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ROGER ALLEN BARSY
Unexpectedly, on June 21, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Roger, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, passed away from us to begin life in his heavenly home.
Roger will be deeply and forever missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra; son Paul (Deanna); daughter Diana/Dee; and cherished grandsons, the “best boys in the world,” Ilija and Gabriel. He will be remembered by his siblings, Sharron, Marilyn (Aaron), John (Sherri) and Pat; brothers-in-law, Kelly (Sandy) and Scott; nieces, nephews, other extended family and numerous friends. His parents and his brother Rocky predeceased him.
Born April 14, 1949, in Fort Frances, Ontario, Roger grew up in Rainy River, Ontario and The Pas, Manitoba. He graduated from Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute after deep involvement in school and community life. He was student council president, participated in regional debates, Reach for the Top and organized teen dances.
Afterward, Roger earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. His work in the Consumers’ Bureau and, finally, as the Director of the Residential Tenancies Branch spanned 34 years of public service within the Manitoba government until his retirement in 2007. His leadership in the Director role spearheaded innovations using mediation and adjudication processes, housing courts, an online public guidebook and database technology. Roger thrived for 10 years post-retirement as a sessional professor in Conflict Resolution with Menno Simons College at The University of Winnipeg, where he encouraged students to see that “there is always another side to the story.”
Roger and Sandra married in 1971, and their joy of parenthood began with the arrival of Paul in 1981, followed by Diana in 1987. Roger was a devoted, loving and proud parent. His “paradise on earth” started with the birth of his grandsons in 2014 and 2016, and Grandpa cherished adventuring with them through all sorts of mischief and mayhem. Pickups after school were a regular thrill.
Roger soaked up daily current affairs and thoroughly researched matters of local and global importance. He was always equipped for a lively conversation about his many interests, from American politics to the state of Indigenous reconciliation in Canada.
Roger and Sandra enjoyed many classic rock concerts and memorable trips, especially those shared with friends. A Winnipeg Jets super fan from 1972, Roger always believed they would return and became a season ticket holder in 2011. Attending games with his brother Pat, friend Ian and other friends and family were particular joys for Roger. He was a long-time trail walker with a sensitive eye and ear for bird watching, and “Our Big Backyard,” FortWhyte Alive, was a frequent destination over the last few years.
All who knew Roger will recall his compassion, kindness and patience. Roger was a careful listener and treated everyone with fairness and respect. These traits were enduring reflections of his deep and personal Christian faith. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19).
Roger’s Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, 2405 McGillivray Boulevard in Winnipeg. Interment will take place at a later date.
If you wish to honour Roger’s memory with a donation, seek an organization supporting fairness, justice, nature and reconciliation. He appreciated the work done by the Salvation Army, FortWhyte Alive, Neighbours Helping Neighbours, Manitoba Harvest and Circles for Reconciliation, and his local church, Whyte Ridge Baptist. No floral tributes, please.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2023, Jul 01, 2023
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Roger was born to greatness and the world was better for it. He and Sandra were the perfect partnership. Sandra, my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Deborah McBride (School Friend) on: Jul 23, 2023
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The many things being said about Roger were so true, even as a young man in high school and university and his career in government. Our condolences to Sandra and the family. - Posted by: Doug and Ellen (friends from the past) on: Jul 21, 2023
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I will always remember my brother-in-law Roger Barsy for standing up say a few words at my wedding rec. in British Columbia 40yr ago his audience might as well have been close friends so easily he could connect and relate a funny story about me that was perfect in its way for me it was a moment of clarity and appreciation for Roger and all my family present. Roger had the courage to speak when the need was there and to follow through with action legally of course. Roger was my soul brother because of his honorable path he undertook in life. Someone that you know is out there fighting the good fight for his family and community. So on behalf of Kelly Bickle and family we send our love and condolences to my sister Sandra Barsy and all her family in Winnipeg. - Posted by: Kelly Bickle (Brother in-law) on: Jul 08, 2023
