Barrie ARMSTRONG

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARMSTRONG: Barrie (Barney) Gleason, passed away at his winter home at Pine to Palm Resort in Weslaco, Texas on January 9, 2013. Barrie was born May 8, 1934 on the farm at Cardale to Rae and Lena (Shaw) Armstrong, the seventh of ten children. With the exception of one year spent in Brandon at Ag school, he spent the next 65 years on the farm, working in partnership with his brother, Ron. Barrie married Diana Neal of Bradwardine in 1959. Together they raised four children until Diana's passing in 1985. He married Ethel Duncan in 1989. They remained on the farm until 2000 when they retired to Hamiota, spending their winters in Texas. Besides Ethel, Barrie is survived by his daughters Debbie (Dallis) Johns of Hamiota; Donna (Bryan) Smith of Rivers and sons Neal Armstrong of Lac du Bonnet, and Rae (Michele) Armstrong of Glenboro. He was "Grandpa Barney" to eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He will also be missed by two surviving sisters, Rose Fewings and Regina (Ed) Wingerter, both of B.C., many nieces and nephews, as well as Ethel's children - Kevin Duncan, Linda Robinson, Sue Anne Price, Nancy Strachan and their families. Dad was a 4-H member in his younger years and a 4-H leader later, played and coached hockey and baseball. He was an avid curler, being a member of the Oak River curling club for many years, winning a couple of club championships and a zone winner in 1973. He was also president of the rink board for a time. Dad enjoyed fishing and camping, especially happy hour around the campfire. He like to visit with people of all ages and was a regular at the coffee shop. A graveside service was held May 11, 2013 at Marney Cemetery with Elsie Dickenson officiating and a very fitting eulogy given by longtime friend and neighbor Garnet Hyndman. Grandson Bryce Paterson was urn bearer. Donations in Barrie's memory may be made to Oak River Rink Memorial Fund or a charity of choice. Rae's Funeral Service were in care of arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 01, 2013