It’s 12 years since you’ve passed. I worked with Barry at Ernest Morrow JH as the Art teacher until we both left. He was such an inspiration to me. The quality of his drama presentations was so professional. He was an expert in his field and effected every student he worked with. I miss Barry. I have so much respect for him.

Janet Morgan

Barry was such a vivacious, funny, talented & remarkable man. He was my high school drama teacher & mentor in grade 10-11. I wrote directed and acted in a one act play as part of my graduate project in grade 12 and he came to my performance. During this time I was coming out as gay- I saw his photo in the eagle and felt such pride and kinship that we shared community. I feel like he saw me & who I was before I did. I learned he was sick & later came out as trans and when I went to try to reconnect with Barry I found out that he had passed. I just want his surviving family and community to know that even after all these years I remember & honor this incredible teacher & multi-faceted gemstone of a being.

I was saddened to read of the passing of Barry. He and I were buddy-buddy in our early years at Westlane Secondary School in Niagara. His jokes and puns made every class tolerable and have stayed with me for decades. He was a bright light in everyone's lives.

Having been out of the country for a number of years, I was deeply saddened to hear of Barry’s passing quite by accident. I taught with Barry for a number of years. He was perhaps the most impassioned and supportive teacher I ever encountered in my career both to students and colleagues. I thoroughly enjoyed his sense of humor, his joie de vivre, his boundless energy. My life was richer for having Barry in it.

With Condolences to Ron, family and friends.

To Mr. G’s family,

I was so sorry to hear that we have lost such a great man… It has been almost three years now and I still do not think I can find the words to tell you how much Mr. G meant to me. As a student, when I felt like no one cared, he reached out with a simple hug. I don’t think he ever realized what that small gesture did and how much strength it gave to a very shy and awkward young girl. I never did get a chance to thank him. Mr. G. was a passionate and talented teacher. He inspired and touched many lives and will never be forgotten.

Thank you Mr. G.

Dear Ron, I was doing my Christmas cards here and as usual came to Barry’s name. We lost touch a few years back. I’ve searched for Barry before but had no luck for some reason. This time I was saddened to tears to find his smiling face on this site. I knew Barry from spending time with him in the early Eighties. He was such a warm, kind and generous man. And funny! He introduced me to Bryan Adams, and Saki among other things. His memory makes me smile. I will always remember him. I don’t know if you’ll get this but I just want you to know I think of him often with fond memories. I hope your memories make you smile too.Take care, all the best to you. Doug Lyle.

Sadly I read about Barry’s death in June, quite by accident. I knew him when I resided in Calgary. He was one of the few who inspired me to enter the teaching profession. He did not compromise excellence and his commitment to a task. I know he loved to cook for his many friends. He brought happiness and laughter to a world in need! Will miss you! From a friend in Washington, DC….

He was one of my teachers that saw below the shyness of what I could be. I enjoyed high school because of how he rose my own expectations of myself. I can only hope that the passion of life he held that I experienced at Fowler (’91-’94), my own children will have a teacher as excellent as Mr. G. My thoughts are with you, his family in this loss. Karen.

To the Family of Mr. G – My deepest heartful sympathies for your loss.

Know that Mr. G was an inspiration to many of us – his students. He taught compassion, understanding and acceptance. He encouraged us to go forth and be the best we could be, in whatever we chose to do. He inspired, and showed us dreams can come true. He affected so many of his students in ways I don’t think we realized at the time. Mr. G, I dont think I ever said thank you, for allowing me to be myself, and encouraing me to explore who I really am. You live on in all of us.

With Love,

Karin (Sutdent, James Fowler ’92-’95)

To Mr. G’s Family and friends, I send my deepest condolences. I’m so glad I was able to know him for these last 15 years; first as student than as friend. It is obvious that he was loved by so many because he gave his love away so freely to everyone he knew. Even with his passing, he remains a bright light in this world. I’m so grateful to know he was ever a part of my life.

God Bless

Our hearts go out to Barry’s family and partner in life. Barry was such a ray of sunshine. He always made you smile. His energy and love of life will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Barry touched all of our lives and we were made better because of it. Even though we haven’t seen him for awhile, we will never forget him, or his smile; and we will miss him.

Dear Ron and Rosino, I met both of you at various times when I worked with Barry at Fowler and I wanted to add to my other note. I know how hard it is to lose someone so special, but Barry has left us all so much. His love of life will always stay in our hearts, so he will never truly be gone. He taught me to make every day count. I will always love him for that. But even more, as a teacher, I saw how much he meant to so many of the students. He made a difference to so many young people’s lives and that will be his legacy for he will live on in them. We will all miss you Barry.

