Barry Gould
February 5, 2023
GOULD, Barry - With deep sadness and a heavy heart we announce Barry’s passing on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in his 77th year. His loving, devoted wife and best friend, Joyce Gould of 54 years was by his side. Barry is now at peace. There are so many special and cherished memories of Barry to hold close: his love of life, his farm, the dogs, especially Farley, Denny, Strycker and the cattle – yes, the cows all had names! Barry’s career started as a young salesman for Crossley Karastan Carpets in Toronto. He also had a carpet business of his own for several years – sales and installation. He and Joyce moved to Mount Forest in 1976, with Barry building his own barn, drive shed and house. He operated a cow calf herd. While farming, he also worked as a welder at GSW, Fergus, for 28 years. His little piece of Canada, as Barry liked to call his beloved farm, was the great joy and love of his life along with the cattle, Labrador Retrievers, and antique cars. Always building and fixing something, always busy and happy. Barry had a wonderful, mischievous, sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh! He could always see the fun side of life. Reading his iPad and keeping up with the news was a favourite activity in his later years. “Keeps the mind sharp”, as Barry would always say.
In keeping with Barry’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. If you would like to honour Barry’s memory in the form of a donation, please consider the Canadian Diabetes Association or Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.
Condolences
I feel fortunate to have known Barry. While we re-connected just a few years ago, it was while in our late teens that our paths crossed.................
After not much more than a year of discussion, planning and preparation, I was one of three high-school guys (the late Wayne Walker being the third) who set off for 'Europe'.
We had bought a very tired, old VW van, replaced the engine (a piece of cake for Barry!) and tweaked it, so that it was ready for the freighter trip it and the three of us took across the Atlantic to Germany. For over four months we toured to almost all of Europe. It was a fabulous experience.
The three of us turned twenty while there, so you can imagine the interesting times we had!
On many occasions Barry would regale us with his 'singing' as we drove along. He was always very uplifting and friendly.
I was saddened to learn of Barry's passing, but I know his past few years were very challenging.
Barry and I were cousins born 6 months apart and although we did not live that close to each other I remember wonderful times when we did get together as children. I remember being invited to Barry's grandparents farm in Uxbridge to spend a few weeks when Barry was there and we had such fun. What mischief one of us didn't think of getting into the other one did.
May who was our grandmother use to spend the winters in Florida and one year she invited us and Aunt Isabel to join her for a few weeks. One memorable moment of that trip is we were coming back to our base from Key West and travelling over the 7 Mile Bridge on a gas tank that just about empty not knowing if we would make it. It was quiet in the car and I had my fingers crossed. Remember this was a long time and there was very little between Key West and the mainland. When we knew we would be ok Barry said to me that I could uncross my fingers. I didn't know that he knew my fingers were crossed but realized that he had also been worried for me. That was the kind of cousin he was.
As we got older we would have very intense conversations but always agreed to disagree and would move on. I will miss these times. I know Barry had not been well for sometime but know he has found peace. Loved you cousin.
Barry is my husband Glen first cousin. He was the Best Man at our wedding in 1970, an informal affair in the back yard of our newly purchased home in Markland. I can still recall his remarks, especially the one about Glen trimming the five foot hedge down to 2 feet illustrating just how much he had to learn about gardening and home care. Gentle needling and making jokes were part of their friendship. Although there was almost nine years difference in their ages, they shared a close bond throughout the years and enjoyed time together.
Barry reinvented himself many times. He made new relationships, embraced a variety of interests and pursuits all with great vigor. He held strong views . He loved history and liked discourse. He enjoyed good conversation and a good laugh. A fine man and a loyal and loving husband.
It is with a heavy heart to hear of Barry's passing.
Barry was always a great mentor for me. As a very little boy, Barry at times was called upon to baby sit me . Through the years Barry always allowed me to hang around him and his friends as they worked on many interesting projects. At one point they built a open wheeled race car ,I am sure I was always in the way but was never told to leave them alone . When the car was finished they took it down to Burnhamthrope High School and tested it , it was so exciting to see.
When they were done testing it they let me sit in the driver seat and proceeded to push it around, boy what a thrill for me.
A few years later Barry out fitted a old VW van for a trip overseas to the Mediterranean and finally Africa ,I remember it had red Maple Leafs on the sides and front. On the day of departure the hole neighborhood was there to see them off . After a long time away Barry returned with many exciting stories of the trip.
As a young boy I remember when Joyce and Barry bought the farm I was welcomed there and enjoyed many adventures with Farley and the other dogs roaming around and swimming in the creek.
Barry sure had a lot of patience, I remember bugging him to let me drive his ski doo ,he got it running and told me to stay on the lane way and road, but oh no I went off into the big field and proceeded to get it completely stuck in very deep snow . I walked back and told him what I had done, he gave a smile and off we went to recovery the ski doo after a lot of work on his part he got it back on the lane way. At this point I believed that was the end of ski doo driving for me, not so he told me to get on it and continue riding it.
I am forever greatful to have known Barry over the years and enjoyed many a political discussion with him in later years.
His memory will be with me always .
Joyce, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can truely share your feelings at this stage in our lives. We know this is inevitable but we are never ready. May peace be with you.
Sincere condolences, Marlyn
Joyce, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. You and Barry were so very close that we know his loss leaves such a big hole in your your days. We hope that your many precious memories will bring you comfort.
— Donna and Bob McFarlane, February 6, 2023