BAREND (BARRY) VOLKERS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BAREND (BARRY) VOLKERS September 27, 1923 - February 3, 2014 A life well lived that began on the other side of the world has ended. Born in Indonesia, Barry Volkers was the third of four children born to Tekla and Wiggert Volkers. In 1934 the family emigrated to Canada and after a journey that took them halfway around the world they settled in Dauphin, Manitoba. During the Second World War Barry served overseas in Canada's 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and remained in the Reserves after the War, where he helped coordinate relief efforts during the Red River Floods in Winnipeg. Barry graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1949 with a Degree in Agriculture. He met the love of his life, Jane (nee Gray) and married in March of 1953. A career at Cyanamid Canada spanning 35 years was a great source of satisfaction to him and he retired in his early 60s. In 2001 Barry and Jane moved to Kitchener, Ontario to live closer to their children. Having revisited his Second World War experiences with some comrade's in arms, Barry embraced the Battalion Association's activities, including the National campaign to recover Fred Topham's Victoria Cross for the National War Museum. Barry and Jane celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together in 2013. They have spent recent years facing the challenges of growing old together, challenges made easier by their children and the attentive staff at Trinity Village Care Centre, Kitchener. Barry passed away in his sleep early in the morning of February 3, 2014 at St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener. He is predeceased by his siblings Wim, Anneke and Lou (Loekie). Barry will be missed by his great love, Jane, children Grant (Michele Rakich) and Jan (Karen Pal) and the extended family to whom he was simply, and fondly known as "Big Barry". In accordance to Barry's wishes there will be no service. Arrangements entrusted to Henry Walser Funeral Home (519-749-8467) Visit www.henrywalser.com for Barry's memorial.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2014