Barry Yates Obituary
12/2/1962 - 3/29/2022 (59)
Barry was born in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to Roger Dale Yates and Delma Jean Yates. Not too long after, his brother, Marvin was born. They made fast friends and remained very close as their families grew.
Barry married one of his best friends, Susan, and in March, 1989, had his first child; a son named Jesse. A few years passed and a second son, Christopher, joined the family. Finally, in February, 1994, the youngest of the three was born; Tyler, Barry's daughter.
Barry developed a love for cooking and food at a young age, helping his mother make family dinners. This love for food and caring for people, would be cornerstones of his life. Barry turned his love of food and people into a career, working as a chef in many restaurants and eventually traveling the world.
Barry loved to travel and forge deep, lasting friendships with nearly everyone he encountered. Most would say, Barry never met a stranger. Barry was a gentle soul and loved his children dearly. He traveled with Tyler's high school ice hockey team to every game, with Jesse in tow as the score keeper. Barry often celebrated his children with special trips for birthdays and milestones.
Barry loved to golf, in particular on the annual Yates men golf trip. For his nephews, Carter, Michael, and Joseph, this was a highlight of their year. The golf was fun (and interesting), but the fellowship with their Uncle Barry was what they most enjoyed. Barry also loved music and tried his best to make something that sounded like music come out of his collection of harmonicas. Regardless of his talent for harmonica, he had an incredible ear and great appreciation for music. Barry had music playing nearly all the time and took his family to concerts often.
Barry was a lifelong learner, reader and teacher. He spent many Sunday afternoons with family gathered around his parents dining table in deep conversation about the most recent book read in the family book study. Barry was, present, loyal, loving, authentic, courageous, curious, persistent, an exceptional, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Many will remember Barry finishing up a dinner for loved ones, waiting until everyone had been served before he would sit and join the table.
On Tuesday, March 29th at 4:15 P.M., Barry took his last breath and went home to be with Jesus. He left behind three children; Jesse, Christopher (Mariyah) and Tyler (Nick); Dad, Roger; brother, Marvin (Jenny); three grandchildren; three nephews, and countless dear friends. Barry, is no doubt, with his mother, laughing over a meal of beans and cornbread, now.
Barry was surrounded by loved ones and passed peacefully holding the hands of his loving family.
A visitation for Barry will be held Sunday, April 3rd from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home located at 10600 Taylorsville Rd, Jeffersontown, KY 40299. Please be thinking of stories/memories to share as there will be an opportunity during a short service from 5:00 – 6:00 PM to share, along with memory cards to record stories, recipes, and fond memories.
Donations can be made in Barry's Name to KY Harvest @ https://kyharvest.org/donate/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Greg Grisanti
March 24, 2023
Can´t remember if I shared this, but a great memory with Barry competing at the Research Chefs conference in New Orleans, LA back in 2015
Bob Leavitt
April 3, 2022
To the Yates family, I am so sorry for your loss but please know that Barry was a fine person who loved you very much. He always spoke so highly of his family and was as proud of you as he could be.
I had the privilege of working with him for many years and always admired the way he interacted with people. He was respectful, straight forward and direct. He had a warmth for others and could establish a relationship in a very short period of time. He was very transparent and treated everyone equally.
One of my fondest memories was walking through the Louisville airport with him; the entire distance from the ramp to the main lobby was filled with people yelling "Hi Barry" as we walked. It really struck me that this is a man who had a lot of friends and was well thought of.
We´re sorry to see him go but sure do admire the way he lived his life.
