Barry Graves

A lovely gentleman. One of my first bosses at WFA when I came to Canada 40 years ago. Taught me so much about the hospitality industry. Great memories of hard work and a celebration dram or two after a busy rewarding night. Rest in peace nice man, thoughts and care for all your family and friends x.

Sincere Condolences to Graves Family. Barry always had a fantastic smile and greetings. My mom worked at WFR for many years and praised Barry’s 5 Star Personality when ever his name came up. Websters Dictionary should have his picture of Barry beside the word “Gentlemen”. He certainly passed that trait on to Joe, Barry and Zachary. A True gem with many loving friends and family. Rest peacefully Barry.

Starting at Western Fair at the age of 14 and working there for over 30 years, Barry became a pivotal part of my life. Barry was always eager to share his knowledge of the hospitality industry. His kind and caring demeanour helped my boys and I through difficult times such as the death of my husband Edmond, whom was also his friend. Western Fair back then was always just like a extended family with Barry as the patriarch! Uncle Barry ( what I called him) you will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for the love & support through the years. Heaven has truly gain a angel. Our condolences to Charmaine and the entire Graves family. Sherry Gagnon-Robbins, John Robbins & Family.

The Graham family were very fortunate to have worked with Barry at some point at the Western Fair. Paul remembers the baseball games that were played on a Sunday with the bar staff at the Fairgrounds and late-night card games at the Top of the Fair. Barry was a great manager and friend. Paul, Esther and Ainsley send their deepest condolences on the passing of Barry, we wish you his family the strength to get through this difficult time. Warm Regards Paul and Esther Graham

I wanted to offer our deepest condolences on behalf of everyone at Western Fair District. Barry was well respected, well liked and truly one of a kind. Our thoughts are with your entire family at this difficult time. Barry will be greatly missed by all.

Sincere Condolences to Barry's family. Dennis has many memories of a true gentleman from Western Fair Raceway. Dennis

So super shocked when Dylan sent me the news of Barry passing. The boys and I have known Barry and his family for 30 years from the restaurant world and of course having the pleasure of working with him at the Western Fair Association. He took me under his wing and shared his love of people and food plus he always told me hospitality was that simple. From dinners with the fantastic four ( Barry, Keith, Brenda and myself) after a busy night to closing out the beer tent last night of the fair with Meatloaf! I’m raising my Coors Light and cheers to a wonderful man who was a complete giver. Charmaine, Joe and Zach I know this is hard but I thank you for sharing this incredible man who touched so many people. Please know that you with all be in my heart as you celebrate Barry this Saturday. All my love, Colleen

We were shocked to receive the news of Barry’s passing especially since we had both spoken to him just a few days before. Doug and Barry worked together at Western Fair for many years and you couldn’t find a nicer guy. They kept in touch over the years and met for annual lunches to catch up with each other and always at restaurants where Barry knew the owners. He was an avid NFL football fan who invited us, along with Charmaine, to a Detroit Lions NFL game. He absolutely loved NFL football and Doug and Barry had bets going for years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Charmaine, Joe and Zach and the rest of his family. Our thoughts will be with you on Saturday as we are unable to attend the funeral.

Barry always put others ahead of himself. I have many fond memories of my earlier years in life with Joe and Barry. Thanks for the memorys.

A donation has been made to Heart and Stroke Foundation Canada. Message from the donator: My sincere condolences to the family.

It is with heavy hearts that Bonnie and I announce to our family and friends the sudden passing of my lifelong buddy, mentor and New Frontier Hotel neighbor Barry Graves a former manager at Western Fair Raceway in London, Ontario for over three decades. We send our condolences to his wife Charmaine, his sons Barry Jr., Joe and Zach as well as his daughter, relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. We talked every week and Barry had plans to come for their semi-annual visit to see us in Windsor with his sons this month. I cried when I found out that he passed away. We worked 5 to 8 feet apart as co-managers at The Klopp Family's Colonial Hotel in Grand Bend, The Windsor Raceway Service Bar and My Arthur's Nightclub on Washington Blvd. in Detroit for so many years starting when I was only 17 years of age. He taught me the Bar and Nightclub business as well as how to prep hundreds of drinks for the waitresses to serve from the service bar at Windsor Raceway as well as the Sold Out Concerts at my Nightclubs. He was such an amazing guy and always a gentleman to all who worked for him and with him. We were so lucky to have him in our lives for so long. We all wanted him to stick around for 20 more years after his triple bypass last year. See you on the flip side. RIP my friend.

Worked for Barry at the fairgrounds for a few years. He was was a terrific boss and a good person. My condolences to all of his family members.