Richard
Richard A. Barry
Richard A. Barry of Otsego Township, MI
On Saturday, December 23rd 2017, the Eve of Christmas Eve and unlike any other ordinary day, Richard awoke in heaven. Nobody knows when they will be called home. He did not know the day or the time, and yet he was ready. Richard went to bed on Friday night, just like any other night; his slippers placed in a neat line next to his bed, his glasses left on the nightstand and his clothes for the next day hung in the closet ready for the usual day ahead. Like any other ordinary day, the sun came up right on time as it always does. The birds outside made their familiar sounds and Richard’s two cats chased each other from room to room, playing or fighting depending upon the moment. Ordinary, best describes this particular day and his life at work and at home. Quiet by nature, he preferred to listen rather than talk. His friends and neighbors will remember his willingness to help, his compassion, and his desire to serve others. It was common for him to get groceries for a neighbor, to plow a driveway, or fix a fence. He was often an ambassador of goodwill, delivering quiet acts of kindness for those in need. Richard was an organizer, a planner, and a self-proclaimed garbologist. Nothing left untouched, unscrutinized or unorganized, even his garbage took on the resemblance of a neatly prepared gift to the landfill. Thought went into every detail of every moment. Richard had worked as a foreman for Eaton Corp for over 30 years in Kalamazoo and later in Marshall, until he retired at 55 years old. He and his wife loved spending time up north with family, fishing, attending garage sales, antique restoration and woodworking. An avid reader and consumer of news, he was quick to talk politics with anyone.
In 1961, he was married to Shirley Gurnsey who preceded him in death in 2000. Surviving are his children, David (Cindy) Barry of Holland and Tom (Alicia) Barry of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Andrew, Katelyn, Caleb, Lucas, Noah, Lindsey and Chelsea; great grandchildren, Melody, Aryah and Emory; siblings Robert Barry of Portage and Jim (Diane) Barry of Schoolcraft; sister-in-law, Noreen (Robert) Cramer of Lawton and several nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes will take place at Battle Creek Memorial Park.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Although, he did not welcome the day, he did not fear the day, for he knew what awaited him. He planned this day right down to the last detail. What was the last detail you ask; the smile on his face as he lay sleeping.
December 13, 1941-December 23, 2017
Offer Condolence for the family of Richard A. Barry
Condolence Messages
Lois Taylor
December 27, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Please accept my condolences. John 5:28,29 gives us the wonderful hope of a resurrection, sicknesses will be done away with according to Isaiah 33:24 and Revelation 21:4 promises that soon death will be a thing of the past. I pray this gives family and friends a measure of comfort.
Reply
James & Dianne Barry
December 29, 2017 at 6:49 am
My younger brother was a kind and loveable person a gentalman at all times. The Lord, allowed Dianne and I to spend precious time with him on Thursday, December 21,2017. We had a wonderful time of fellowship, and most of all,
the opportunity to put our arms around him and tell him that we loved him. As he left for home that afternoon. I stood in the driveway waving my goodbyes, til he drove around the corner and out of sight. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him alive. For as good aman as my brother was. He was still a sinner,saved by grace. Ask Jesus, to forgive you of your sins and you will be saved also. Love You Brother. Jim&Dianne
Reply
Tammy Van Niman
December 29, 2017 at 10:28 am
Uncle Dick was always there when I need some help. It was a sad day and I will miss him dearly.
Reply
Laura Deerwester
December 31, 2017 at 8:30 pm
I did not know Dick well, but we talked a few times as he patrolled our neighborhood! He was a very kind soul. I’m sorry to hear of his passing!
Reply
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On Saturday, December 23rd 2017, the Eve of Christmas Eve and unlike any other ordinary day, Richard awoke in heaven. Nobody knows when they will be called home. He did not know the day or the time, and yet he was ready. Richard went to bed on Friday night, just like any other night; his slippers placed in a neat line next to his bed, his glasses left on the nightstand and his clothes for the next day hung in the closet ready for the usual day ahead. Like any other ordinary day, the sun came up right on time as it always does. The birds outside made their familiar sounds and Richard’s two cats chased each other from room to room, playing or fighting depending upon the moment. Ordinary, best describes this particular day and his life at work and at home. Quiet by nature, he preferred to listen rather than talk. His friends and neighbors will remember his willingness to help, his compassion, and his desire to serve others. It was common for him to get groceries for a neighbor, to plow a driveway, or fix a fence. He was often an ambassador of goodwill, delivering quiet acts of kindness for those in need. Richard was an organizer, a planner, and a self-proclaimed garbologist. Nothing left untouched, unscrutinized or unorganized, even his garbage took on the resemblance of a neatly prepared gift to the landfill. Thought went into every detail of every moment. Richard had worked as a foreman for Eaton Corp for over 30 years in Kalamazoo and later in Marshall, until he retired at 55 years old. He and his wife loved spending time up north with family, fishing, attending garage sales, antique restoration and woodworking. An avid reader and consumer of news, he was quick to talk politics with anyone.
In 1961, he was married to Shirley Gurnsey who preceded him in death in 2000. Surviving are his children, David (Cindy) Barry of Holland and Tom (Alicia) Barry of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Andrew, Katelyn, Caleb, Lucas, Noah, Lindsey and Chelsea; great grandchildren, Melody, Aryah and Emory; siblings Robert Barry of Portage and Jim (Diane) Barry of Schoolcraft; sister-in-law, Noreen (Robert) Cramer of Lawton and several nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes will take place at Battle Creek Memorial Park.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Although, he did not welcome the day, he did not fear the day, for he knew what awaited him. He planned this day right down to the last detail. What was the last detail you ask; the smile on his face as he lay sleeping.
December 13, 1941-December 23, 2017
Offer Condolence for the family of Richard A. Barry
Condolence Messages
Lois Taylor
December 27, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Please accept my condolences. John 5:28,29 gives us the wonderful hope of a resurrection, sicknesses will be done away with according to Isaiah 33:24 and Revelation 21:4 promises that soon death will be a thing of the past. I pray this gives family and friends a measure of comfort.
Reply
James & Dianne Barry
December 29, 2017 at 6:49 am
My younger brother was a kind and loveable person a gentalman at all times. The Lord, allowed Dianne and I to spend precious time with him on Thursday, December 21,2017. We had a wonderful time of fellowship, and most of all,
the opportunity to put our arms around him and tell him that we loved him. As he left for home that afternoon. I stood in the driveway waving my goodbyes, til he drove around the corner and out of sight. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him alive. For as good aman as my brother was. He was still a sinner,saved by grace. Ask Jesus, to forgive you of your sins and you will be saved also. Love You Brother. Jim&Dianne
Reply
Tammy Van Niman
December 29, 2017 at 10:28 am
Uncle Dick was always there when I need some help. It was a sad day and I will miss him dearly.
Reply
Laura Deerwester
December 31, 2017 at 8:30 pm
I did not know Dick well, but we talked a few times as he patrolled our neighborhood! He was a very kind soul. I’m sorry to hear of his passing!
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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