Priscillia Chen
April 2, 2022
To me, you are my Bole (Guide) to Winston. From the days that I met you at Hotelex show in Shanghai in 2004, I am lucky to join in Winston family. When I hear the news, tears coming down immediately. Sitting in front of the table and memories bring me back for the last 18 years. Still remember the time we spent in Tatoo place, Xingtiandi, looking for gifts for your daughter in Xiangyang market, drinking tea in our partner's boss office; discussing using CVAP to cook Chinese cuisine, teaching us how to use Winston products;brought Leslie and me to the delicious places to eat and chat every year when we went to the USA for annual meetings; You have taught us how to face the world with peacefull and positive mood. You are always to show your patient and kindness to people around you. To me, you are a Senior, mentor, wise man, friend. You are the man we cherish the memory. Even if I am very sad that you are leaving us, but i am happy you don't need to suffer from the sickness anymore. I believe now you are enjoying your life in heaven and smiling at us. Today, I will make a tea and pour it into the soil. I hope you can smell the tea aroma from the heaven. My family will pray to you and your family from China. You will always be missed in our hearts.
Pierre Clement
April 1, 2022
Within six weeks of starting with A&W I met Barry and had a new baby girl. Being the family man that Barry was, I immediately received a gift basket and congratulations from this person that I just met. From the beginning Barry was someone I admired and cared for as a friend. I have fond memories of having wonderful meals with Barry and others, always one to pick the right wine to go with the meal, these were always cherished outings. Rest in peace my friend and thanks for your friendship.
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Greg Grisanti
April 1, 2022
Barry was a mentor, friend, leader & chef who had an infectious smile & beautiful heart that matched his Kentucky southern draw. We have known each other for over 40 years, as we worked together at our family´s restaurant when we were both teenagers. Barry was a huge influence in my life´s decision to become a culinary/chef professional. His words of encouragement, guidance and boundless creativity will always be a hallmark of his influence in my life. Barry informed my curiosity about food, and we would speak at length about this subject. It all boiled down to love. The way I think about food, care and respect for our planet, and how we ultimately sustain ourselves, stems from an abiding respect for all the people along the way that make it possible for us to live, grow and connect. Barry was a kind loving friend that I am proud to have had the chance to know for such a large part of my life. I will miss you more than you know, my brother. Heaven just received a chef, but so much more! Love and prayers to your beautiful family.
Ryan Fertig
March 31, 2022
My thoughts, condolences, and prayers are with the family. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Barry for as long as many others have at Winston or in life, but in the short 3 years of knowing him, I could tell he was a gem that blessed many people. He always had a smile on his face, was willing to help in any way and he seemingly never met a stranger. Barry was a kind soul. Everywhere we went everyone always wanted to say hello to Barry, asked where he was, and went out of their way to speak to him. He left an impact on me, Winston, and the culinary community in Louisville that will last a long, long time.
Angie Wiselogel
March 31, 2022
Barry will be missed tremendously by the restaurant industry. He was always a mentor, a teacher, solution solver, but most importantly a friend. He always had a smile on a face and truly loved what he did. I will miss you so much - thank you for all of the great lessons in life and work. Prayers to the Winston family and Barry's family.
Tom Ford
March 31, 2022
We all know that our friend would insist that we share our fondest feelings and memories despite the pain that currently overwhelms our hearts. I will always remember his ever present smile, his contagious giggle, and his positive attitude that kept you moving forward and feeling good no matter the dire circumstances. I hear him every day. "Good morning Mr. Ford! How `bout our Cardinals last night?" As a chef, he could throw a chunk of cheese in a skillet and make it taste great. Or direct the preparation of a company Holiday feast for 200 that tasted great. Or influence and benefit our great restaurant city. His footprints are visible in all of Louisville´s "restaurant rows". And we will never forget his generosity and hard work towards feeding and helping the less fortunate. And of course there was his unconditional and unwavering love for the love of his life, his kids. Rest well my friend. You did good.
Holli Ward
March 31, 2022
I worked with Barry for 27 years at Winston. He made my day every time I spoke with him. He was a wonderful human being. I will miss him. Thoughts and prayers for the family of this wonderful man.
Scott Mestan
March 31, 2022
I have known Barry for many years and am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Barry was an amazing person and always added to any situation with his positivity, fun-loving style and genuine care for others. I pray for peace to your family during this difficult time. I will miss Barry.
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