Reynolds, Barry (James)

“He was a man, take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again”

Barry Reynolds, beloved husband of Judy Cheney, father to Claire and Paul, died June 22 at his home in Beaconsfield, QC.  He was 76.

Born in the USA, Barry grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island. After receiving a caddy scholarship, he left home to study at St Francis Xavier, Antigonish, NS.  With degree in hand, he left Antigonish for Ottawa where he worked as technical operator in the production of the Gaspard, under the direction of Dennis Hayes, at the National Arts Centre.  He then left for Saskatoon to become a writer for radio advertisements.  While in Saskatoon, Barry became an Elf on a TV show.  He was then swallowed by a flower to begin his teaching career at Quebec’s, then recently introduced, CEGEP John Abbott College (JAC) and McGill. His teaching career ran 40+ years.  During these years, he became involved in media and management training that took him to Germany, Japan, AUB, Saudi Arabia as well as Canada and the US. During his last years at JAC, Barry started his Community and Communication class, a practical class with a focus on volunteer work in a community context.

The program was so successful that by its’ second year, he had three sections, growing the number of volunteers in the community by the hundreds.  What was tremendously gratifying for him was knowing that after the semester’s twelve weeks, many students, Canadian and International, continued volunteering in their corners of the globe.  Exporting the values of volunteerism, community and citizenship to other nations.  Barry was quick to thank the ongoing support of the JAC, VWI and NOVA administrations for the program’s success; never accepting the accolades for himself.

Barry also saw success as a newspaper editor and journalist.  As an editor at the Gannett Westchester Newspapers, USA Today and the Montreal Gazette, journalists were quick to acknowledge learning much through his guidance that, ultimately, made them better writers.

Besides his wife Judy, Barry is survived by his siblings Kathy, West Greenwich, RI (Darryl Percival); Chris, Collage Station, TX (Bill Petit); Michael, Seagirt, New Jersey (Sharlene Dunn); and Leah (Warwick, RI).  He was predeceased by both his mother and father.

Barry was sustained by his deep love of literature, tennis, cycling and many friends from around the globe.  All who knew Barry are saddened by his sudden passing.

Barry’s grandchildren: Jasmyn, Aedan and Kian and his nieces and nephews: Toby, Alexis, Dean, Michael, Meghan, Elizabeth, Caitlin and Sean will remember Uncle Wiggly/Booie with fondness and warmth.

A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held Sunday, Oct 4th at Fritz Farm, Baie D’Urfé, QC with another following later June 2027 in Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NOVA, an organization very close to Barry’s heart:

https://www.novawi.org

“…and at the end of all loving and love, may the Man above give him a crown.”