Obituary of Barry Kenneth Wershler

March 20, 1941 - McNutt, Saskatchewan

January 21, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Barry Wershler, beloved husband of Joan Wershler (nee Miller), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 21st, 2024 after an almost year-long battle with cancer, at the age of 82 years.

Barry was born in MacNutt, SK, to Jacob and Louise Wershler. He moved to Yorkton, SK as a child, where he met his future wife Joan when they were in Grade 5. Barry and his family moved to Calgary when he was a teen and he graduated from the first class of Queen Elizabeth High School in 1959. Barry maintained several life-long friendships from his time there, that he cherished until his passing. Combined with a short time working at California Standard, he graduated from the University of Alberta (Calgary) with a B.A. (Economics) in 1966.

He began his tenure at the Royal Bank of Canada after university. Barry and his family lived in Calgary, Lethbridge, Montreal and Edmonton during his career with the bank. In 1995, Barry and Joan returned to Calgary when he accepted a position at Credit Union Central, where he worked until his retirement in 2013.

Barry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Joan; his son Dean (Marco) of Vancouver; his daughter Cara (Keith) of Calgary; siblings Naomi Rithaler and Cleve (Laura) Wershler. He was predeceased by his father Jacob in 1971; mother Louise in 1992; brother Merril (Francine) in 2020; brother Darcy (Frances) in 2024. Barry and Darcy were like twins born three years apart and passed within days of each other.

Their adored dogs Zebedee, Barkley, Darby and Lulu brought years of joy and affection into Barry’s life.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed with Barry’s family here.

Joan, Cara and Dean would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Barry had great respect specifically for Dr. Daniel Heng. The caregivers at Millrise Senior Village were extraordinarily kind and patient. Beatrice Mandipaza made exceptional efforts to accommodate Barry during his final days. The extra love and support given by dear friend Fran Howell, niece Cheryl Heffner and Cleve Wershler will always be remembered.

Although Barry was guided by his faith, his wish was to forego a service. In living memory of him, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek. The family welcomes donations to the Canadian Cancer Society as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.