Barry Francis Anthony Kidd
Healed by God, Barry Francis Anthony Kidd met in person, his Lord and Saviour on August 27th, 2019. Accompanying Barry throughout his recent roller coaster ride of health challenges and healings was Nancy Jane Kidd nee Darling for whom he was the love of her life,
Born in 1948, Barry spent his childhood with his parents Ellen and Malcolm and his two older brothers amidst his large extended family including his 84 cousins, in Rhode Island. From his early years, he loved baseball, eventually playing AAA ball. His uncle took him to his first Yankees game when he was 8 and thereafter he loved the New York Yankees. If the Yankees did not make the World Series, the baseball season ended early at the Kidd’s home.
Losing his parents suddenly as a youth, Barry’s teen years were guided by his beloved Godmother in Detroit who traded his attendance at the ballet and chamber music concerts for baseball game tickets. Having accepted a baseball scholarship (which included a convertible!) Barry studied history and political science at Cornell University. He often said he was accepted into the Ivy League because of his average of .385 – this was his batting average. Influenced by the courageous military service of the men in his family, Barry enlisted and ultimately became an Expert Battle Medic in the U.S. Army. He was awarded a Purple Heart by the U.S. President.
On his return to state side, Barry attended Woodstock, finished his degree and then taught high school history in the Bronx. Barry moved to Belleville Ontario in the 1970s. Cross-training in multiple building trades with the Treasury Board, Barry became a licensed Maintenance Journeyman. Barry worked on many Arctic installations including CFS Alert. Barry believed strongly in the labour movement, serving in a number of roles including shop steward, union organizer, president and instructor for PSAC, and the Canadian Labour Congress. Barry continued to play and umpire baseball until it took longer to wrap his joints than a game lasted.
Although unable to be involved with his two children on a regular basis, Barry often thought of and prayed for his son Steven and daughter Theresa Nichole. They were always in his heart.
Barry met Nancy in 1984 and in less than a year, they were married in Morganston, Ontario. Nancy was ill and Barry saved her life, saying if he couldn’t love her in the bad times, he didn’t deserve to love her in the good times. He could not have predicted how wonderful and extensive their good times would be.
In 1990, the couple moved to Yukon Territory. Here Barry’s career and interests went full circle, living first in Whitehorse then in Dawson City 1994-2000 and back to Whitehorse. Barry worked as a building contractor and painter, substitute teacher and in Dawson City volunteered for the Yukon Emergency Medical Service. Barry loved his work with Yukon EMS ambulance, med-evac and community crews. Passionately serving the VASS-Yukon members, Barry enjoyed travelling on every road to Yukon communities in every season. Seeing the world from a cruise ship became his favourite thing to do in his off-time. Finding retirement too quiet, Barry worked as the Occupational Health and Safety Leader for Yukon Continuing Care.
Barry loved his Lord, his children, his nieces and nephews, his pseudo-nieces and pseudo-nephews, his godchildren, his family and his friends – even those he hadn’t met before.
You are invited to drop in to the Celebrating Barry party at Whistle Bend Place on Saturday, September 21 from 1 – 4 PM. A few words will be shared at 3 pm. The funeral mass for Barry will take place at Our Lady of the Way in Haines Junction on October 5th 2019 at 2 PM.
May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent one from another.
Glenn Mann
God Bless and Keep You Brother! You will be sadly missed!
Rowena Davis
I met Barry through the Yukon VASS when I lived up in Beaver Creek. I liked him immediately and was happy to know that he was brother-in-law to my friend and colleagues Marinka. I am sorry to hear of his passing. When I think of him, I remember his great smile and genuine warmth. My deepest condolences.
Cynthia Fraser
Barry was a wonderful human being. He always had an kind word and a big smile for everyone. I will always remember him for this. Rest in peace buddy. Heaven has gained a new angel. Love The Fraser family
Loralee Kesler
Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed very much my brief interactions with Barry over the years.
God bless,
Loralee K
Matthew Kidd
Rest in peace dad. You will be missed by us all
Pat St Hilaire
Hi I am the Aunt of Steven and THERESA I have often wondered how many half brothers and sisters they had
Kate Mills
Hi Pat…me again. I think I forgot to leave my email
melanie kidd
he is t worth your sympathy everything in this eulogy is a lie and i mean everything. He was nothing more than a conman
Adam K
Paying respects to Nancy for the loss of your husband. His interesting life has resulted in many campfire tales and legends that many have enjoyed. I would love to know many more of them.
Sue La Berge
Dear Nancy and family:
I was astonished to hear of Barry’s passing. We often thought of you and Barry over the year. I know you had a good life together and all the good memories and loving family and friends will help you through this terrible time. Go in peace.
Sue and Joe La Berge.
Sue La Berge
Hi Nancy and Family:
We are sorry to hear the sad news about Barry. Loving memories, good family and friends will help you through this trying time. Go in peace.
Sue and Joe
Gail Nardi
If true courage is defined by “grace under pressure,” then I can’t think of a better way to describe Barry. A gentleman of exceptional intelligence and wit, tempered by kindness and love. My heart and prayers go out to the families of Nancy and Barry.
Gail
Jayce Murtagh and Andrea Magee
Nancy, our condolences to you at this time. God bless you.
David & Elaine
So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing Nancy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David & Elaine Brown
Jon
Barry and I worked together at the Whitehorse Station for many years. Barry moved up to Rural manager, and that were our friendship really took roots. I was always involved the rural Training/Skills weekend in the years that followed. Barry was always supportive with “his people” in the communities. I always ( and still do to this day) enjoyed working with the rural program. Oh, but keep in mind Barry and I had some differences in options and views. But at the end of each disagreement, he (we) always had a mutual respect and friendship that kept a friendship over 12 plus years. Barry told me a joke once, ” If you see a fork in the road, take it” Yogi Berra.
Lee ann Harder
Very sorry to read about Barry’s passing.
I will forever be grateful to Barry for being instrumental in creating a yearly award in honour of my late brother Bruce.
My condolences to his family.
Philip Combs
I don’t know if you were more like a big brother to me or just a true friend but I miss you Barry.