Obituary of Bernard Francis BARRY

February 2, 1943 – September 8, 2011 On Thursday, September 8, 2011 Franciscan Friar Bernard Barry, O.F.M., of Cochrane, AB passed away at the age of 68 years. Born in Victoria, BC on February 2, 1943 the son of the late Francis Barry and Jeannette Barry (McDermott), he was christened Francis Bernard Barry. He grew up in Calgary where he attended St. Ann’s School and St. Mary’s Boys’ High School. Before beginning his life as a Franciscan Friar at Mount St. Francis Retreat in Cochrane, AB in 1967 Brother Bernie worked for Canadian General Electric. During his formation he studied at Newman Theological College (Edmonton) and Mount Royal University (Calgary) in social services. He made his solemn vows as a Friar on June 17, 1973 at St. Ann’s Parish. He gave dedicated service in many capacities as a Friar. Brother Bernie worked at St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton before its closure and many years in retreat ministry at St. Michael’s Retreat in Lumsden, SK and Mount St. Francis Retreat in Cochrane, AB. He was director of Inner City Project, a drop-in centre for street people, and co-founded Simon House, a treatment centre for alcohol and drug abuse in Calgary. Besides the above Brother Bernie’s ministry with the Franciscan community included Secretary to the Provincial Minister, Leader of a local community, Communication Director, and many services to people coming to the door for assistance and serving in our dining rooms. He will be missed by his Franciscan brothers, numerous cousins of the Barry and McDermott families, and his many friends particularly from Simon House. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Corner of Highway 22 and River Heights Drive, Cochrane, AB), on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cochrane on Tuesday September 13, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment at a later date. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial tributes may be made to Simon House Resident Society (5819 Bowness Rd. S.W., Calgary T3B0C5 — phone 403-247-2050) or Mount St. Francis Retreat (Box 430, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A6 – phone 403-932-2012). The Franciscans wish to thank the medical personnel for Brother Bernie’s care and attention. A special thanks to Dr. W. Hanlon of Cochrane, the staffs at the Foothills and Peter Lougheed Hospitals, and particularly Carewest Royal Park home care facility. In living memory of Brother Bernie, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.