One of our fondest memories of Barry (Papa America) are when Tom, Mum and myself would go over to America in the summer holidays for a few weeks. Barry would always be so welcoming and one of our favourite trips was to the theme parks. Mum and Gill would always whimp out of the fast and high rollercoasters and Barry was left to take Tom and myself on the rides over and over and over again.  What a hero!

In later life, we would always look forward to seeing Barry and Gill when they would make their yearly trip to see the family in the UK. It was always lovely for mum and Dennis to have them visit and stay in the New Forest and Suffolk. 

Thank you Barry for all the amazing memories and times we have had together. You will be forever in our thoughts and hearts. 

Like so many “displaced” Brits, we first met Barry and Gill almost 40 years ago at those blessed cricket fields at Woodley, where many a happy memory was formed.  Cricket was where we all became family; we may not be related, but the camaraderie and friendship we shared has lasted throughout the years.  Stuart recently said that Barry and Gill were like grandparents, they made us feel at home, graciously allowing us to swim in their pools (I think we used them more than they did), looking after the house, the dogs and even the budgie.  Barry was always a gracious host; he was a kind and considerate man who made you feel welcome no matter the occasion.  His love of family and gentle demeanor reminds us all what we should be striving for.  

My deepest sympathy and love to Gill, Mike, Andy, Joanne, Penny, Cathy and their families.  I hope you draw strength from your memories of a life well lived with this wonderful man.  It has been an honor and a privilege to call Barry my friend; Swing Low Sweet Chariot, this song will always make me smile and think for you.   Lynne

When I close my eyes and think of Barry, I see trails and paths, lots of them. Whether in California, Oregon, or North Carolina, I see the many paths we walked during family visits (usually with dogs in tow) and hear the sound of his baritone voice as I recall conversations about life choices, paths crossed, and lessons learned. He would share stories of his life, and in return he would answer questions about finances, career choices, or things you might discuss with a parent. 

Barry’s predictability and reliability in how he approached life was grounding and during difficult times, his optimism was anchoring. Consistent and steady are two words that I find suit him well. I am  thankful for his keen sense of fashion as he often nudged me to expand my attire beyond my usual brown and black selections - Barry brought color and brightness to my world.  

Finally, I want to honor his gentle and loving nature which I watched him exhibit to Gill through his daily gestures of affection and to the grandchildren through his patience and interest in their world. I will think of Barry every time I take a walk in nature. He will never be forgotten, and always in my heart.  

I was Barry's golf partner at PRD in the early 70's.  We played at Bethpage, including a couple of rounds on Bethpage Black.  The Bethpage courses were in rough shape until the US Open in 2002, but we had fun.  We were well matched as partners.  Together, we practiced our slices, 3 putting, and excavation of sand from the bunkers (while we left our ball in the trap).  For some reason, we were never asked to play at the US Open 2002 and 2009.  

Barry taught me my most lesson about golf.  That is, of course, to drink beer when the round is done.  Barry had a 6 pack cooler, inserted 5 beers into 5 slots and ice into the sixth slot.  Our opponents were grateful for beer, but rarely let us win.  

I remember Barry introducing Gill and me in Coram, NY for the first time.  Barry, this smart, tall, and handsome guy, was nervous, shy, vulnerable, and reticent.  He acted like a school boy with crush and was not confident that he could chose well or act wisely.  Barry did chose well and acted wisely.

Love,
Al and Nancy


Spending time with Uncle Barry over the years has always been a great pleasure, be it here in England or over in California. I have lots of great memories to draw upon and share.

My most treasured memories come from more recent times, especially from our holiday to California in 2017.  We all received such fantastic hospitality from UB and AG and it was lovely to sit, chat and be entertained with stories from Uncle Barry's life, whilst supping on one (or two) of his legendary cocktails.  He also shared his love of Pompey with Bill and the boys as they all sat together and watched/ listened to the latest matches in real time. 

Another great memory and what was to be our final time spent together, was when we went for a trip to the Still and West in Old Portsmouth for a pint and lunch - a favourite haunt of us both. Sitting in the pub, by the sea together, once more discussing past times was perfect.

Precious memories that I will always cherish of a fantastic Uncle xx

Sending lots of love and hugs to Aunty Gill, Joanna, Penny, Cathy, Andy, Mike and all their families.

