Wayne Barry

It is with great sadness to announce that on October 21, 2022, at 11:27 am, Cornwall Ontario lost a gem. Wayne Daryl Barry passed at the age of 76, in the care of his beloved and the attentive staff of the St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre. Wayne was a long-time citizen of Cornwall, Ontario, growing up alongside his sister Marlene Gale Barcier, who he was very fond of, both were brought up solely by their mum, Robina Isabelle Barry.

Growing up with very little instills certain character in a person, not commonly found today. This very character was the essence of Wayne. He was a hard worker, giving 43 years of himself to Brenntag Canada before its relocation, and finally retiring at 72. Wayne began his career at the young age of nine, working at a vegetable plant with his sister Marlene, where he recalled the enjoyment he got from sticking his hands in the turnip wax. At the fledgling age of 10, he then began his weekend and night shifts at The Red and White grocery store on Eleventh Street. Wayne cherished every morsel and was fond of bargain thrift hunting during his spare time. Wayne could recite stories, historical events, prices, and wages from as far back as his childhood days with no delay; while the room admired his capability of sharing such detail as if they happened yesterday. In 1985, Wayne purchased a 1984 Mercury Cougar; the reason for his purchase was because his mother ‘felt like a queen in it’. Although not driven today, that same car was in Wayne’s possession at the time of his passing, cared for as if it was still his and his mum’s daily driver. Wayne was a thoughtful and caring man, always considering the needs of those he loved, and putting the needs of others such as his mum, sister, and partner at the forefront of his priorities. He was honorable, in that he wanted to ensure his loved ones were always taken care of.

In looking back on Wayne’s life, I think of a happier time for Wayne, consisting of himself, his long-time partner James Beaudoin (Jim) of twenty-five years, and their darling shih tzu Kelsey, spending their days going to breakfast, thrift hunting at yard sales, and ending it off with a visit to Marlene’s. Wayne was a witty and proud man, and many stories come to mind that he has either told or I’ve witnessed that make me want to laugh out loud, and for that Wayne will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Cremation services are entrusted to the M. John Sullivan Funeral Home, 341 Pitt Street (across from city hall) Cornwall.

All services are private.