BARRY BROMLEY

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BARRY BROMLEY

December 4, 1939 – May 25, 2024

William James Barry Bromley was born in Brandon on December 4, 1939. He died May 25, 2024.

Barry was the second child of William Wilfred Bromley and Hazel (Harrison) Bromley.

Barry attended Harrow School from Grades 1 – 8. After finishing Grade 8, Barry entered the Agricultural Diploma program at the University of Manitoba. He studied the first year at what is now the Ag Extension Centre in Brandon. For his second year, he lived in Tache Hall at the UofM and completed the Diploma of Agriculture in 1957. He was seventeen.

Barry returned home that spring and began farming.

In 1969, Barry met Janet (Irene) Lepp. They were married on February 6, 1971, and made a home and farmed together northwest of Brandon near Smart Siding.

Barry and Irene raised a family and at the same time, welcomed young people on exchange programs from western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand into their home. Some of those relationships lasted more than 40 years.

Barry and Irene’s farm began as combined cattle and grain, but in 1985, Barry sold the cattle to focus on grain farming.

When not farming, Barry loved exploring the mechanics of steam engines and running a forge. He was a regular at the Thresherman’s Reunion at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. He became the blacksmith-in-residence around 2003 and it was a highlight when his grandchildren came through on field trips.

Barry was a staunch and earnest supporter of the Co-operative movement. He was a delegate to the Manitoba Pool Elevators convention for many years. He was later a member of the Co-op Hail board, and the Co-op Hail representative on the Keystone Agricultural Producers Board.

Barry loved music, particularly the violin. He was especially fond of waltzes, but he also loved polkas and jigs.

In 1995, Barry’s oldest son, Josh, began farming, and it was Barry’s dream come true to farm with his children.

Barry became a grandfather in 2006, and around that time, Barry started doing something he had rarely done: he took vacations. While doing so, Barry and Irene enjoyed watching their grandchildren grow and experience new things.

Barry is survived by his wife, Irene, his children Misty (Adam), Josh (Melissa), and Bevan (Reagan) and grandchildren Bailey, Emma, Liam, Lillian, Gavin, Reid, and Kayleigh, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barry was pre-deceased by his infant daughter Nancy Reneé, parents Bill and Hazel, and siblings Karen and Donald. He also was predeceased by niece Cory Lepp, father-in-law William Lepp, mother-in-law Agnes (Sawatzky) Lepp, and brother-in-law Arthur Lepp.

A service to honour Barry’s life will be held at Knox United Church, 451 18th St, Brandon on June 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM with luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Roseville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or the Manitoba Agricultural Museum.

BARRY BROMLEY

December 4, 1939 – May 25, 2024

William James (Barry) Bromley of Brandon, MB died accidentally on May 25, 2024.

Full obituary and service information to follow.

Memories Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2024, Jun 01, 2024, Jun 08, 2024