Obituary of Barry Edward EMES B.A., LL.B.

September 12, 1945 – Sydney, Nova Scotia 
September 27, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta 

We are extremely sad to announce that Barry Emes, B.A., LL.B., and beloved husband of Sherry Emes, of Calgary, AB passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the age of 76 years.

Barry was born in Sydney, NS, to Arnold and Alberta Emes while Arnold was stationed in Newfoundland during the Second World War (Barry was born shortly after the end of the war). They subsequently returned to Edmonton until the family, including brothers Allen and Bryan, moved to Pincher Creek when Barry was eight years old. It was in Pincher Creek that Barry met Sherry, the love of his life. Barry also made a number of life-long friendships in Pincher Creek and was involved in more than a lifetime of entertaining adventures. Barry subsequently studied at University of Calgary, after a brief stop at Lethbridge Junior College, graduating in 1967 with a B.A. in economics.  On September 2, 1967, Barry and Sherry got married and settled in Calgary.  After that, Barry worked for both the Royal Bank, and for Mobil Oil as a junior economist, before deciding to pursue a career in law. Barry graduated with an LL.B. from the University Of British Columbia Law School in 1973, winning the gold medal and achieving at the time the highest grades in the law school’s history. In November of 1972, Barry’s son, Aaron was born. After law school, Barry and Sherry returned to Calgary where Barry joined the law firm Code Hunter. Barry worked at Code Hunter for nineteen years, showing his talent for the law by working initially as a civil litigator and subsequently transitioning to corporate law.  Barry’s daughter Kerry was born in 1978. In 1992, Barry left Code Hunter to co-found the office of Stikeman Elliott in Calgary. Under Barry’s leadership, Stikeman Elliott’s Calgary office grew from four lawyers at the start to over forty-five lawyers when Barry retired in 2006. After Barry’s retirement, he kept busy by acting as a director on a number of boards and researching and writing his memoirs. Most important to Barry was spending time with his beloved grandchildren, including on many family trips to Maui, Barry’s second home for much of his life. Barry was one of a kind, as comfortable discussing intricate points of law as he was talking about music of many genres, art and politics. As Barry’s friends know, he was also never afraid to point out the humorous silver lining of any serious situation.

Barry is survived by his wife Sherry, his son Aaron (Amreen Omar), his daughter Kerry, and his grandchildren, Aamir, Amina, Ayla, Makena and Brooklyn. Barry is also survived by his brother Allen Emes (Claudia) and family and by the family of his late brother Bryan Emes (Deborah).  

A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service in person are invited to join Mr. Emes’ service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, in memory of Barry, memorial tributes may be made directly to United Way of Calgary and Area, #600, 1202 Centre Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: (403) 231-6265, www.calgaryunitedway.org. 

Barry’s family wishes to thank everyone who aided in his care, notably Mary Ann Laigo, as well as the staff and management at Mount Royal Care Centre.  

In living memory of Barry Emes, 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.

Barry's memorial card can be viewed using this link

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