Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Barry on Friday, August 18, 2023 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.
Barry was born on Dec. 3, 1959 in Brazil and raised in Airdrie by his loving parents Darrell and Pat Bennett. Growing up in a small, close-knit, caring community offered countless adventures and laid the foundation for the compassion that shaped Barry’s life.
He graduated from SAIT in petroleum technology and embarked upon his career in the oil and gas industry. His time with Amerada Hess and Hudson Bay Oil and Gas gave Barry the experience needed to start and successfully manage his own company, SPS Well Services. Many young people that Barry hired through the years benefited not only from the career opportunities but also his guidance, inspiration and belief in them.
Barry married the love of his life, Pat Heck, with whom he had three sons, Dustin (Cherie), Marty, and Mitchell (Amber). Family was not only an important thing to Barry, it was everything. He leaves a legacy of deep devotion to his beloved wife, ”Patsy”, and extreme pride in his sons and their families. The “apples of his eyes” were his two grandsons, Mason and Van, and he was the most ardent supporter of their interests and accomplishments. Barry never missed an opportunity to go fishing, camping or teach the precise art of trimming a bush and mowing a lawn. Friends and family will fondly remember his strong will and stubbornness, but more importantly, his great sense of humor, his generosity and principled integrity.
Barry’s passion in retirement was gardening and his meticulously kept yard showcased the joy he derived from the simple pleasures of life and nature. His favorite place was in his backyard, barbecuing for his family.
Barry was predeceased by his father, Darrell Bennett, who passed away on January 28, 2014. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his mother, Pat Bennett, and his siblings, Stacey (Howard) Morison, Lisa (Ross) Harriman, and Scott (Connie) Bennett. He is also survived by brother-in-law Lyle (Charlotte) Heck, sisters-in-law Shirley Ference, Brenda (Bill) Noonan and Bonnie (Ken LeMoal) Heck. There are numerous nieces and nephews who will feel his loss immensely.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.prairierosefunerals.ca