Mr Gagliardi was my Drama teacher at James Fowler High School from 1988 – 1991. I am Proud to say he was one of my favorite and one of the best teachers I ever had. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. On behalf of myself and the rest of his Drama students from those 3 great years, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.

Barry was a man who changed the lives of all those who were blessed enough to know him. So many of his students count him as the single biggest influence on their lives in the time they spent under his wings. As a teacher, so was he a friend to all of his students. He did not judge. He listened.

He will be remembered for his love, his passion, his intelligence, his rage, his tenderness.

My heart goes out to Ron and Rosino and to all of Barry’s friends and family for the loss they have suffered.

We will miss you Mr G.

Dear Ron,

We only met you and Barry a few times but we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. During yoga classes Sue and I got such joy with Barry’s passion for the practice his intensity in all the excersises and his enjoyment of doing yoga. We are sure this was a sign of how he embraced his whole life, with passion, joy and love.

Blessings to you Ron,

Sue and Barbara

Condolences to Ron and all who knew Barry.

Barry and I started our careers together 30 years ago as drama teachers and joyfully continued our friendship over decades, beers and bowling.

My life was richer for having Barry in it.

Peace my friend

Barry was a great spirit, full of fun and passion and curiosity. We are all better for having known him.

You were an inspirational teacher, I am saddened by this, but happy that you are in a much better place… I will never forget the giant leather heart keychain…

Barry was my drama teacher in James Fowler. I loved him. I was very shy, and he helped me be comfortable in my own skin. He was always there to listen or to give a hug on a bad day.

He trusted us on sight. To have someone believe in you that much made high school soo much better.

I will always think of him forever, my bestest favorite teacher Mr G!

To Ron & Barry’s family & friends,

We were both so sad to read of the loss of Barry. Our hearts go out to you during this sad time. When we came back to Calgary to open our B&B – Barry and Ron could not have been more supportive in our ventue and on to their new venture at The E we thought they did such a great job. He will be missed by many – but take comfort he touched so many lives as a friend, teacher, and spirit of life.

Love Wayne & Brent – Water Valley, AB

I came to James Fowler school just as Barry was leaving. I heard nothing but praise about this man whom I never had the honour of knowing. God Bless the family during your period of grief and loss.

I cannot believe how lucky I am to have met Barry & to have been a part of his care at Rosedale. His personality shone through every day! I will remember him fondly. He was a rich, loving bundle of fun, flare, vulnerability, generosity, warmth, beauty, truth, wisdom,& strength.

It was so easy to love & respect him.

It was visible that Ron, & his network of friends, & family felt the same.

He loved your calls & visits & staying near through thick & thin!

I will miss him.

Hugs, Brenda xo

I am saddened to read that Mr. Gagliardi has passed away. Another great soul lost to cancer. He was a fantastic drama teacher and he helped me become a more confident person. Barry had such a wonderful passion for Drama and he always made classes interesting. My condolences go out to his Family.

It was with great sadness I learned of Barry’s passing. I am moved to read of the many lives he influenced, kind thoughts and warmest wishes. His pain has ended, but yours has not, my condolences to Ron, family and friends in your time of loss.

May 11, 2011

Dear Ron, Barry’s family and friends.

STRONG PERSON

A strong person knows how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say “I’m ok” with a smile. Send this to a strong person. I just did. God is good. Change is coming. God saw your sadness and said hard times are over.

Live, Laugh, Love

My condolences and prayers.

Love Bill Burton (SAFEWAY)

I was deeply saddened to read of Barry’s passing, my condolences to his family and to those who knew him best.

Barry was a teacher of mine in 1992 at James Fowler High School. He always stood up for what he believed in and taught his students to do the same. He had a heart of gold, and I am honoured to have had him as my teacher.

Thank you Barry for making me a better person and the world a better place.

God bless…

Mr Gagliardi will be missed by all who knew him. He was courageous, honest and caring. A man who influenced and encouraged us to grow, take risks and face any challenge. Thank you Mr G…and my most heartfelt commiseration to his family and loved ones.

My deepest sympathy to Ron, Mr. Rosino Gagliardi and all who loved Mr. G.

As one of Mr.G’s former students I wanted to let you know how much of an impact he had on my life and how I often think of him.

Mr. G was an incomparable educator and mentor. Most of my fondest memories from high school are intertwined with him and his fantastic drama productions – from “Nunsense” to “The Tempest” – he made all of us believe in something bigger than ourselves.

