Obituary of Barry Agnew

March 22, 1945 – Saint John, New Brunswick

December 12, 2021– Okotoks, Alberta

Douglas “Barry” Agnew, 76 years old, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at the Foothills Country Hospice after battling cancer and multiple sclerosis.

A dedicated historian, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Barry was born in Saint John, New Brunswick to John Douglas Agnew and Mary Ruth Agnew on March 22, 1945. He was educated at Central High School in Calgary, then earned a B.A. majoring in history from the University of Calgary in 1968, followed by a B.Ed. at the University of Alberta in 1972. Most of his working career was spent in the museum profession, including twenty-seven years at the Glenbow Museum leaving there as Senior Curator, Military History in 2001. After Glenbow, Barry started his own museum consulting business, working in several museums throughout Alberta, with the primary contract at the Military Museums as Curator of the Calgary Highlanders Museum. Following retirement in 2010, Barry continued as a dedicated volunteer for the Highlanders. Barry was active in many historical, military, and museum associations throughout his career including the Alberta Museums Association.  Barry began his military service as a piper with the Calgary Highlanders Regiment after joining the Regimental Pipes and Drums in 1975. During his time in the Highlanders he had many special memories and milestones. Of note, in 1977 he qualified and was promoted to sergeant on the pipes, then in 1985 he was commissioned Lieutenant (commissioned from the ranks). Barry was proud to honour the traditions of the Regiment, and a highlight during his time serving as Public Affairs Officer was when he had the opportunity to participate in the presentation of a new Queen’s Colour to the Highlanders by HM Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Calgary in 1990. Barry retired from the Highlanders in 2000 (“Airaghardt, lit”). Barry enjoyed spending time in the summer with friends and family at “Lochnaw”, the family cabin at Gull Lake, Alberta. Another favorite destination of Barry’s was Maui which provided a beautiful retreat from cold Alberta winters. Following retirement, Barry and Peggy both enjoyed traveling the world to destinations such as Cuba, South America, South Africa, and enjoyed many cruises to destinations such as Alaska and the Mediterranean.

Barry is survived by his loving wife Peggy; son Jamie and his wife Julie-Anne of Calgary; daughter, Sarah and her husband Jesse of Okotoks; brother, Rob and his wife Lillian of Vancouver; his four beloved grandsons, Anderson, Jonah, Griffin, and Nolan all of Calgary; and many nephews, nieces and extended family.

Barry was predeceased by his father, Douglas, mother Ruth, and sister Bonnie.

A Funeral Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, December 20, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Barry’s service 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 can also be shared and viewed here.. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Foothills Country Hospice Society, P.O. Box 274, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1S1, Telephone: (403) 995-4673, www.countryhospice.org. or Calgary Highlanders Regimental Museum and Archives,4520 Crowchild Trail SW Calgary AB T2T 5J4, www.calgaryhighlanders.com. 

In living memory of Barry Agnew, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.