Barry Perkins

Mr. Perkins was such an impactful teacher and coach. He made a forever impression on so many students including me. Chippewa Alumni. Deepest condolences to his loving family. XO

I am so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Not only was he a great teacher but also a good friend and mentor to me as well. Please accept my deepest condolences and I hope to be able to attend the celebration of life in July. Randy & Dawn Telford

We are parents of three girls who were all lucky enough to be taught by Mr. Perkins at Northridge. They remember his caring, humour, and positive teaching approach. None of them will forget that a perfect mark in a math test meant that you were taken out for lunch…Oh, the pride and panic!!! He is a teacher who is still mentioned, and will never be forgotten. Condolences from the bottom of our hearts. Bob and Susan Phillmore

In 1980 I started teaching at Chippewa Public School and was introduced to Barry by the principal. Who would have guessed that simple introduction would lead to a friendship that would last 42 years. Barry was my mentor, co-worker, co-coach, baseball team mate, golf and bridge partner. Students, fellow teachers, parents, and basically anyone who came into contact with Barry immensely enjoyed him. He was a teacher and coach that I looked up to and tried to emulate. His patience with students and athletes was endless. During the last few years Barry had to deal with many health issues. I never heard him complain. He stoically forged ahead. Again setting an example of how to deal with difficult times. I was honoured to visit Barry at his long term care facility where he continued to kick my arse in bridge. He was so concerned that Dianne was having to do so much for him and he was upset he could not help her. What a guy, thinking of others even when he was struggling. I miss him dearly and can’t imagine what Dianne, Mick, Michelle, and the rest of the family are going through. Think of the good times and all of the students, athletes, parents, and teachers who were so fortunate to come into contact with Barry.

Mr Perkins was hands down my favourite teacher at Northridge. He brought so much joy, enthusiasm and humour to the class. He taught us statistics with an impromptu baseball game in the classroom where we pushed all the desks to the side, we had so much fun learning about current events, geography and socials when the Calgary ‘88 Olympics were on. As our girls basketball coach I remember how elated he was when we finally completed a “give and go” in a game! I am so grateful to have been taught and coached by him. Heartfelt condolences to his family.💕

Hello Dianne and family, We send our deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. I can so easily conjure Barry in the halls of Jack Chambers when he would supply teach. He was a lovely, bright soul. I recently discovered that Barry and my dad, Dave Watson, coached together and dad fondly remembers Mick as an engaging student. We hope you feel all the love and support from your family and friends and that the coming days heal your troubled hearts. With love, Wendy and Dave

We regret hearing of Barry’s passing and extend our condolences to the family. We first got to know Barry when he was teaching at Byron Northview Public School and our daughters attended that school. When he was vice-principal , he also taught math to the senior grades and our daughters benefitted from his teaching,. He was always friendly and engaging. Also, he coached basketball and our daughters were on teams that Barry coached at Northview P.S. We later had contact with Barry when he was coaching community basketball teams. We wish his family much strength in coping with their loss at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Ed and Judy van Leeuwen and family.

Sorry for your loss. Barry was a great guy. He and you mom have been great examples for you Michelle.

We will miss cousin Barry .never seen him laugh so much when somebody left the cover off the sewer and I fell in a sewer at Silverwood park in London .r.ip.barry condolences to the perkins family.

Dear Michelle, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. I know how close you have always been and remember him as the most amazing dad who was super active and involved in everything you did. From the moment I met you, I thought you were so lucky to have a dad who celebrated your involvement in sports as much as your brother. I will also remember him being such an understanding, patient, and knowledgeable baseball coach who truly cared and celebrated all of the players’ accomplishments as much as your own. He was always a positive role model, whether we were losing or not, and he made everyone feel like an important member of the team. Barry always welcomed your friends (including me) into your home and on numerous camping expeditions to the Pinery- I do not know how he put up with all of us teenage girls! It could only be his great sense of humour. Your dad was such a committed family man, teacher, and coach that I know there are many like me who, although I haven’t seen him in a while, are deeply affected that such a wonderful person who touched our lives in such a significant way, is no longer with you and your family. But I know you, of all people, will carry on his legacy of kindness and commitment to all those you encounter, teach and coach. I am sending you, your mom and family, lots of love and happy memories in hopes that might help you during the hardest times. Love and prayers, Jean Anne

I had the fun and privilege of going on a few canoeing trips in Algonquin with Barry and mutual friends. As well, he was my go-to occasional teacher in my years at Byron Somerset. While there, Barry and I co-coached the Somerset boys' slow-pitch team to a TVBSB championship. In all of these activities, Barry was always in good humour, patient, kind, wise and professional. The students all liked and respected him. My sincere condolences to Barry's family. Hopefully all of the good memories n bring you some comfort.

My condolences to Dianne and to all Barry’s family on the loss of a kind, caring gentleman, who touched the lives of so many in such a positive way, a model to colleagues and students of a generous, caring, conscientious, man of integrity and optimism, who gave 100% to everything he did. It was an honour to teach with Barry at Northridge. May he Rest In Peace. May your cherished memories keep his love ever present in your hearts. His legacy lives on in all those whose lives he touched with his kindness and example.

Please accept my deepest sympathy. Barry will be fondly remembered by his colleagues at Northridge. He was a wonderful staff member who was a team player, always supportive of all his students and staff. May his loving memories remain in your hearts now and forever. Fondly Julia

My heart is heavy. Hugs to you Dianne & family. I have so many wonderful memories of teaching together at Northridge. RIP Perkie. 💕