Barry John HUMPHREY

September 1, 1934 - Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Barry John Humphrey - one of a kind husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 88 years old surrounded by family. Devoted and much loved husband of Shirley (nee Edwards) for 64 years, loving and cherished father to Susan (Gary Stewart), Scott (Brandi Bourgan), Shelly (Rod Graham) and Sherilyn (Michael Vincent). Proud grandfather (affectionately known as Bub) to Taylor, Emily, Hillary, Chelsea, Lexis and Chloe. Predeceased by his parents Herman G. Humphrey, Marjorie Costen and his brothers George and Doug. Barry was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake and grew up in Beamsville, Ontario. He relocated to Kitchener in 1954 to start an open air fruit market. Later that year, Barry along with Frank Beresford, bought Bert's IGA in Kitchener and renamed it Dutch Boy Food Markets. He was a hardworking, respected businessman and entrepreneur and a success from the start. Barry along with his brother George grew Dutch Boy Food Markets into seven grocery stores and five Dutch Girl Convenience stores. In 1974, he sold Dutch Boy to the Oshawa Group and stayed on as General Manager until retiring in 1991. The legacy he built endures and the stores are now known as Sobeys in KW. In 1980, Barry and George opened Super Skate Seven, one of the largest roller skating rinks in Ontario. This large venue was host to many Hospital fundraisers, concerts, Dutch Boy Food Nights and with his love of Oktoberfest an award winning festhall. As hard as he worked, he loved nothing more than throwing a good party. In 1985, he became a silent partner (not always so silent) with Sue and Gary and continued entertaining large crowds. First as concerts and dances (The Vid) and then The Twist, Revolution and The Flying Dog while balancing warehousing and storage business. Barry loved spending his time at the family cottage on Belwood lake where he enjoyed water ski jumping (in his younger years), snowmobiling, gardening, bonfires on the beach, putting on a great firework show for the lake to enjoy and always the bartender at happy hour. An avid fan of all types of car racing; a big fan of country music; winters in Mexico; Las Vegas; cruising the world with family and friends. He treasured his lifelong friendships with Grant & Halcyon and Jim & Brenda. Barry was a generous (and often anonymous) supporter of many local charities. He had a special place in his heart for Kids Ability, St. Mary's Hospital, Grand River Hospital, Lissard & Innisfree House and The House of Friendship. He donated space for the making of food hampers and often donated Christmas turkeys. He was an avid Drum Corp fan and supporter of The Dutch Boy Cadets and the Northstar Youth Organization, including the building of the Northstar Centre as a practice facility and fundraising hall for the Drum Corps. Barry lived an exceptional life. He was quiet and humble in his achievements, had a very strong work ethic, was always willing to help with a smile and loved beyond measure. Visitation will take place on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Henry Walser Funeral Home chapel. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Kids Ability Foundation, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation (Cardiac department or MRI), or the Grand River Hospital Foundation. (Cards available at the funeral home)

Visit www.henrywalser.com for Barry's Memorial.