Love Kerry, Bill, Sam, Jack and Harry xxx



Sharing experiences with Barry was an adventure.  He inspired laughter, joy, and resilience during the biggest and smallest of times:   driving around the English countryside; dancing at Gill’s United Way events, weddings, and family homes at holidays; visiting pubs; going on walks in Duke Forest; and eating curry until he sweat! Barry was a kind and fabulous host in every capacity — our “Candle King.” He has always been an amazing father to my husband Mike. For our children, Lexi and Ian, he exemplified a "joie de vivre" and love of learning. Watching Barry’s love and devotion to Gill, Mike, Richard, and Andy throughout the years has been an incredible privilege. They demonstrate what it means to be family.   He’s loved and will be missed. I will always cherish the times we've shared. 
Deanna


I will always remember Poppa as the man who helped raise my own incredible father. He was the man who sang Auld Lang Syne the loudest every year, who read every sign in museums, and was the biggest Pompey fan. He was wise and kind beyond his years, and a carefree child at heart. 

As much as this death saddens me, my fond and joyous memories of him are overwhelming. Poppa inspires me and my brother to keep looking at the world around us and learning. He taught us fun! He was always hard at work on a puzzle, doing sudoku, whistling little tunes to himself, beating us in Monopoly, or drinking a good beer. His voice was booming and happy. 

Watching his love for Nanny taught us how to care for others through anything; and he ALWAYS referred to her as “my love.” While not biological, Poppa is truly my grandpa -- always was and will be.

To Nanny, Dad, Uncle Andy, and the rest of the family; all of my love and support. Poppa always found fun in life and that will never change. He will always be loved forever. 

My love,
“Lexin Loo”


I have many fond memories of holidays in California spent with Barry and Gill. He introduced me to Disneyland & I have now experienced the joy of sharing it with my children Amber and Elliott. 
  
We are  fortunate that we have spent time with Barry & Gill here in the UK and America. He has been just as much a hit with Amber , Elliott & my husband Rob as he was with all the Bridger offspring.

I have loved watching his ‘Dad’-dancing at the many family events over the years. It will always be up there with the happy memories of great times. 

We were so pleased when Barry & Gill managed to make it to surprise his sister Yvonne (Mum) for her 70th birthday. Her face was a picture. It really meant the world to her.

All our love to Gill, Joanna, Penny , Cathy, Andy and Mike. 

Emma, Rob, Amber and Elliott

It is thanks to Polaris and GEC that Barry came into our life. When posted to California Barry was assigned to my husband Jim’s team. When we returned to England, after a spell in Connecticut, Barry and Susan were our neighbours in Ulverston.

About 42 years ago, on the 31st December, we had a house visit from Barry, over from the US, wondering if we were having our traditional New Year’s Eve party. Barry informed me that he and Susan were no longer an item and with that I mentioned I had a partner for him. I dashed to Gills home, down the road, and after a great deal of pressure from me she agreed to join the party and the rest is history. 

Barry was a great guy and he and Gill have enjoyed a wonderful, full life with their families. 

God Bless you friend.

Love 
Joan, Malcolm and Daren


It is thanks to Polaris and GEC that Barry came into our life. When posted to California Barry was assigned to my husband Jim’s team. When we returned to England, after a spell in Connecticut, Barry and Susan were our neighbours in Ulverston.

About 42 years ago, on the 31st December, we had a house visit from Barry, over from the US, wondering if we were having our traditional New Year’s Eve party. Barry informed me that he and Susan were no longer an item and with that I mentioned I had a partner for him. I dashed to Gills home, down the road, and after a great deal of pressure from me she agreed to join the party and the rest is history. 

Barry was a great guy and he and Gill have enjoyed a wonderful, full life with their families. 

God Bless you friend.


Annette Liddon May  12th
Barry  & Sue were the first couple
I met when I ventured south from the Midlands
Bill & I looked afterJoanna when Barry & Sue went out their flat was warmer than our Southsea digs!
I remember a fun guy with a twinkle  in his eye.I am sure Barry & dear Bill are now discussing cricket as they look down on us all.
Happy memories much love to Gill & family 



I first met Barry in 1961 when we joined GEC Ltd, at Portsmouth. We were called Graduate Apprentices, the first that GEC ever had.  The management wanted to keep track of us, and each month we had a short meeting with Charlie Crocker the big boss.  We were asked how we were finding the work.  Barry said he was bored, because our job was screwing together chassis for electronic equipment.  He was right, it was boring, but none of us would have dared to say that.  Barry has been like that all his life, saying what he thinks, but not offending.  Crocker replied that it was good for our soul or similar.  After a bit we finished that work and went on to circuit design — the exciting stuff.

Angela and I went to the wedding of Gill and Barry at the Brookfield Hotel in Emsworth UK.  Over the years we have been in contact with Barry in many different places.  Anaheim California, New London Connecticut, Long Island New York, Faslane Scotland,  Barrow in Furness Cumbria, and the Portsmouth area in Hampshire (mostly in pubs).  We both have very happy memories of our times with Barry.  

