McEwen, Barry Alexander
Barry Alexander McEwen passed away suddenly at his home in Clarksburg on Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 at the age of 75.
He was born in Owen Sound on April 8th, 1946, a son of the late Melvin McEwen and Margaret Isabel (nee Maher). Barry was raised in Chatsworth on a mink farm where he made a lifelong friend in Mel Hill, and the two were known to get into a lot of mischief together.
Barry married Elizabeth Parker in 1986. He is survived by his stepson Scott Parker; and was predeceased by his stepson Ross Parker.
Barry is survived by his brother David McEwen (Mary). He was the dear uncle of Anne McEwen (Peter Stabins); and was predeceased by his niece Jane McEwen-Pearson and will be remembered fondly by Jason Pearson, great nephews Sullivan Pearson, Max Pearson, James Stabins and great niece Claire Stabins.
Barry worked at Redpath in many capacities and became Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing before retiring after 29 years.
He was an avid skier for over 40 years at Blue Mountain. He and Elizabeth travelled extensively over the years and spent part of the year in the Bahamas where Barry thoroughly enjoyed the sport of bone fishing.
Barry’s perfectionism and craftsmanship are evident in the log house he built and subsequent new family home in the Thornbury/Clarksburg area. He had an eye for antiques; collecting and refinishing, especially ones that had meaning of his early years.
In the words of Barry’s grand nephew Sullivan: “His reserved personality and kindness always made his sense of humour all the funnier, and I enjoyed talking with him whenever I got the chance”.
A private service of committal and interment will be conducted at Greenwood Cemetery in Owen Sound in the New Year. A public celebration of Barry’s life will take place in the near future when family and friends are able to gather safely.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Research would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear Elizabeth and family,
Gordy and I are heartbroken. Barry’s nephew, Sullivan’s quote really is so apropos of Barry’s personality. We loved his humor and what a smile! I have been pouring over old photos trying to find a special one of you (Elizabeth, when you were still known to me as Betty) and him after you had been married for a couple of years. His and your smile are so lovely in it as I remember. When I do find it I will email it to you.
Please take care of yourselves and know you’ve been blessed with the love of a great man. He is greatly missed and will remain in the hearts of so many.
We love you E!
Marie and Gordy Moore
Thursday, December 30, 2021
To Elizabeth, Scott, Dave and Mary and their family,
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Barry from among you. My wish is for help through this time of mourning.
May the memories of your times together with Barry always give you comfort and encouragement.
Thoughts and prayers from Lawrie and Wendy.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
I had the pleasure of living behind Barry’s log house, watching him start and finish it. I enjoyed many conversations with Barry and later Elizabeth on their deck. I would run into Barry at Blue and enjoy a few runs with him catching up with his activities on his farm. My condolences to Elizabeth and his family! He was was an exceptional person and will be deeply missed.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear Liz
My sincere condolence upon Barry’s passing.
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. His cheerful personality and positive outlook were outstanding. I always enjoyed having a visit and a chat with him about many subjects.
Sincerely
Murray
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dearest Elizabeth
The loss of Barry saddens many people, but I know that this is far from what you are going through right now.
Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship
Beth
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Elizabeth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Barry was a kind man with a great sense of humour. He would get this little grin when he told tales of his and Waynne’s adventures or miss-adventures, because they had both. Then they both would smile, and I always knew there was more to the story than they revealed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Valerie
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear Elizabeth and family, may your best memories sustain you through this difficult time. I’ll remember Barry as a man of quiet integrity who worked hard, loved the outdoors, and adored his wife. Truly a life well lived.
Love and hugs,
Janet
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear Elizabeth
We are so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Barry. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Affectionately
Nickie and Sal
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear Elizabeth and Family
While we knew Barry through our connection in the Bahamas at Water’s Edge, we certainly will miss his quiet demeanor, fabulous dry sense of humour, and inate ability to sit for hours in the baking sun only to catch and release those darn bonefish! Quite the strong character…
Our thoughts are with you, Elizabeth, and may the memories of your travels and your time together be a comfort in the coming days.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Dear David and Mary
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. The messages indicate he was a fine person.. He was a fun loving young man with a smile that was over whelming. Thinking of you at this time. Love Bob and Pat Clark
Friday, December 31, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you Elizabeth and your family.
