Barry was born in Chiswick, then moved to Ashford Middlesex.
He trained as a car mechanic, then drove for a living, first for Undertakers, then on coaches in London and finally for a tour operator on the continent.
Barry had one son Andrew who sadly died at the tender age of just 9 years.
Following the loss of his son, Barry moved to Devon as he had friends there. He continued doing driving jobs and, in his spare time loved tinkering with cars, and just for a change, Line Dancing, which he really enjoyed.
It was during his time in Devon that he was diagnosed with Cancer and underwent treatment before returning to Ashford to be nearer his parents.
It was in 2000 that he met Julie and became part of her family; daughter Mandy, her husband John, their daughter Jordan and great granddaughter Maisie.
After Julie retired from work, she and Barry enjoyed many cruises, the last one was to see the Northern Lights and riding a snowmobile, a real highlight for Barry.
In 2008 Julie and Barry were founder members of the Guildford area group for Macmillan Cancer support. The group arranged collections, coffee mornings, and shows, including fashion and classic cars.
During this time, Barry volunteered as helper/entertainer at Sunrise care home at Peasmarsh, and later at “Worplestone View”, playing music and games for the residents.
Since 2014 he busied himself with more voluntary work at the “Park Barn Day Centre”, now known as “The Hive” Here he arranged tea dances, quizzes, and games until he became ill in June 2023.
He helped Julie with the walking group from 2014 under the heading “Walking for Health” and subsequently formed their own group, “Fairlands Walking Group” which is still in existence to this day.
He also arranged quizzes in aid of Macmillan, and “putting” competitions at
Merrist Wood Golf Club.
Barry and Julie were members of a number of philatelic societies, including Bookham, where they ran the “Foreign” table and made a very important contribution to stamp sales. Barry’s favorite collection was Iceland, not to mention that wonderful exhibition of WW2 artifacts he displayed for stamp club members at the Bookham Barn Hall about a year ago… not only an excellent display, but his knowledge of the subject was impressive by all accounts.
Eventually in 2018 he bought his very own classic cars, an MG Midget, and more recently an Austin A35, which he enjoyed taking to many car shows, and working on them as a hobby. He would sneak small car parts into the living room for cleaning or minor repairs… that is till Julie found out!
For so many reasons Barry’s passing is a loss for so many, but particularly so for Julie and her family.