Obituary for Barry Robert Irvine
Barry Robert Irvine PH. D
March 20, 1927 ? March 26, 2013
Our much loved husband, father, granddad, uncle and great uncle passed away at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 86. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 56 years, Geraldine (Gerry), nee Quantz, daughters Roberta Ann Irvine (George), Suzanne Atwell (James) and son David Irvine (Leslie) and precious grandchildren: Reva, Harley, Bennet, Kim and Jillian. To sustain his memory are brothers Neil (Joan) from Ottawa and family and Arden (Brenda) of Woodstock and family. Dad was predeceased by his father Gordon Franklin Irvine and mother Doris Golightly.
Barry grew up in Fergus, Ontario; his backyard was a burst of rose bushes that merged with the local golf course. His mother taught her boys to golf as well as to help run the family business, a Gift and Floral Shop. So it was fitting that dad had an affinity for plants which culminated in 3 degrees: Bachelor of Science of Agriculture (University of Guelph), Master of Science of Agriculture (University of Toronto) and a Ph.D in Plant Physiology (Iowa State University) in Ames.
At a young age Barry helped get flowers out to customers while managing a paper route for the Toronto Star. He had to collect on past due accounts which was precarious during the depression years. He never shirked his responsibilities and he always respected the value of money.
His thesis research took him to Churchill, where he thrived, sleeping in a tent, wearing netting to ward off black flies. An episode of food poisoning brought him home for a bit where he met the new public health nurse. On May 18, 1957 they were married by the late Rev. Terrence Hart, the father of Evelyn, the former prima ballerina. Dad accepted a teaching and research professorship with the University of Manitoba, a position that spanned 30 years. He also enjoyed his volunteerism as chief judge for the Manitoba Science Symposium (1968-1983).
Dad was a prolific walker, cyclist and runner. He competed in 14 full Manitoba Marathons and 11 half marathons, sometimes placing first for his age group. He was such a familiar sight running up the street that a neighbor once asked him if he owned a car. He was a true athlete.
As an avid reader he tore through crossword puzzles at an astonishing rate with the family cat situated on his lap. He preferred bright clothes even though he himself was more reserved and when he spoke out his opinion mattered. In recent years dad walked to Starbucks twice a day. They marked his patronage with a Christmas gift. Many thanks go out to the Fort Richmond staff as they made him feel most welcome.
In accordance with Barry?s wishes, a private family service will be held with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place and his remains will be interred at a later date.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
Barry Robert Irvine PH. D
March 20, 1927 ? March 26, 2013
Our much loved husband, father, granddad, uncle and great uncle passed away at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 86. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 56 years, Geraldine (Gerry), nee Quantz, daughters Roberta Ann Irvine (George), Suzanne Atwell (James) and son David Irvine (Leslie) and precious grandchildren: Reva, Harley, Bennet, Kim and Jillian. To sustain his memory are brothers Neil (Joan) from Ottawa and family and Arden (Brenda) of Woodstock and family. Dad was predeceased by his father Gordon Franklin Irvine and mother Doris Golightly.
Barry grew up in Fergus, Ontario; his backyard was a burst of rose bushes that merged with the local golf course. His mother taught her boys to golf as well as to help run the family business, a Gift and Floral Shop. So it was fitting that dad had an affinity for plants which culminated in 3 degrees: Bachelor of Science of Agriculture (University of Guelph), Master of Science of Agriculture (University of Toronto) and a Ph.D in Plant Physiology (Iowa State University) in Ames.
At a young age Barry helped get flowers out to customers while managing a paper route for the Toronto Star. He had to collect on past due accounts which was precarious during the depression years. He never shirked his responsibilities and he always respected the value of money.
His thesis research took him to Churchill, where he thrived, sleeping in a tent, wearing netting to ward off black flies. An episode of food poisoning brought him home for a bit where he met the new public health nurse. On May 18, 1957 they were married by the late Rev. Terrence Hart, the father of Evelyn, the former prima ballerina. Dad accepted a teaching and research professorship with the University of Manitoba, a position that spanned 30 years. He also enjoyed his volunteerism as chief judge for the Manitoba Science Symposium (1968-1983).
Dad was a prolific walker, cyclist and runner. He competed in 14 full Manitoba Marathons and 11 half marathons, sometimes placing first for his age group. He was such a familiar sight running up the street that a neighbor once asked him if he owned a car. He was a true athlete.
As an avid reader he tore through crossword puzzles at an astonishing rate with the family cat situated on his lap. He preferred bright clothes even though he himself was more reserved and when he spoke out his opinion mattered. In recent years dad walked to Starbucks twice a day. They marked his patronage with a Christmas gift. Many thanks go out to the Fort Richmond staff as they made him feel most welcome.