Friday, December 31, 2021
To Elizabeth, David, Mary, Anne, Peter and Jason,
I am so saddened to hear that my cousin, Barry, has passed away. I know that the last few years have been challenging ones and now he is released from his suffering. You will miss him so.
I have such fond memories of Christmas dinners with the McEwen family and ours times together at a cottage in Muskoka. I don’t think Barry permanently damaged my self esteem when he always refused to sit beside me when we were young. He proved to be a very loyal generous family man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as your grieve this wonderful man.
Jane
Friday, December 31, 2021
E,
Barry, with his smile and charm, won the hearts of us all when you first introduced him at your Celebration of Marriage in Seattle. You two were an impressive pair; an inspiration to family and friends. We are so sorry for the loss of your loving and devoted partner.
We will miss Barry and are grateful for the many years of memories. Mark is especially grateful for the hours they spent together on the bonefish flats.
Our thoughts are with you and we hope you find peace and comfort in so, so many cherished memories of your life with Barry.
Love to you,
J and Mark
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Our condolences to you and the family on your loss. Enjoyed our time spent with you both in the Bahamas. The memories you have of all your travels and special times will be be your greatest memories in these dark days ahead.
Lots of love,
Greg and Nichole
Saturday, January 1, 2022
I recall Barry’s gentle, good humour at many a Thanksgiving celebration at Lake Eugenia. My condolences, especially to Elizabeth and Dave, for losing someone so important in your lives.
With love, Allison (Mary’s cousin)
Saturday, January 1, 2022
My thoughts are with you Elizabeth at this time. May your memories and time you spent together be forever in your heart.
Sunday, January 2, 2022
To Elizabeth and to David and their families.
The McEwens and the Harris’ enjoyed many happy family Christmases together. These times, along with the fun times at the Chatsworth farm, made for a special bond filled with wonderful memories.
We grieve so much with you and for you. We have lost Barry, our special “country cousin”, with whom we shared so much.
We look forward to Barry’s Celebration of Life.
With so much love.
Bob, Jane and Victor & Donna
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Isabel and Mel were great friends of Agnes and Tom Fraser in Chatsworth. Gord used to help Mel with the mink ranch. So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Lots of memories.
Monday, January 3, 2022
To Elizabeth and those that cared for Barry my deepest condolences. I met Barry through Frank Menard and was fortunate to take hundreds of runs, enjoy dozens of dinners, ride that monster Tony with him and even briefly work together on the century farmhouse he restored. It was always a great honour to be in his company and he has ofter been in my thoughts, for truly …..here was a man.
Monday, January 3, 2022
Awwww, Elizabeth. We are so very sorry to hear of your Barry’s passing. Terry and I extend our deepest condolences for your profound loss. It’s been a long battle. May he rest peacefully and gently now.
Thinking of you fondly and sending comforting hugs. Take good care, and God bless.
Judy & Terry
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. I grew up in Chatsworth across the street from Barry’s friend Mel Hill and I can attest to the mischievousness of this pair. When I was out and I saw them together on the street, I would cross to the opposite side of the street. You never knew what they would do.
It was nice to read in the obituary of Barry’s accomplishments and interests. “You did good”!
My sincere sympathy to Barry’s family and David’s family.
Sincerely
Mary Stephens
Thursday, January 6, 2022
A note to Dave and Mary: My thoughts have been with you and your extended family since hearing this news while I was in Owen Sound area for Christmas week. May you treasure the memories of your brother within your family circle.
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Dear Elizabeth,
I am sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits together. Barry impressed me with his strong work ethic and determination. Admirable traits for sure!
He will be missed!
Jeff Elford & family
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Elizabeth. We are so very sorry to hear Barry has passed away. You will have lots of great memories to look back on when. The heart is ready. Sorry it has taken us so long to send our love and prayers your way. Our special friend also died on December 30.
Lots of Love. Donna and John
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss Elizabeth and to your family. Barry was a special guy and will be missed.