Gilbert, Barry Wayne – It is with great sadness that we announce Barry’s sudden death on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at the age of 66. Born and raised in Dartmouth, he was a son of the late Albert and Frederica Gilbert.
He attended Dartmouth High School and completed a diploma in Social Work at Centennial College in Toronto. In 1977 Barry married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Janet (Hartley). They settled in Cole Harbour where they raised their children, Jessica and James. Most of Barry’s early work years were spent in sales. In 2006 he went to work at Air Canada as a member of Ground Crew and Cargo, and retired in May 2018 after 11 years of service. Co-workers described him as a respectful and kind man who was known to be a true leader and hard worker.
Over his life, Barry enjoyed camping, scuba diving, sailing, skiing, travelling, gardening, dark rum, and the Detroit Red Wings – and the many good friends and family members he shared these with. Barry volunteered as a Scout leader for many years and through Scouting, shared his love for the outdoors with his son, Jamie. In recent years he rekindled his passion for his Harley. He loved heading out on the road on his own to visit his daughter, Jessica and her family, and discover new places. Above all, Barry was a devoted family man. He loved being Dad to Jessica and James, and Grampy to Lilly, Colby and Daly. Family and friends will remember Barry as a caring and gentle soul who was always there for them. He had a quiet and sincere way of letting people know how much he appreciated them. His subtle sense of humour would often catch people off guard and his smile and laughter will be missed by all.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Janet; children, Jessica Milburn (G.A.), and James (Kate Ling); grandchildren, Lilly, Colby and Daly; brother, Joe; the entire Hartley family, father and mother-in-law, Ron and Helen; in-laws, Dana and Karen, Chris and Sue, and Karen Smith; nieces and nephews, Aaron, Ben, Daniel, Nicole, Lyndon, and Keira. Besides his parents, Barry was predeceased by brother-in-law, Jeff Hartley.
A reception to honour Barry will be held in the Banook Canoe Club on Saturday, January 5, 2019, from 2-4 p.m.; come share your thoughts and remembrances.
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