In accordance with Barry?s wishes, a private family service will be held with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place and his remains will be interred at a later date.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
March 20, 1927 ? March 26, 2013
Our much loved husband, father, granddad, uncle and great uncle passed away at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 86. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 56 years, Geraldine (Gerry), nee Quantz, daughters Roberta Ann Irvine (George), Suzanne Atwell (James) and son David Irvine (Leslie) and precious grandchildren: Reva, Harley, Bennet, Kim and Jillian. To sustain his memory are brothers Neil (Joan) from Ottawa and family and Arden (Brenda) of Woodstock and family. Dad was predeceased by his father Gordon Franklin Irvine and mother Doris Golightly.
Barry grew up in Fergus, Ontario; his backyard was a burst of rose bushes that merged with the local golf course. His mother taught her boys to golf as well as to help run the family business, a Gift and Floral Shop. So it was fitting that dad had an affinity for plants which culminated in 3 degrees: Bachelor of Science of Agriculture (University of Guelph), Master of Science of Agriculture (University of Toronto) and a Ph.D in Plant Physiology (Iowa State University) in Ames.
At a young age Barry helped get flowers out to customers while managing a paper route for the Toronto Star. He had to collect on past due accounts which was precarious during the depression years. He never shirked his responsibilities and he always respected the value of money.
His thesis research took him to Churchill, where he thrived, sleeping in a tent, wearing netting to ward off black flies. An episode of food poisoning brought him home for a bit where he met the new public health nurse. On May 18, 1957 they were married by the late Rev. Terrence Hart, the father of Evelyn, the former prima ballerina. Dad accepted a teaching and research professorship with the University of Manitoba, a position that spanned 30 years. He also enjoyed his volunteerism as chief judge for the Manitoba Science Symposium (1968-1983).
Dad was a prolific walker, cyclist and runner. He competed in 14 full Manitoba Marathons and 11 half marathons, sometimes placing first for his age group. He was such a familiar sight running up the street that a neighbor once asked him if he owned a car. He was a true athlete.
As an avid reader he tore through crossword puzzles at an astonishing rate with the family cat situated on his lap. He preferred bright clothes even though he himself was more reserved and when he spoke out his opinion mattered. In recent years dad walked to Starbucks twice a day. They marked his patronage with a Christmas gift. Many thanks go out to the Fort Richmond staff as they made him feel most welcome.
In accordance with Barry?s wishes, a private family service will be held with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place and his remains will be interred at a later date.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com
Barry Robert Irvine PH. D
March 20, 1927 ? March 26, 2013
Our much loved husband, father, granddad, uncle and great uncle passed away at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 86. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 56 years, Geraldine (Gerry), nee Quantz, daughters Roberta Ann Irvine (George), Suzanne Atwell (James) and son David Irvine (Leslie) and precious grandchildren: Reva, Harley, Bennet, Kim and Jillian. To sustain his memory are brothers Neil (Joan) from Ottawa and family and Arden (Brenda) of Woodstock and family. Dad was predeceased by his father Gordon Franklin Irvine and mother Doris Golightly.
Barry grew up in Fergus, Ontario; his backyard was a burst of rose bushes that merged with the local golf course. His mother taught her boys to golf as well as to help run the family business, a Gift and Floral Shop. So it was fitting that dad had an affinity for plants which culminated in 3 degrees: Bachelor of Science of Agriculture (University of Guelph), Master of Science of Agriculture (University of Toronto) and a Ph.D in Plant Physiology (Iowa State University) in Ames.
At a young age Barry helped get flowers out to customers while managing a paper route for the Toronto Star. He had to collect on past due accounts which was precarious during the depression years. He never shirked his responsibilities and he always respected the value of money.
His thesis research took him to Churchill, where he thrived, sleeping in a tent, wearing netting to ward off black flies. An episode of food poisoning brought him home for a bit where he met the new public health nurse. On May 18, 1957 they were married by the late Rev. Terrence Hart, the father of Evelyn, the former prima ballerina. Dad accepted a teaching and research professorship with the University of Manitoba, a position that spanned 30 years. He also enjoyed his volunteerism as chief judge for the Manitoba Science Symposium (1968-1983).
Dad was a prolific walker, cyclist and runner. He competed in 14 full Manitoba Marathons and 11 half marathons, sometimes placing first for his age group. He was such a familiar sight running up the street that a neighbor once asked him if he owned a car. He was a true athlete.
As an avid reader he tore through crossword puzzles at an astonishing rate with the family cat situated on his lap. He preferred bright clothes even though he himself was more reserved and when he spoke out his opinion mattered. In recent years dad walked to Starbucks twice a day. They marked his patronage with a Christmas gift. Many thanks go out to the Fort Richmond staff as they made him feel most welcome.
In accordance with Barry?s wishes, a private family service will be held with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place and his remains will be interred at a later date.
The Coutu Family in care of arrangements:
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
680 Archibald Street
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.com