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BORN
1928
DIED
2021
Barry Thomas Obituary
Born and raised in Toronto and a graduate of U. of T. in Commerce, Barry had a career in sales and marketing, and was a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada for four years. He and Mary moved to Victoria in 1996, where for 10 years, he was the Vancouver Island rep for the Canadian Association of Retired People. He also served as a president of the Victoria Men's Newcomers Club and was a long-time member of the Uplands Probus Club. A life-long volunteer, he volunteered with the Royal Jubilee Hospital and Oak Bay Volunteers, among many others. He enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing and more, and had many wonderful trips locally and abroad with Mary and their friends.
Barry is remembered by family and friends as having a great sense of fun. He brightened people's days with a friendly hello, a humorous comment or a twinkle in his eyes. At many festive gatherings, he was the one leading a singalong at the piano or on his guitar. He was also interested in community and world issues, and was a thoughtful conversationalist who engaged with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Barry offered kindness and brought joy to many people's lives, and will be greatly missed.
The family expresses thanks to friends and neighbours for their support and to Dr. Jerome and Dr. Green for their compassionate care. We invite Barry's friends in your own time to raise a glass and toast happy days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your charity of choice. A private celebration of life will be held for family members.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Thomas
13 Entries
Marianne (mudie) Robertson
June 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Barry's passing. My father was very sad not to be able to discuss baseball with him recently. I have two favourite memories - one was when I was honoured to be asked to sub in for someone at the Barry Thomas Open - I was so flattered to be included in this fun, cool group of friends! The second is when we lived behind you on Glen Echo - Barry would fill the pool with our water since we were in a different billing area and our water was free, and he alwyas laughed that we put him to shame with our candle light dinners that he could see through the window. Remebering him fondly and wishing the family greatest sympathy
Pat Leno
May 30, 2021
What a fabulous guy! I haven’t seen Barry since the early 60s when I was his secretary at P&G. He never walked...he ran through the office with his shirttails flying. When he took a business trip, he left for the airport 40 minutes before the flight...I was frantic, he was calm, and I don’t think he ever missed a flight. He issued a monthly TV ratings report to upper management, an A. C. Nielsen numbers-crunching nightmare that I typed for him. When I asked him to let me produce the report, he provided guidance and encouraged me in my quest to increase my responsibilities in the company. He was instrumental in my moving up to become a Marketing Services Supervisor at P&G. The other manager I worked for at the time was White Sonner, another mentor who also helped to shape my career...he passed away six months ago. I have lost two men who meant the world to me.
Zoe Medland
May 25, 2021
The mayor of doncliffe
Zoe Medland
May 25, 2021
My condolences to his family he will be greatly missed
Jane Thomas
May 23, 2021
Thank you so much for all of the thoughtful and fun comments about my dad here (as well as those sent to my family by email, text and greeting cards). ❤❤ Very grateful for hearing from you. ❤❤❤ Jane
John Eric
May 23, 2021
The greatest doncliff dart (mayor) on the street. He was legendary. All the best and love from the Cochran’s
May 23, 2021
We are so sad. We will miss Barry a great deal. We knew Barry as a wonderful neighbour. We shared a lawn mower! He understood the art of leading a great conversation and was always well read. He shared his opinions and listened to yours. In our last conversation I was sharing some concerns about my own father's health and Barry listened, and then gave me some valuable insights into the aging process and his own experiences. As always, his thoughtful insights were extremely helpful. He was always engaged in what was going on, and he had a twinkle in his eye and a glorious sense of fun that we are really going to miss. At 92 it seems he was just too young to pass away . He was a lovely caring man. He will be forever in our hearts.
Peter Sanderson
Jean Slick
Marshall Smith
May 23, 2021
Will always remember and appreciate the dinner invites during my years as a starving student at UVic. Besides the liberal drinks and great food, one never knew what to expect. The political debates and “surprise” guests were classic Barry, as were the match-making schemes.
My condolences to Mary and family.
Frank Anfield
May 22, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
Beth and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Barry. He was special in so many ways - to me as colleague, partner and friend.
We will miss the presence of this special man, who brightened our days and brought joy and kindness to so many lives. However, we will remember him happily in our hearts.
It has been a privilege, a pleasure, and a special joy to have known Barry (and Mary) for more than 60 years. Beth and I were so happy to visit with you both last August for dinner with friends.
With affection, Frank
Barb Hicks
May 22, 2021
There are too many fond memories of Mr Thomas to mention here. From Doncliffe Dr to Victoria, he shared a love of life and energy that will not be forgotten. I am grateful for all those visits at my parent’s place on Hampshire Road - the most recent being around the dining room table where he happily discussed tattoos with our daughter, Meg. It wouldn’t have surprised me in the least if he ended up getting one for himself after that! He will be missed. Thinking of you all with love during this difficult time.
Barb & Jamie Hicks
Cathy Campbell
May 22, 2021
Peter and I are deeply saddened to read this notice. We had heard he was failing but it is still a shock. I never knew a man more full of "get up and go". His humour and tremendous vigour and joy of life were a tremendous example to us all. We send our most profound sympathy to you Mary, Suzy and Kate. As the "Mayor of Doncliffe" he has left a legacy of friendship, kindness and comradery unknown to most. May he rest in peace. Affectionately, Cathy Campbell
Sue Sisam
May 22, 2021
Dear Mary and girls. Peter and I send our deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad time. He was quite a guy. So many memories beginning at the Deke house Piano playing plus singing P&G commercials He was always great fun to be with. We will treasure all our memories Sincerely Sue and Peter Sisam
Doug Bower
May 22, 2021
My great Doubles Squash partner at The B & R for many years, always recognizable by his hockey helmet.Sad to hear of his passing but many great memories.Condolences Mary and familly,remember the laughs and giggles! Doug Bower
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