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BORN
1928
DIED
2020
Barry BROOKS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Barry BROOKS
17 Entries
Bradley Brown
March 1, 2025
In 2012, I randomly received Mr. Brooks' musical (with book, lyrics, and CD) in the mail at my school in Nashville, Tennessee. This was when I was still a professional actor and ran my school's theatre department. He expressed interest in me producing and directing it. I have no idea how he found my info or why he sent it to me, of all people. It is probably the greatest mystery of my life. Anyway, he sounds like he was a really great guy. Did his musical ever get staged?
PeterBoffa
November 23, 2020
So sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. He was a dear friend for many years and, in fact, married me and Louella Eastman in 1993. He was an inspirational modern Christian and a great listener. Our sincere condolences to Marsha and family.
Lynne Kerr
November 22, 2020
Dear Marsha and family
I just saw Barry's signature in the Bible from the christening of Patrick and Ashlynn so I went to google to see if there was anything and was so saddened to learn of Barry's passing.I speak for my entire family when I say he was a most treasured and admired friend.I well recall when Jim died he came immediately to Sunnybrook to help us....notwithstanding his other commitments for that evening...that was a wonderful gesture on his part!! We remember his bubbly enthusias
m for everyone and everything and will miss him a lot.Our thoughts and prayers go to all of your family at this time and we know you will soon be able to smile at the happy memories you share.
Barbara & George H. Duncan
November 14, 2020
We first met Barry at his church in Dundalk where Barbara's parents lived. When he and his family moved to Willowdale, and Barry was at Rosedale, we got to know them better. We assisted by taking the family to Lansing United Church. A few years later while Barry was at OISE, his wife and Barbara were having coffee at our home, Barbara mentioned that George was considering changing employment. A few days later Barry called George and asked if he would come and work at OISE. The offer was so good it could not be turned down. George retired from OISE 30 years later in 1997. Barry's wife and Barbara were together in 1965 when Barbara was expecting our youngest son and she asked if they would mind if we named him "Drew" after their son. She was delighted. Barry left OISE in the early 70's and we lost contact with each other.
For some reason George decided to Google Barry Brooks and was saddened to find Barry's recent passing . We extend our deepest sympathy to the family.
Gail Ward
November 1, 2020
We shall always remember our special friend Barry who was a truly unique and caring person and touched the lives of many! May he Rest In Peace. Love to Marsha and family, Chris and Gail Ward xoxo
G. Douglas Hall
October 30, 2020
With great sadness I send my sincere condolences to Marsha and to Barry's wonderful family. Barry had a long active and productive life. My late wife was his constant Bridge partner until her death and my friend of sixty years.
Richard (Rick) Fortin
October 30, 2020
Barry was always there for me and anybody who knew him. You never had to ask. Right out of graduate school and a newcomer to Toronto, I was inundated with business contacts which resulted in job offers, just shortly after meeting him socially. As warm and encouraging as he was consistently, he also followed up with concrete actions to get you on your way. Thanks Barry.
Rick Fortin
Peter O’Hara
October 30, 2020
Having just read Barry’s obituary I was immediately struck by two things. First of course is the rich and full life he led. Second the familiar sense I had when I looked at his picture. It immediately took me back decades to the time when I first met him (and the rest of the Brooks clan). He has that same knowing smile, seemingly permanently etched on his face! As a young man I found it reassuring but also unnerving at times. Unnerving only because I could never be sure what it belied. He caught me unawares so many times with a question or comment but his facial expression never really changed, so I would often mistake his wonderful humour as sincerity! As a grown man I cherish such memories and marvel at his genuine warmth and depth of compassion for others. His was truly a life well lived!
Condolences to Drew (my lifelong pal) and the whole Brooks family.
Marg Fortin
October 29, 2020
I feel privileged to have had Barry as a mentor for many years in my professional life and to have enjoyed his friendship in later years. Earlier in my business career, he generously gave his time to encourage and support me and numerous other young professionals in our various fields. Later, over the years, he was always there for me with his wise counsel and clear perspective, offered with kind humor and a twinkle in his eye. In his retirement, Barry’s urge to enjoy life to the fullest seemed boundless. During visits or phone calls, he would excitedly describe the new interpretation of a familiar play he had just seen, the book he was reading, the musical he was writing, the origin of one of the many birdhouses he and Marsha had collected, or some new obscure piece of information he had stumbled upon. Barry had a tremendous influence on people, and I am a better person for having known him. Marsha, Nan, and Savvie, you are very much in my thoughts at this time.
Michael Curtis
October 29, 2020
Barry was one of six formative mentors in my life. With his guidance, I learned many invaluable life lessons.
He has been with me every step of my journey - the confirmation class that many of us attended, five family weddings, a christening, three funerals, and countless introductions and conversations.
It was truly an honour and privilege to know him. I loved him dearly and will miss him more than I can express.
Marnie (McKenzie) & Bob Bracht
October 29, 2020
Such wonderful, fond memories of Barry as my church youth group leader and who else should marry Bob and me at Rosedale United in 1976. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Norm Seli
October 29, 2020
Barry is part of my earliest memories... Brining my parents into church and community, lending my young parents his car when he was going to be away... his children and times spent with our families. Barry's kindness and unique understanding of ministry are formative for me and very much the reason for my being an ordained minister to this day. He blessed my wedding and it was my blessing to officiate at his daughter, Nan's wedding to Sav. We would talk from time to time and he always had another take on issues and a biting brilliant sense of humour. The world was better for Barry's love, wit and attention... Without him, I would not be who I am today. My love to his whole famil and all who loved him.
Colonel Juris (George) Zvanitajs (Rtd)
October 29, 2020
I remember Barry from his time in Dundalk Ontario. He was a fine role model for many young people in the community and his founding of our small theatre group provided a much needed outlet for some of our sometimes misdirected teen age energy. His enthusiasm, love of life, empathy and kindness will be remembered by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and being influenced by his presence.
RIP.
Peter Wright
October 29, 2020
Barry was a great friend of the entire Wright family and especially to me. He always had a twinkle in his eye and an incredible ability to guide and console.
I admired his interesting and varied career and helped guide me through mine. He helped me make tough life changing decisions with his wonderful perspective on life and what really matters.
Nancy Bell Lloyd
October 29, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of your dad from Toronto to him officiating at all our weddings. I really felt he was part of our family. You are in our prayers.
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