Barry Margetts

Barry Margetts, a recent resident of Big Sky and Bozeman, passed away on July 21, 2016, after an extended and determined struggle with cancer.

Barry was a seaman, a world traveler and an international businessman with a reputation for competence and attention to detail. He was an astute and spirited negotiator who drove a hard bargain and honored his commitments. He enjoyed a good time and was always up for "Holiday".

Barry was born on Sept. 24, 1935, on the eve of World War II in the small town of Camberley, Surrey, England some 30 miles southwest of the center of London. His earliest memories were colored by the war and its impact on his family and community. His father, Horace Winton (John) Margetts volunteered and served as an officer in the RAF. His mother, Marjorie Roland Margetts, was left to manage the family's metal window manufacturing factory which was converted to the production of shell casings for the duration of the war.

In war-torn England, Barry was, by necessity, consigned to a boarding school for much of his childhood where he was an avid rugby player and captain of his team. However, he had an independent and rebellious streak which resulted in his apprenticeship into the British Merchant Marine at the age of 15. He served on ships of the Cunard line as a cadet and then as 4th Mate. He eventually qualified for his 2nd Mate's ticket. On a voyage to Montreal in 1956, he came ashore and applied for entry to McGill University. The Dean of Admissions questioned his lack of academic credentials and then looking at his name, asked if his father had served in the RAF. Barry answered "yes". The Dean paused and then said that he would find room for him. When Barry informed his father of the Dean's offer, his father asked his name. The Dean had been his father's navigation instructor in Winnipeg.

During his tenure at McGill and after graduation, Barry served with the Canadian Fisheries Board as Master of a research vessel on Hudson Bay. He graduated from McGill with a degree in engineering in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Western Ontario where he earned an MBA degree. He served with distinction in several maritime executive positions across Canada. These included managerial assignments with Canada Steamship Lines and Canadian Pacific in Montreal and H. B. Nickerson and Sons of North Sydney N.S. During this time, he was also tapped by the U.S. National Academy of Science to chair a panel on Human Error in Merchant Marine Safety. His most memorable assignment, however, was as the General Manager of the Crown Corporation that operated the iconic SS Princess Marguerite between Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington. In later life he operated a travel business near Plymouth, England and engaged in real estate investing in British Columbia, France, Portugal, Montana and Florida. He maintained homes in various parts of the world including Brittney, Vancouver Island, Madeira, Southwest Florida, Cornwall, and Montana; and carried both British and Canadian passports.

Barry married Denise Schmidt of Big Sky in Bozeman on Dec. 21, 2007. They met in the summer of 2005 on an excursion with the Big Sky Hikers. Their courtship flourished and was considerably enhanced by a mutual fluency in French. They traveled extensively and enjoyed hiking in various venues around the world, but particularly in the mountain ranges of Montana and Switzerland.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents John and Marjorie, his brother Michael Margetts and his first wife Helen. He is survived by his wife Denise and his sons from his first marriage: Blair, Trevor, Scott and John Margetts; and two grandsons, Steven and Jamie Margetts all of whom reside in Canada.

A celebration of life for Barry will be planned at a later date. Contributions in his name may be sent to the Big Sky Community Organization, P.O. Box 161404, Big Sky, MT 59716.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.