My first day in grade 10 I had him as my drama teacher. He stood up in front of the class and told us how drama was an art and not a silly game. I know that he scared a few students away but I sat there hanging off his every word. When I had a chance a few days later to transfer to the school I thought I wanted to go to, where all my friends were, I stayed because of him. I wanted to learn from him and hopefully be lucky enough to be in his productions. I was. A few years later he even presented me with the Gagliardi award. I was honoured. I still am.

In his poem Mr. G expresses the desire to be loved. I hope he knows how much he was by his students and I’m truly sorry I didn’t get to see him in recent years – although I did once show up at his home years after high school to say hi.

He was a great man and I am blessed for having had him in my life. We all were.

Sincerely,

Sholeh

A former student at James Fowler High School ’92-’95

I am sad to hear of the passing of Barry. I knew him as a drama teacher. He loved his work and put so much passion into it spending long hours rehearsing with students. His work was high quality theatre with variety – incredible acting and fabulous movement and design. He gave his time tirelessly to the Alberta High School Drama Festival donating his honorariums to the organization instead of keeping them. He and his fellow executives kept the organization going during the hard times. To me, he gave so much support when I switched careers to be a drama teacher. He offered advice, supplies and anything else that was needed. Barry got me involved in the AHDSF and I went on to become President. I am so grateful for Barry’s gentle, kind and funny influence in my life. I will miss him.

Dear Ron and Gagliardi family,

Barry was the first one to welcome us to his old neighbourhood back in 1990…just showed up with a “Hi and Welcome!” plus a lasagna ready to pop in the oven while we were renovating our house. That was the kind of warm and welcoming person he was and we were privileged to be his neighbours for the next few years. He always had the best garden and the biggest heart. He will be missed. Please know you are in our prayers.

Mr. Gigliardi…no…Mr G.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey here. You were an amazing teacher, a wonderful person, and I am better for knowing you. My prayers to your family, friends & to Ron.

May you find the biggest, brightest stage in Heaven, with the most receptive audience and have the best show yet. My heart warms knowing that your mom would have met you with open arms.

God Bless.

My “Kindred Spirit”, may you rest in peace and know that all you taught loved you dearly. Peace and condolences to Mr.G’s family.

Dear the family of Mr.G,

I was saddened to hear of your loss. I had the priviledge of being one of the many students who was taught, influenced and inspired by Mr.G. When I reflect back on the one teacher who was the most influencial in my life, it was him, without doubt.

I wish your family peace and comfort at this time, and I thank you for the gift of Mr. Barry Gagliardi.

Warmest Regards,

Jennifer Dunphy (Sommerfeld)

I was saddened to see Barry’s obituary today and wish to send my condolences to those who loved him best.

Barry and I taught together at James Fowler High School years ago. I was always struck by Barry’s energy and dedication to his drama productions. One memory I have is of a grade 10 student, painfully shy and reticent in my Science class, who in one of Barry’s plays shone like a bright light. The boy’s transformation on stage reflected the work of a teacher who had faith in his students’ abilities and could make them visible to an audience and, perhaps most importantly, to the student himself. I respected Barry for that. It was also obvious that Barry was tremendously close to his family. He will be missed by many.

With sympathy,

Dave Severson

Dearest Barry

The world has lost a favourite son,

The city has lost a favourite teacher,

The community has lost a mentor,

The garden he so loved much will be sad,

The man he loved has lost a partner,

And we have lost a true friend,

And now Barry sleeps free of pain,

And we shall never forget…the man who held us all together in his heart,

Take time now to remember.

My thoughts go out to “Mr. G’s” family, friends and students. Mr. Gagliardi was one of those teachers who shapes your future and inspired his students. He was brilliant, funny and just never accepted anything but the best. I have thought of him often over the past 15 years. He was such a gift. What a loss. Thank you for everything Mr. G.

My life is better for having known him. May you have peace always, my teacher.

Mr. G. was the most amazing teacher! I feel blessed to have participated in his productions. I will never forget how he taught us to take risks and believe in ourselves. As a teacher now myself, he continues to be an inspiration to me.

Tara Natter – Waterloo, ON

Mr. Gagliardi

My most fond memories of High School were in your classroom. The world is a sadder place without you, but it is better because of you.

Thank you for inspiration and belief.

Kevin.

To Mr. Gagliadi friends and family;

Mr. G was my favorite teacher, as I am sure he was to all his students. I know personally, being is his class, got me through most days in school. He was a kind man who always had a smile on his face. My fondest memories of High School all involved him. He will be greatly missed by me.

All my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I am very sorry you lost such a wonderful person.

