MATTHEW BARRY HALL

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• Kathy, all Barry's family, and friends of BARRY HALL I first met BARRY when he was at CSP foods. I clearly remember that meeting as I got my first lesson on crush margins from BARRY. That is the kind of impression BARRY had on people. Memorable. More recently, I had the opportunity to work with Barry on Flax Council business thru good times as well as the toughest times in the flax industry's history. Strategic, strong, passionate, and calm are just a few words that I can use to describe BARRY during the triffid crisis. He strongly supported the people who worked with, and for him. He was fair and respectful with colleagues. Most importantly he was a passionate supporter of the flax industry. BARRY'S family was paramount to him. I recall many conversations where he proudly described the happiness of family in his private life. I had the opportunity to visit BARRY and Kathy at their Minaki camp and was able to see the pride and happiness that this property provided BARRY, Kathy, and the Hall family. While his contribution to the flax industry ended with retirement, his involvement in this Minaki property in unfinished business and I know how much he will be missed at the lake house. Please know his spirit lives there and let the memories bring you comfort in your loss. Sincerely Terry and Mary James - Posted by: Terry James (Coleague) on: Mar 26, 2017

• I have many wonderful memories of working with Barry. For several years we traveled to the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association, where the Flax Council staffed a booth on flaxseed. No matter that it was chaos, with thousands of dietitians streaming through the exhibit hall, all rushing around, chattering like birds. Barry remained calm and unflappable, always eager to talk about flaxseed and answer questions. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, a joy to work with, and made me laugh. The flax industry has lost a valuable resource. I have lost a good friend. To Kathy and his family I offer my deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Diane Morris (Friend and colleague) on: Mar 23, 2017

• To Kathy and family, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of a wonderful man. Barry was a great friend and mentor to me in my over ten years of working with the Flax Council of Canada. He was one of the most ethical people I have ever met and always put the good of the sector and its stakeholders first. Under his leadership, the industry weathered many storms and was successful at obtaining significant support from the government to move many exciting and innovative issues forward. Personally I always felt supported by Barry and knew that I could trust his good judgement. Above all, he was very wise and very kind. He had a wonderful sense of humour and truly made those around him feel special and important. He knew how to make the people who worked with him feel respected and appreciated. Barry was a very special person and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Kelley Fitzpatrick (Friend and Colleague) on: Mar 23, 2017

• Condolences to the family and friends of Barry. I have known Barry for over 27 years...having worked in the flax industry for that time period. Always appreciated working with Barry on various items over the years. Barry will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Paul Dribnenki (Colleague) on: Mar 23, 2017

• Barry took the Flax Council of Canada to great heights during his tenure as Executive Director. He rode out the Triffid days with great determination and class as he saw markets erode. Passionate about agriculture, and a fair and decent man, he was a pleasure to work with. I remember long hours developing marketing plans and proofing grant applications with him applying his keen eye and business acumen while I droned on, word by word and line by line. Mexico, China, Japan, U.S. - all came on board with Canadian flax, thanks to his efforts. A life's achievement, right there! - Posted by: Barb Metrycki (Colleague) on: Mar 23, 2017