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I am saddened by hearing of Roger's passing. He was an awesome friend from my school days. We were on Margaret Barbour's winning debate team, Reach for the Top, Student Counsel, and many other school activities. I will remember his smile , hard work and caring for others! God bless you all. Sandra. My prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Willa Semotok (school friend) on: Jul 06, 2023
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Roger and Sandra were two of the first people we met after moving to Winnipeg in the early 1980s. Our daughter Erin and Paul were playmates until we moved away. In a short few years the Barsy, Leaman and Young families spent enough quality time together to create lasting memories. Roger was the kind of person who renewed one's faith in the goodness of people. He was genuine and thoughtful and caring. It was an honour to have called him our friend. Our deepest sympathy to Sandra and the whole family. - Posted by: Howard and Myrna Leaman (Friends from St. Vital United Church) on: Jul 05, 2023
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I was really saddened when I read in the Free Press the passing of Roger. When he joined our team at the Consumers' Bureau it was evident that Roger would in due course progress to become an excellent manager and obviously that is what happened. He was a true gentleman, compassionate, understanding and well balanced. My memories of Roger remain extremely positive and have been throughout. I wanted to express to you Sandra and your family my sincere condolences on the loss of such a great partner and person. Losing such a great partner and family man is difficult and may God bless you all in these trying moments. My wife Diane joins me in expressing these views. Take care all of you. Maurice Therrien - Posted by: Maurice & Diane Therrien (Former colleague and friend) on: Jul 05, 2023
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Sandra and Family We were both so sorry to hear of Roger’s sudden passing. Even though we didn’t see each other often we have many fond memories and interesting conversations with Roger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sincerely Pat and Patricia Byrnes - Posted by: Pat Byrnes (Uncle) on: Jul 04, 2023
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Sandra, I am so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. It sounds like you had a great life together. It must be very difficult for you right now. I can't imagine what you are going through. You are in our thoughts - Posted by: brenda moreton boiteau (friend) on: Jul 03, 2023
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My condolences to the family. Roger was on my Board of Directors for 16 years when I was ED of the West Broadway Neighbourhood Housing Centre. As Head of the Residential Tenancies Branch Roger was invaluable in encouraging landlords to invest in their own buildings and contribute to the transformation of the West Broadway neighbourhood! RIP Roger. Linda Williams - Posted by: Linda Williams (Co-worker) on: Jul 02, 2023
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I worked closely with Roger through my role at Credit Union Central of Manitoba. He was an intelligent, compassionate, level-headed individual who cared deeply about the impact the regulations he was drafting would have on Manitoba residents. He was an expert at finding common ground between all sides in what could become quite heated discussions, without getting perturbed. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Bernard C. Carling (Business colleague) on: Jul 01, 2023
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Our sympathies, Roger was held in high esteem by my late Father, Joseph Locke, (The Rentalsman), Roger became a valued service provider, fair, learned and kind. - Posted by: patricia Fraser (daughter of the Late Rentalsman, Joseph Locke) on: Jul 01, 2023
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I worked with Roger when I took on my job at the Rentalsman's Office. He was very kind and well spoken person. Deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Darlene Marsch (Co-worker) on: Jul 01, 2023
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We got to know Roger and Sandra when we taught a first time parents program back in the early 80’s. We became friends and tried to keep in touch over the years.Paul and our son Carey were the same age. Roger was a genuinely kind person by nature and seemed to make friends effortlessly. His family and friends will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Kevin Lalor (Old friend) on: Jun 30, 2023
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I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Sandra and family. I was very fortunate to work with Roger at The Residential Tenancies Branch for many years. Roger always believed in doing the "right" thing. He worked very hard to create legislation, regulations and systems to ensure that the "right" thing could be done for landlords and tenants throughout Manitoba. Roger was also very supportive of my family when our son Luke died in 1981. - Posted by: Ernest Gagnon (Co-worker and friend) on: Jun 30, 2023
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