You were one of the best teachers that I have known throughout my teaching career. Your passion, empathy, and devotion in assisting your students to reach higher goals for themselves was very evident in all that you did. There should be a hallway named in your honour at James Fowler!!

I will miss you Mr. G! Of all the teachers that you meet throughout your schooling years, few make such an impact that they forever change you. Mr. G was one such teacher. He was an extraordinary man that truly cared for his students and it showed in the way he taught his students and approached life.

My thoughts and condolences go out to Mr. G’s family. We were all fortunate to have known such a great man.

Leslie.

He taught us all never to fear who or what we were, to express ourselves in ways we never dreamed possible, he not only opened doors for us he challenged us to step through them. He will live forever in the hearts and memories of all those he touched. Sleep with the angels and watch over us all.

Mr. G. touched the lives of all he met and is one of the reasons I choose to work in education. He also could make you feel special even if you had just a little interest, Mr. G. could make you a star even if you were behind the curtians.

Thank you for all you did. I have never forgotten you. To Mr.G’s most loved, he will live in you and through you for ever.

Thank you for sharing him with us.

God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be, so he opened up his arms and whispered come with me.

He took you to his garden and he laid you there to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful for he only takes the best

To Ron and Barry’s family and many friends,

It was with shock and disbelief whenI read Barry’s obituary in today’s paper. My heart goes out to Barry’s dad, family and Ron for their loss. I have only the fondest memories of Barry with our own ‘family’ and the wonderful times spent at both The Stroll Inn and Black Orchid Manor. Barry and the “family” were such an integral part of my life and will always remain so. I will miss you, Barry.

Love,

Steve

Barry’s passing will be sorely missed by all who were touched by his presence. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.

Mr G, you will be sadly missed.

I want to thank you for your passion for life and your dedication to passing that on to your students. You listened, you encouraged, and you accepted. You taught us how to expand our horizons, and be confident in ourselves. You taught us about life, and how to be better people. You made us work harder to achieve better, and never allowed us to give up.

Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

The world won’t be the same without you, but we were so blessed to have you in our lives, if only for a short time. I know that my life wouldn’t be the same if you hadn’t been in it.

Some people are meant to shine…you are the brightest star I see.

To Mr. G’s family…my sincerest condolences on your loss. He was an amazing man.

With Love,

Mellisa

He embodied so much passion! Everything about him was passion!

The ‘Dow Theatre’ at James Fowler High School was built because he fought for it. He believed strongly in the arts and their value in our education system. I am truly blessed that I met this man on my path towards acting.

I wish his loved ones peace at this time.

Dear Ron and Rosi and all of Barry’s beloved cousins and family:

Our hearts go out to you. I will always cherish the fact that such a vibrant, generous man chose to be my friend. I will remember you fondly Barry. Our condolences to all of you.

Yours truly,

Leanne, Teri and Alina

He was without a doubt the best teacher I ever had. He not only taught me about theater, he taught me more than a few life lessons. He will forever be in my heart, and missed tremendously.

My heart goes out to Mr G’s family and loved ones, even though it’s a little broken. Its amazing how a person can have such an impact on you… 20 years ago I sat in his theatre and knew him as Mr G, teacher. 10 years ago he danced with me at my wedding and promised to teach until my kids could be in his class, and said to call him Barry now…my friend. And today I mourn him and celebrate him, for all the man he was.. Love ya Mr G x0x0x

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gaglairdi was a wonderful man and teacher, may he forever rest in peace.

My husband David and I we’re sad to hear the news of our favourite teacher passing away, he made high school fun and entertaining. When ever I think of Mr. G, it was of happy times. He will be remembered by all that knew him with a smile on his face and a little cha cha in his step.

I was one of those that got to experience the Greatness of his Teaching. He will be gone but forgotten. Thank you Mr. G for everything. May you Rest in Peace

Sad day today. Just found out my high school drama teacher passed away.

You were a great teacher, friend and human being. Thank you for everything Mr G. This standing ovation is for you.

Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.

You will be missed

I was a shy kid. I took drama for the credits. But Mr. Gagliardi changed all that. He forced me out of my shell and helped make me who I am. Whenever anyone asks where I get my confidence, still, to this day, I tell them about Mr. Gagliardi. My life would have been so different without his influence. He was a great man with a heart of gold. He was full of passion. He loved his students, even when they forced him into a leave of absence due to stress. Despite all that, he loved us. And we loved him.

I am so sorry for your loss. Barry was an amazing and passionate teacher. I am a former student of his and I have him to thank for the wonderful things he taught me about the theatre. God Bless Barry and his family. He will be missed. Love ya Mr. G. You’re on God’s stage now.