Obituary of Leonard ‘Barry’ PASHAK

April 21, 1937 – Calgary, Alberta
February 3, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Leonard ‘Barry’ Pashak of Calgary, AB, died on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the age of 83 years.

Born in Calgary on April 21, 1937, Barry grew up in Mission, attended Holy Angels School and St Mary’s where he played football. He studied engineering at the University of Oklahoma and completed a B.Sc in 1962 and an MA in Sociology in 1971 at the University of Calgary. His thesis was titled, The Populist characteristics of the Social Credit movement in Alberta. Barry believed in the inherent dignity of all human beings and worked hard throughout his life to eliminate barriers to social justice. He was active in the anti-war movement, supported organized labour and worked on public housing initiatives in Calgary. He loved the mountains, a good party, playing cards, a fine meal, testing the fuel tank, chatting up folks in the pub and a glass of red wine. For over twenty-five years, he taught at Mount Royal College, first in mathematics and later in sociology and political science, where he also served as the President of the Faculty Association. In 1986, Barry was elected to serve as a New Democrat Member of the Legislative Assembly, representing the riding of Calgary-Forest Lawn. He served two terms until 1993. During this time, he chaired Alberta’s Public Accounts Committee and served on the executive of the Canadian Council of Public Accounts Committees. He was also the energy critic and the education critic and a fierce advocate of labour rights. Upon retirement, Barry moved to Pender Island where he enjoyed sailing, golfing and introducing his grandchildren to the joys of coastal living. Ultimately, he missed Calgary, so he returned, becoming active in competitive bridge, attaining the rank of Silver Life Master and directing games, while keeping engaged in politics. In 2010, Barry suddenly suffered a stroke which left him unable to produce language or live independently. He continued to find joy in life, spending time with family, playing bridge, visiting with friends old and new in the pub. The staff and regulars at Buchanan’s became like family.

He is survived by his children, Barrett (Vivian), Cathy (Robert), Matt (Amy), Natasha (Tadzio), and Zakary (Nadine); his grandchildren, Justin (Rachel), Indra, Teia, Gabriel, Joe, Kevin, Ben, Emma, Paige, Finn, Isaac, Chanelle, Leo and Malek; his great-grandchildren, Vitali and Laird; his sisters Donna and Liz; his former wives, Alexandra Pett of Victoria and Jackie Flanagan of Calgary; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his spouse Wilda. He was particularly close to his nephew

Scott Malcolm. He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Lilian Pashak; his sister Barbara, brother Joe, and former wife Cheryl of Edmonton.

A Funeral Service will be held for 20 attendees, on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to thank the many people who took such great care of Barry these past ten years. Our deep gratitude to Dr. Dukelow of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Foothills, Dr. Lee-Ying of the Tom Baker Cancer Center, the staff at Eau Claire Retirement Residence, and at Age Care Glenmore, where he lived for the past few years. To all of you who treated him with respect and honoured his dignity, we are very grateful and we know he was too.

In living memory of Barry Pashak, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.