July 28, 1931 - October 31, 2020
The Beginning: Born Neepawa, Manitoba July 28, 1931 to Clare and Vera (Card) Virtue; pre-deceased by parents and sisters Catherine (Bonnie) Renner, Joan (Ryding) Nishimura.
He was raised in Silverton and Russell, Manitoba; Graduated from University of Manitoba in 1952 B.Sc.; Served in Canadian Officer Training Corp (COTC) while attending university. In 1957 he married Lois Pauline (Bunny) Slaymaker of Rocky Mountain House. Three children Kelly, Lori Loney (Craig) and Michael (Kate).
Career: In 1952 Barry headed to Alberta to work for the Energy companies Geophysical divisions of Frontier Geophysical and then Amoco Petroleum; he attained designation as Professional Geophysicist. In the 60's he joined the Department of Advanced Education as Instructor, Math & Physics.
He was chosen as the Canadian delegate to International Organization of Labor Union and Bunny joined him in Geneva, Switzerland. Following, he was appointed Senior Administrator for Technical & Vocational Education for Southern Alberta (i.e. Red Deer South), then joined Mount Royal College as Provost (Vice President).
In 1992 Barry returned to energy industry with Canadian Artic Gas Pipeline. In 1977 the project was terminated by the Berger inquiry and Federal Government. And so he founded consulting group (NORTRAN); the Natural Energy Program and Federal Government closed the project 4 years later. He worked briefly for Shells' Alsand's program in Fort McMurray, which was terminated because of NEP.
He joined the Canadian Petroleum Association (now CAPP), appointed Director of Divisional Services, responsible for CPA interests in the East Coast offshore, Artic/Northern operations, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Pipeline Division. Since 1992 he has been active in local politics and served on first Birchcliff council in 1972, and again from 1991 - 2001 with the last six years as Mayor.
Served as Director Association of Summer Villages, granted Honorary Life member. Served as Director of Summer Villages with Association of Urban Municipalities (AUMA).
Retirement: In 1991 built a new home on Sylvan Lake and enjoyed 25 years there before moving to their current condo in Sylvan Lake.
Here is What We Know to Be True:
Since the early 1950's Barry always loved Sylvan Lake spending time there through work and pleasure he had special memories of: the Varsity Dance Hall, the Pier, water- skiing and the big ski jump; he was proud that he swam in the lake every summer for 66 years!
He had a wide range of interests - Golf, Curling, Bridge with "The Ladies", A competitive game of chess or crib, Volunteering with the S.L. Legion & the Presbyterian Church ( Elder & Board of Managers), Cheers with a fine single malt scotch, Annual family ski vacations, Traveling to Lake Havasu City AZ, Ireland, New Zealand, Hawaii & Fiji with Bunny.
But most of all he cherished spending time with his family, friends & an assortment of dogs & cats at 'The Cabin' in Birchcliff (established 1964).
"Family was from the beginning, and still is, the most important aspect of my life"
A service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Barry's name to Alberta Lung Association or The Red Deer Salvation Army.
Condolences may be forwarded to: www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca
Service in charge of the arrangements. Rocky Funeral and Sylvan Lake Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium