Reub's journey

29 July 2010

Friday My Town Shoot-Out: For Barry


Barry. It was through your evident affection for your community, the West Hills area of Toronto, and your kind encouragement that I first participated in Friday shoot-outs.
You were one of the very first to adopt shoot-outs; you were the main reason why FSO never felt like a typical internet meme but rather more like a group of interesting friends. Ed & Reub is peppered with your funny comments, and I always looked forward to seeing your remarks on others' blogs as well.


Barry Fraser passed away on Tuesday of last week, leaving behind hundreds of sad followers and a ton of good memories. Barry, we'll miss you more than you could have imagined.

This
picture is of Barry (I think) and his new puppy, Lindsay, eleven years ago. I thought of it last week when we did "Feet" and borrowed it from his blog, An Explorer's View of Life. This photo brings a smile through the sadness, and I'm pretty sure Barry would want that.





My husband John greeting a springer puppy.

Barry was a dog lover and I always looked forward to his engaging Wednesday posts featuring his English Springer Spaniel, Lindsay: her sleeping through a burglary, barking at the police, meeting with the coyote, greeting the super models, helping with the raised beds, and of course the capers with the naked guy. Who could resist the irrepressible Lindsay?




Barry and his wife Linda were lucky to live near woodlands and bluffs, giving both of them a deep appreciation for nature. We are similarly lucky, and this kind of dog-walk reminds me of many outings that Barry described with Lindsay.





Barry's family were transplants to the New World from Scotland, just like this proud thistle coming into bloom. Which one of these flowers reminds me most of Barry? The one that stands out in focus, of course. Barry-- with his unique gift for words, his wit, wisdom, and generosity of spirit--always stood out in the crowd.

Thanks Barry. I was honoured to know you.

16 comments:

  1. Aren't you a sweetheart for writing this post? I was thinking on and off of Barry today and sad that I could not look forward to a new post from him or a comment on my blog from him! He really made a snuggy place in everyone's heart it appears.

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  2. Kerry, this is lovely. The puppy photo of Lindsay with Barry is one of my favorites. I'm sure Barry had no idea how large a kind shadow he cast.

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  3. Kerry, such an eloquent post leaving me with tears. The last photo I think is the best, and you described him so well in this context. I will think of him when I see thistles from now on.

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  4. A great tribute to wonderful man! he will be missed!

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  5. beautiful tribute to Barry. love the shot of his feet and Lindsay as a pup.

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  6. Lovely tribute to Barry. Tomorrow is his memorial service. He was an exceptional person and is greatly missed.

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  7. That's a lovely tribute to Barry, Kerry. Love the photo of Lindsay sitting looking up at him adoringly. They obviously shared a special bond right from the start. The thistle photo is beautiful and, yes, Barry always stood out.

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  8. This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    FTSO

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  9. Kerry,

    I looked forward to Lindsay's posts too, and I also miss him.

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  10. A beautiful tribute, Kerry. Barry will be so dearly missed! I loved his Lindsay posts too. And his wit and his kindness, and sense of humor (especially over disasters!) and so many things.

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  11. I am so disappointed each day when I know there will be no new posts or comments from dear Barry. I am so proud I got to "know him and Linda". Great post.I changed my blog from Queenmothermamaw and just wanted you to know who lily is. Blessings
    Peggy

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  12. Kerry that was beautiful..what a wonderful perspective you offered to his memory. I loved the pictures you offered up ..am a teary wreck again. Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man!!
    Hugs, Sarah

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  13. One of the best I've read today, spoken truly and from the heart. Barry and Lindsay meeting for the first time is the greatest.
    hugs from Brasil

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  14. You are a caring, good lady, Kerry. It is good to visit you again. Thanks for the tribute.

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  15. Next time I see the thistle, I will remember of Barry and think of you.

    isn't he so special that we are all doing this?

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  16. Thanks for sharing your insights about Barry.

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