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Obituary of Barry Strong
It is with great sadness that the family of Barry Strong announces his passing on April 6, 2018 at the age of 79. Barry is survived by his wife, Gale; his daughters, Carlene, Leah (Michael) and Karen. Barry is also survived by his grandchildren Eric Leeco, Zachary Leeco, Fallon Leeco, Creed Cann, Tori Cann, Ryan Strong and Beckham Bush. Barry was predeceased by his parents; as well as his brothers Donald, Clifford (Bing), Anthony (Tony) and sister Kay (Kathleen).
Barry was born on January 25, 1939 and grew up in Amaranth, Manitoba as the youngest of five in a family that he was always proud to claim. The Strong brothers were legend for him and the source of some of his best stories. On January 29, 1966, he married Gale Putland and joined a family he would come to love as his own. They started married life in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where they welcomed all three girls before transferring to Greenwood, Nova Scotia and then Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and finally retirement on their dream acreage near La Corey, Alberta. After completing grade 10, Barry boarded a train and snuck away to join the military. He and a friend signed each other’s papers because they were underage. Barry qualified as an Airframe Technician for the Royal Canadian Air Force. He went on to serve his country as part of the RCAF for over 30 years, retiring as a Sergeant. Barry was then part of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires for 12 years. Barry was very proud of his Good Show Flight Safety Award for finding a crack in the flap control assembly of an aircraft in 1979. They went on to find the same default in 13 other aircraft that could have resulted in tragedy. Barry was a devoted, patient and loving husband to Gale. He will be remembered as an amazing and engaged Dad. He coached teams, terrified boyfriends, and was a protector like no other. Barry was also a proud and loving Grandpa and valued any and all time he got to spend with his grandchildren. Barry was a collector, a historian, a sports fan, a lover of a good bonfire and a great joke. He had the heart of a warrior and the spirit of a poet. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. |
Service Details
There will be a private viewing for family and close friends on Sunday, April 7th at 3pm at Celebrate Life Funeral Services.
The service of remembrance will take place on Wednesday, April 11th at 2pm at the Lakeland Lutheran Church with a reception to follow.
The service of remembrance will take place on Wednesday, April 11th at 2pm at the Lakeland Lutheran Church with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made to Rednecks with a Cause.
Condolences
To Barry's family,
As a youth growing up in Amaranth, I traded many comic books with Barry. He lived just down the street from me and camped at the lake with others our age. It's true, the Strong's are Legends of Amaranth and their sense of humour was second to none. RIP Barry.
Dennis V Isfeld
Our. thoughts and prayers are with you. We are very sorry for your loss. We remember the great times we all had in Moose Jaw.
Don and Edith Ferguson
We go back a very long way. Barry & Roger grew up in Amaranth and we spent a wonderful year in Moose Jaw together. Chicken dinners every Sunday and singing "The Old Rugged Cross." Barry was like the stars in the sky,you don't always see them, but you know they are always there. I loved to pick up the phone and have a long chat with Barry. I will sure miss that. To Gale and family, let the memories you shared together give you comfort at this time, for Barry's life was rich.
With love, Roger & Gail
I am so shocked to hear of the passing of Barry. We had many good times while stationed in Portage La Prairie .I was so happy to become a good friend and comrade. The world has lost a fine fellow and we are all saddened.
May you sleep easy my friend.
Paula Rose Silvey
To our dear friend Gale and her family, we send our thoughts and prayers for you all. May the “Strong” love that you feel for each other carry you through these first days of loss and may it continue to help you through the times ahead.
With heartfelt love,
Shirley and Jim