Barry Michael Vincent

It is with profound sadness that we share with you that our Father, Barry Vincent, passed away on Thursday, September 26th, 2024.  Dad was born and raised in Athabasca, Alberta and placed family above all else.  He will be terribly missed by his daughters, Carrie (Michael), and Tammy.  He was referred to as Gpa and Grandpa Barry by his grandchildren Robert, Cassandra, Faith, Charles and Sophie.  He was thoroughly entertained by his Great-Granddaughters Isabel and Layton. 

He is predeceased by his Father, Leo, who passed away in 1989.  His mother, Anne, currently resides at the Pleasant Valley Lodge in Athabasca.  We ask that you please hold her closely in her prayers.  Barry’s siblings Leanne, Duanne, and Norene will cherish the memories of their big brother, who was often up to mischief and antics.  He will be remembered fondly as Uncle Barry by many nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Dad was an avid learner; he spent his entire life seeking knowledge.  He was a math and science whiz and enjoyed history.  When dad travelled, he immersed himself in their culture, particularly their local language, which he picked up easily.

Our dad was called the “Bird Whisperer” by his family, as he had a special knack and the utmost patience to train birds to eat out of his hands.  They would often visit him and sit on his shoulders and head.

One of our Dad’s favourite hobbies was photography, he had his own dark room in the house for many years.  His favourite subjects to photograph were his daughters, polar bears, and bald eagles.  He loved nature and felt at home in the “wild”.

Dad was only six hours short of obtaining his pilot’s license, but having children changed the trajectory of his life.  He was hired at a young age by Halliburton and travelled extensively with the company.  He moved his young family to Scotland when he had an extended post in the North Sea.  He loved working on the offshore oil rigs and continued to keep in touch with his colleagues until his last days.  Dad’s work took him to many places, but a few of his favourites were in Tuktoyaktuk and also in Baffin Island, which is above the Arctic Circle, close to Greenland.  His proudest post was in Alert, which is only 500 miles from the Noth Pole.  He also enjoyed his time in Libya, Quatar, Sudan, Norway, Scotland, Dubai, Germany, England, Malta, Ireland, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Tripoli, Bahrain, Madagascar, USA and many others.

Dad followed in his parents’ footsteps and dedicated his life to one of service.  He particularly loved volunteering with the Colinton Fire and Rescue department.  Dad was a dedicated firefighter, but he also set up the computer programs and was the official photographer.  Giving back to one’s community was very important to him.

In his later years, there was nothing Dad loved more than riding his Harley!  He enjoyed spending countless hours on his bike with his group of close friends.

Dad survived three helicopter crashes during his working years.  Another interesting fact is that he worked undercover for the police in Aberdeen, Scotland, for a short time- refusing payment.

The entire family would like to invite you to Dad’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5th, between 11am-1pm, at the Athabasca Senior’s Centre. We hope you will join us and share your fond memories of our Dad.  A light lunch will be provided.  If you have a motorbike, we wholeheartedly encourage you to ride it on Saturday in Dad’s memory!

Barry Michael Vincent

May 28th, 1948  -  September 26th, 2024

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Colinton Fire and Rescue Department.

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