Over this long period he has always been the same person, having fun and saying what he thinks.  What a good way to live a life.

We will miss Barry terribly but will remember with gratitude and great happiness all the lovely times we have spent together, both over here in England and with him in America. We particularly remember when Barry, Reg and Ryan all played cricket for the Woozlers Cricket Club at Stansted Park - I think Andy may have been there too.

Yvonne also remembers with great affection the barge trip with Gill, Barry, Belinda, Dennis from which the photograph below comes.

In the normal course of events we would have been expecting Barry and Gill over here shortly and it seems almost impossible that he won't be coming.

Both he and Yvonne shared a great loyalty to Portsmouth Football Club and it's not quite clear which of them became most nervous on match days.

Barry will be greatly missed for his dry sense of humour and unfailing patience. He was a great brother, brother-in-law and uncle. 

All our love to Gill, Joanna, Penny, Cathy, Mike, Andy and their families.



Last year Barry and Jan and Mike’s friendship hit its half century mark, so extracting a couple of memories from fifty years is difficult.  Here are a few that come to mind. In early 1969 when we all lived on Long Island, a group of about a dozen of the Brit transplants decided to go skiing for the first time.  Barry was the star, not because of any innate skiing ability, but because at one point in our lesson Barry slid backwards down the slope and mowed down the next ski school with no survivors.  

Fast forward two decades to when we had all moved west and Gill came into our lives.  Barry, Gill and family spent most Boxing Days at our house often ending up with PG or even R rated Charades.  We, in turn, would spend New Year’s Eve at  Barry and Gill’s demonstrating out ineptitude at darts, usually with the equally inept Copes.

Perhaps Barry and Mike’s greatest moment was singing rugby club songs at Dirty Nelly’s in San Antonio and being plied with free booze by a bunch of young air force fighter pilot’s wives who claimed the songs reminded them of their overseas-posted husbands.  Barry and Mike saw through this excuse, realizing they were actually overcome by B and M’s sex appeal and great musical talents; Jan and Gill remain skeptical!

In retirement Barry, Gill, Jan and Mike would frequently meet for Happy Hour dinners, and “happy” they always were. Barry was a wonderful part of our lives for over 50 years. He was witty, funny and occasionally sarcastic, but never, ever unkind. He was always generous and thoughtful, but perhaps the one quality we most associated with him was a commodity that cannot be learned or faked; he was classy.  A true gentleman.

Grantland Rice said it best over one hundred years ago.

“For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks-not that you won or lost- but how you played the game.”

To our dear, dear friend - Well played!  Our lives will be poorer from losing you, but so much richer from having known you.


I did not know Barry when I worked for PRD,  I got to know him when I worked at GTT.  Wife (Susan) and I got to know Barry and Gill quite well as we each were guests of functions hosted by Mike and Jan Ellis and of David and Susan Williamson.  Have you guessed?  We were ALL family although some of us were from "The Colonies" speaking different English.  We enjoyed each other's company very well.

Barry was as kind and cordial as anyone could be.  Our respect for Barry was extreme.  He will remain in our hearts forever. 

Rest in peace, my friend.

My uncle and I were a great team at pictionary as we were on the same wavelength. Both having a passion for cricket it was great to be able to play in the same team, with Barry and my dad at Stansted Park, which was an excellent ground!
A favourite memory was when Barry and Gill turned up at my mum's 70th birthday when they "weren't supposed to be here!"
The Bridgers Junior will miss you xx
Ryan, Gill, Tom, Charlotte and Jonty

Always fond memories of Barry. Like many others we met through cricket. Always a friend, a gentleman, and often the voice of reason.  He and Gill were always good for supportive friendship, good parties, and good fun. You will be greatly missed.

I also met Barry, and Gill, through cricket. Barry with his wicket keeper pads on and Gill with her gin and tonic watching from the boundary every week. Barry was also known for his joy of singing at the after parties. One of the good people in life that will be missed by all who knew him 

I knew Barry through cricket. During those years he did a lot of the heavy lifting organizing games, after game events, parties etc. Barry was everybody's friend and he will be dearly missed by everybody who knew him.

John Longmuir

I have many fond memories with Barry from parties at his several homes. Some after playing cricket and also new years eve parties. Driving to Santa Monica to watch the  FA cup finals.
Had many great times with Barry and he was a true friend and a great person.
Sadden by the news of his passing good friends are hard to find but Barry was one.
RIP Barry.

OBITUARY

Barry Ian Harwood

July 8, 1940 – May 8, 2019

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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