.  He cared deeply and gave of himself freely and selflessly. He was generous in word and deed and never wanted to be thanked. He had so much pride in his staff and their accomplishments. Unlike some managers, who hog the limelight, he never once took credit for the great work coming out of his group.  He always said, "it's my people who did that" or "I didn't do anything, they did it all, THEY came up with the idea and made it happen." But if you looked, you could see he was always there behind them, encouraging and supporting, defending and advocating for them, and through his leadership and tireless devotion he helped his staff do their best work. Barry also helped me a lot when I was new to the office, welcoming me and sharing his thoughts and ideas. I will always be grateful for his support and his reassuring presence.  I will miss his camaderie and that outrageous sense of humor and biting wit.(Barry did not suffer fools.) He truly was a force of nature and he left too soon, but we all are better off for having had this precious time with him.

Dear Poole Family, 
I have fond memories of Barry's unique spirit and humor. We shared a journey through our connection in the Maryland Pharmacists Association. Just last week, I encountered Barry at ASHP and am so grateful to have had that chance to talk to him. Witty. Irreverent at times. Genuine. Big-hearted. 
Cynthia Boyle

To the Poole Family:
I am so sorry for your great loss.  Barry was one of the best people I knew and I considered myself lucky to call him my friend.  We have been friends since we met at FDA in 1986.  Barry had a prickly exterior

To the Poole Family,

We are very sorry for your loss.  Barry's  contributions to the Maryland Pharmacist Association will be missed.  On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy, I extend our deepest sympathy.

Anne Lin, Pharm.D.
Dean

To the Poole Family:  Barry was a lion in our office and you really could hear him roar.  But the roar meant, "I need something for the people on my staff and I will fight for their needs with all my heart."  I will truly miss the great roar!  With deepest sympathy.

To the Poole Family and Friends:

I worked with Barry for a short time compared to most here at the Office of Communications.  Barry was truly one of a kind and I am happy I had the chance to work with him. He is in my prayers and will be sorely missed by all.

To the Poole Family,
I loved working with Barry at the pharmacy. He was always fun to work with and taught me a lot. Barry was a kind and generous friend.  I am so happy that I had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him.  There is no one else like Barry.  He will be sorely missed.

Barry will be missed at the Maryland Pharmacist Association. Whether it is the annual golf tournament or just monthly meetings, Barry was fun to be with.
Neil Leikach, President MPhA

To the Poole family: 

Barry was a wonderful man to work with. I am lucky that I got to learn from him and work with him at the pharmacy. He was always there for me. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with him.

Sincerely,

To Barry's family.

I was saddened to hear of your dad's passing.  He was someone who took great care in understanding the needs of others. I had the pleasure of working with him at FDA and will remember him as a knowledgable and kind man.  His family meant so much to him. He will be missed.

Rita Hoffman

OBITUARY

Barry Wallace Poole

June 29, 1946 – December 12, 2011

Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

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