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BARRY LANK
Date of Passing: Jun 12, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
BARRY LANK
Barry was an amazing gift and we will miss him every moment for the rest of our lives. He was a devoted husband, a loving and proud father, and a kind and loving brother, cousin, and friend.
Born in Winnipeg, he was predeceased by his mother Toby and father Isaac and is survived by brother Marshall and many dear cousins.
Barry graduated from the University of Manitoba, receiving a Master's in sociology and a Bachelor of Education. He was a storyteller with a curious mind, fascinated by the world around him, and soon became interested in filmmaking.
After graduating from the London School of Film in England, he returned to Winnipeg and free-lanced in the film industry, producing documentaries and short films and eventually started his company Lank/Beach Productions. It's rare that one works at something they love for their entire lives yet that's exactly what he did. Lank/Beach was well respected and established itself as the go to production house for commercials and corporate work. Whether it was flying down Portage Avenue in a Vietnam-style Huey helicopter to capture footage for a promotional film for the Premier's trade missions, a film celebrating Kelekis' 50th anniversary, or television campaigns for MPI, he loved every moment.
Barry established himself as one of Western Canada's top cinematographers and filmed many national and international productions. He took his camera to some of the most tragic, desperate, and dangerous parts of the world working on social justice documentaries. He travelled to Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, East Timor, Russia, and Vietnam, to name a few. Extra pages had to be added to his passport for his many travels. Barry was a full member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers and was twice nominated by the CSC for best documentary cinematography for his work on The Nature of Things, along with winning a multitude of other industry awards.
Barry was always ready to help and was extremely generous with his time. He had a quiet confidence and wisdom about him. He was calm, patient, and caring and had a way of looking at things that made complete and logical sense, but he also liked a good debate. Reason and logic were touchstones in his life. He had a great sense of humour, and a dry and quick wit.
Luanne and Barry were married for 28 years and were ecstatic when their daughter Hannah was born in 1997. They enjoyed travelling the world and making memories and were fortunate to visit Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. They also enjoyed annual winter visits to their property in Scottsdale where they hiked, cycled, played mini golf, watched movies, and enjoyed spending time together.
Barry had a deep appreciation of history and kept abreast of world issues. He fought Stage 4 kidney cancer for over eight and one-half years with incredible strength and courage and never let it define him. He continued his love of filmmaking and produced documentaries, television commercials, and corporate work until just recently, including a national awareness campaign and content for the opening of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights and the feature documentary Almost Almost Famous which he directed and shot across North America even while undergoing difficult cancer treatments.
Barry always said he would move from Winnipeg but he chose to stay in the city that helped him start a business and helped it flourish. He was a loyal Bombers fan throughout the years and was very happy when they won the Grey Cup. He could often be found enjoying a Baby Apple or lunching around the city with friends.
A private service was held on Monday, June 15 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery and a celebration of Barry's life will be held at a later date.
Love truly does go on forever.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or Kidney Cancer Canada.
Our sincerest thanks to the exceptional CancerCare Manitoba and St. Boniface and Manitoba Palliative Care physicians, nurses and staff. Special thanks to Dr. Czaykowski and nurse Denise, Dr. Wong and Dawn, Dr. Saranchuk and nurse Ivy, and Dr. A. Dubey.
Thank you to the many family, friends, and neighbours for their kindness. Special thanks go out to his friends, Joao, Ernie, Byrnes, Erna, and Chris. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2020
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I'm not even exactly sure why but I was thinking of Barry more often than not of late. Then I went into my pictures from the two years when I lived in Winnipeg. Barry was a great lensman, very creative, efficient, and I never felt pressured as a talent because I always knew we had the same end game in mind. A product that would make the end product something the client loved. I had many people in the business that I worked with while in Manitoba. Barry was always one of my favorites. Lank Beach, like many film houses was in an actual house. Comfy little place and Barry, as I recall, made his magic upstairs. We shot on 16 mm, because frankly, for a TV commercial, who would know the difference. The quality was always there. From pyrotechnics to a full, all girl backup band, Barry knew how to get it done, and on budget, and on time. His kind eyes were the feature I will remember most. I am so sad to hear of his passing. I did get back to visit him once since leaving for New York. Got to see Lana his assistant too, and it was as if no time had passed at all. "Hey, you want to do some more Advance commercials?" he asked. "I'm sure they'll fly you in... "Let me see what I can come up with." I came up with a career that allowed little time for sidework and/or travel. Barry, thank you for all you were and did for me. You enhanced my career, yes, but more than that you made an out of towner from the east feel right at home in Winnipeg with your warm heart, on the coldest of days. ~Ed Kelly - Posted by: Ed Kelly (Friend) on: Jul 12, 2022
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I want to extend heartfelt condolences to Luanne and Hannah, and to Barry’s extended family and friends. With gratitude for the opportunities I had to work with Barry and to get to know him, I echo many others in saying that he was truly a lovely person and a talented cinematographer and filmmaker. His kindly encouragement stood out in a sometimes harsh business, and his quiet, solid leadership on two projects we worked on together are forever, fondly remembered and appreciated. - Posted by: Jane Gurr (Colleague) on: Jun 24, 2020
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I was so sad to see this in the Obituaries. My condolences go out to you and Hannah Luanne. He was a very lovely man. - Posted by: Marnie Hocken (Old friends) on: Jun 20, 2020
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Barry and I were often fierce competitors in the TV Commercial production industry. At times we would argue. In the end however, we also worked well together on projects. Most importantly, I considered Barry a good friend. He exuded the best qualities of humanity. He was always willing to help or just to listen. Barry took his illness in stride and handled it with quiet dignity. Although there was only one Barry Lank, the world could use more people like him. While I am devastated by his passing, I take solace in knowing I will see him again. My sincere condolences go to Luanne, Hannah and family. You have experienced a great loss. Know that my thoughts are with you. Kenn Perkins - Posted by: Kenn Perkins (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2020