Barry McMECHAN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

McMECHAN: Barry John McMechan. Suddenly on December 25, 2009 in Russell, Manitoba, Barry John McMechan passed away at the age of 74. Barry, known as BJ to most, was born June 28, 1935 in Deloraine Hospital, eldest child of Jack and Eliza McMechan. That was a great day in history in these parts as the rain came that ended the drought. Besides a few winters working away, Barry lived his entire life in the Deloraine area. It was during one of the winters working away from home that he met and married Joyce Marie Cassell in 1956. Barry and Marie returned to Deloraine and raised 5 children. Barry was a farmer, first farming with his father, Jack, and later with his sons, Kelly and Russ until he retired in 2004. To Barry, farming was more than a job, it was a way of life, and it was for this reason that Barry really didn’t have other hobbies and past times that would take him away from the land and crops in the summer. Curling was also a big part of Barry’s life, and he passed on his love of curling to his whole family. He was a fierce competitor in years gone by and later in life an avid fan, watching family members as well as travelling to Briers and World Championships. Barry and Marie separated in 1980. In 1983, Barry re-met an old friend and flame from his childhood and married Dorothy Ann Hainsworth Burgess in 1986. Barry and Dorothy had a very large blended family and they enjoyed spending time with their many children and grandchildren. Barry and Dorothy also enjoyed travelling together and with friends and family, playing cards, their many trips to Las Vegas, day trips to Belcourt, and spending time at Silver Beach. Barry was predeceased by his parents Jack and Eliza, and brother in law Ron Mann. Barry will be sadly missed by his loving wife Dorothy, his sister Louise Mann, Barry’s children and their families including: Donna Wiggins and Larry Harkness, and their children: Doug and wife Jodene, their children Hayden and Sydney; Darla and husband Curtis Lesy; Neil Wiggins, Nicole Harkness, and step-children Stefanie and her children Kealin and Teagen; Steven, and Sarah and Richie and their daughter Maddison. Lynn McMechan and her girls Christine, Chantal and daughter Asia, and Kathleen Blackbird. Darlene and Greg Maywood and their girls Shea & D’Arcy. Kelly and Jo-Anne McMechan and their children Megan and husband Brad Vandenberghe, Ashley and Dillon. Russell and Jennifer McMechan and Russ’s children Jessica and husband Richard and their children Tory, Shandrae and Trinity Keen; B.J. and Danielle. Dorothy’s children and their families, including: Elaine and Andrew Kuhl and their children Hailey and Mitchell. Laurie Burgess and her children Chris Halwas, Danielle and their son Luke and Mark Halwas. Ruth and Ritchie Davidson and their children Derek and Lexi. Lisa Burgess and fiancé George Murray. And the one that we all agree was his favorite and faithful companion, his dog Bailey. The family would like to thank the Emergency Response Team in Russell and the staff of the Russell and District Hospital for their prompt and professional response. They would also like to thank Smith Funeral Home for their help and professionalism and the community for their many thoughts, prayers and visits since Barry’s passing. Donations can be made in memory of Barry to the Heart and Stroke Fund or your charity of choice. Smith Funeral home entrusted with arranagements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 09, 2010