Barry Edward Kannell

Born December 7, 1969, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Died August 8, 2024, at Solace Hospice Center, Asheville, North Carolina.

Barry was 54 years old.

Barry’s life ended much too soon. On top of struggling with Lyme’s disease, he was recently diagnosed with liver cancer. Barry passed in the evening of August 8, 2024, with his partner, Toni Fisher, and sister, Carrie Venables, by his side.

We will remember Barry, our “Bear,” for his big and generous heart, and the kindness he naturally showed others. He loved life, his family, friends, many pets over the years, and found much comfort in the kinships he cultivated throughout his lifetime. He lived life through his adventurous spirit and curious mind, which kept him entertaining many hobbies. He loved to travel with his partner, Toni, and they began their life together crossing the country from Michigan to California, until they finally settled on Asheville to call their home, where they lived together until his passing.

During their many years together in Asheville, Barry touched so many lives and will be fondly remembered.

Barry is survived by his partner of 30 years, Toni Fisher of Asheville, his parents, Floyd and Betty Kannell, of Lady Lakes, Florida, his sister Carrie and Richard (husband) Venables, their children, Ryan Yates (Nephew) and Rachel Grushko (wife), of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Alexandra Yates (niece), of Hazel Park, Michigan, and Joseph Venables (Deceased Nephew) of Birmingham, Michigan.

We invite you to join us, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, for a 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Barry’s life, at Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, 15 Overbrook Pl, Asheville, NC 28805.

For those who are out of state, or are unable to attend in person, remote access will be available. Barry’s celebration of life will be live streamed on

YouTube at the Land of the sky United Church of Christ link:

https://tinyurl.com/celebrationoflifeforbarry

In lieu of flowers:

Donations to honor Barry's memory may be made directly to Solace Hospice Center in Asheville, North Carolina.