Barry Hamre

Obituary of Barry Angus Hamre

Barry’s family is very sad to announce his passing on September 22, 2017 in Saskatoon at St. Paul’s Hospital after fighting a difficult battle with cancer. Barry Angus was the first born to Doris (Coathup) and Angus Hamre in Saskatoon on November 18th, 1951. He attended Mayfair Elementary school and Bedford Road Collegiate. Barry had a very strong work ethic and it didn’t take him long to get his first job. He was a paperboy for the Star Phoenix, moved on to working at the local Rainbow Confectionary and then on to Klassen’s Jewellery. In 1970 Barry and Betty married and they started a family. Over the years he worked hard renovating their house to make a beautiful home. He spent time farming at the family farm in Langham. Barry had many careers and each job was taken with a lot of thought and consideration, he believed it is never too late to start again, and he grew his family of friends at each place he worked. He worked for the Post Office and became part of the Union where he became President of the CUPW. He received an honorary life membership award for the many years of dedication to the cause of postal workers. He then moved on to Armor Elevator where he served as CEO for a number of years. During this time he was given a gift of an introductory flight which sparked the flying bug in him and he decided to get his private pilots licence and purchase a 1/3 share in a small plane. It wasn’t long after that that he worked towards acquiring his commercial pilots licence. He was also the manager of a car wash/ oil change before securing a job at WestWind Aviation, where he began cleaning the planes and worked his way up to Chief Pilot. During that time, he obtained his Business Administration Certificate from the U of S on April 29, 1995. Lastly, in 1996 he joined Saskatchewan Air Ambulance where he worked until his retirement in November 2016. He is survived by his mother Doris, his sisters Marilyn (Dave, Chad, Lance) and Lana (Tim). He was predeceased by his father Angus (2003). He will be lovingly missed by his children Candy (Mike), Angela Rob), Trevor( Kuljit ) and grandchildren Mikayla, Braedyn, Jeffrey, Simratia, and Bruenor, and the mother of his children, Betty. He will also be dearly remembered by his loving partner Brenda and her children Kristin (James, Lucy, Macy), Adam (Jessica), Lisa (Justin, Taylor, Mason, David, Jaylin), and his biking 4-legged companion William, the Mayfair Bike Gang, and his best buddy Dwight. Barry loved being active and always encouraged his children as well by making sure that they had sports equipment. Whether it was bikes, tennis rackets, ball gloves, cross country skis and badminton rackets. He coached his girls Aces softball team and served on the board of the Riverside Badminton club. Dad loved: ice cream, candy, lefsa, puzzles, computers, iPhones, animals, playing badminton, bike riding, mowing the lawn, the cabin at Blackstrap, Granada House, and going for coffee with his many friends. Barry was a member of the Prostate Cancer support group and was always willing to offer support and was called on many times to meet with newly diagnosed men. He supported the Ride for Dad, as well as the MS Bike tour, and was a World Vision sponsor, and a member of the NDP, and recently celebrated 43 years in AA. One of his last selfless acts was to be a cornea donor. The family would like to thank his care team Dr. Brunet, Sami, Walker, Johnson, Kusch and Taillon and a special thank you to all the nurses who’ve helped and supported him on his cancer journey, as he always has had the upmost respect for all of his health care team. A special mention to team members Dana, Elaine and Nicole. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to help us honor Barry’s life by donating to a Pilot Scholarship Award that will be created in his memory. Donations may be directed to: Saskatchewan Aviation Council, 202-1630 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon, Sk. S7K 1V7. A life made beautiful by kindly deeds A helping hand for others needs To a beautiful life came an end Barry died as he lived, everyone’s friend.

Funeral

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at Mayfair United Church. Rev Dave Moors will be officiating. Viewing will be at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
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