Barry Joseph McCartney
Brother, uncle, musician, sports fan. Born on Aug. 4, 1949, in Toronto; died on Dec. 30, 2015, in Toronto, of complications from long-term smoking, aged 66.
Barry lived life on his own terms, having won it back at the tender age of 15 when a hockey injury led to a set of X-rays that identified an early-stage brain tumour. A skilled team at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto undertook the delicate surgery, and he went on to live a very full life.
Barry and his three siblings grew up in east-end Toronto. His mom was a key influence in his lifelong love of music; attending St. Michael's Choir School set the foundation for his skills. A gifted musician, he took great joy in music and developed the knowledge and skills to perform harmonic analyses of compositions. His preferred style of music was jazz, with Weather Report being his favourite band. Barry played a fretless bass guitar to reach the subtle range in musical notes that he appreciated.
Barry often seemed a bit rough around the edges. He was a big man – six feet tall, heavy set with broad shoulders and huge hands, often unshaven. Contrary to his intimidating presence, he was shy with people he didn't know. While his opinions could come across as very black-and-white, there was significant depth to his personality once you got to know him.
He had a kind heart and a natural way with children; he was like a big cuddly bear and could quickly become a kid's best buddy. He fostered his many passions with his nephews and niece, always eager to share his enthusiasm. Over the years, he tenderly cared for many four-legged friends.
Barry was a precise, detailed planner, which served him well in his long data-processing career with the Ontario government. When preparing for ski trips, he was so meticulous that he would even slot out time for cigarette breaks between flights. But he could be impulsive, too. On a whim he once went to New York for a music festival he thought sounded interesting. It sure was – it was Woodstock!
Along with music, Barry was passionate about sports, with an appreciation for the nuances of many sports. He could – and would – talk for hours about his favourite teams. He loved the Montreal Canadiens, loathed the Toronto Maple Leafs. He loved auto racing, especially Formula One. In typical Barry fashion, he became a marshal at Ontario's Mosport International Raceway to be closer to the action. He even rubbed shoulders with an (at the time) emerging race car driver, James Hunt.
As a golfer, Barry spent hours on the driving range. Boy, could he hit the ball – though putting was another story. He especially enjoyed being a member of Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club where, every year, he hosted his family, friends and their kids for Canada Day festivities. He took care of everything, making sure his guests were seated comfortably, had a beverage in hand, knew the best options for dinner, and were well fed. A man who always enjoyed his food, I'm not sure he ever got around to eating at these events, but that was Barry, always taking care of others.
Barry was unique, a true gentleman with a huge heart. He is greatly missed by many.
Norm Neilly-Spence is Barry's long-time friend.