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Peacefully, on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, in his 74th year. Eldest son of the late Ernest Western Clayton and Shirley Belle Robinson, Barry grew up in Scarborough, attending Victoria Park High School, and later, the University of Windsor. After earning his Chartered Accountant designation, Barry worked his way through the ranks at Ernst and Whinney. Eventually, Barry went into business with childhood friend Garry Culverson; together they owned and operated Law Chambers until Barry’s retirement.
Barry volunteered his time with the Leaside Hockey Association, Montcrest School, and the Special Olympics. Inspired by his father’s career as a police officer, Barry worked with, and eventually chaired the board of directors of Operation Springboard, a non-profit organization that assists at risk youths and adults transitioning from correctional facilities through education, job placement and other services.
A devoted big brother, father, and grandfather, Barry was routinely front row centre for his children’s games, plays and recitals. An avid golfer, he never missed a chance to regale his golfing buddies, and his girlfriend Linda Stephen, with tales of his grandchildren’s exploits.
Barry is survived by his children Dennis (Emily) and Nancy (Hugh March); brothers Donald and James (Lynore), and sister Judith (Mark Hutchins); and two grandchildren, Evelyn and Henry March. He was predeceased by a son, Matthew, in infancy, and a sister, Nancy, in childhood. Barry is fondly remembered by friend and ex-wife Mary Wallace.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be planned for a later date, when Barry’s many friends and family can safely gather and properly celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Operation Springboard would be appreciated by the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
My wife Sharon and I are both very saddened to hear of Barrie's passing. I met Barrie as a tenant lawyer at Law Chambers in Toronto and while he was always properly businesslike he was also always a kind and fun person to work with every day and to assist me in the business side of my practice. I learned more of Barrie and his family through my practice and he was always one of my favourites. I was very pleased when Barrie retired to my home town of Cobourg and I am so sorry that his retirement in that wonderful town just did not last as long as in all fairness it should have. Our fondest regards to Barrie's friends and family, with our particular regards for Garry. Steve and Sharon Brett
My deepest sympathies. Not a year ago we said goodbye to our dear catherine.I watched you keep composure as your heart broke. I also watched you keep you head up and move forward. We did not share a lot but what we did I will forever be thankful for. May you Rest In Peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
Thank you all very much for sharing your kind words with us, it has been a comfort. And to those of you in a position to donate to Operation Springboard, thank you very much for your generosity during these difficult times. We look forward to continuing to remember Barry in new and traditional ways and will be in touch as those options become available. Dennis & Nancy
So sad to hear the news about your dads passing. We had many good laughs and times over the years when we were neighbours on Bessborough and Donlea. The two families mingled easily using the back gate. He will be fondly remembered.
I am so sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. He did a great kindness for me. Some 43 years ago when I was fresh out of school and 5 months into work at Ernst & Whinney Barry was assigned as my coach. He immediately told me that I was ranked at the bottom of my peers, a fact of which I was blissfully unaware! He told me in a kind but straightforward way, which is not easy to do, and most people would avoid such a direct message. I then dug in hard to turn my reputation around, aided by tips and feedback from Barry. Thanks to Barry I managed to avoid the “spring cuts” and pass well enough in my exams such that 12 months later my ranking was rehabilitated. I am forever grateful to Barry for this. He made a huge difference in my life. Without him my career would have been off the rails at its start. Perhaps bringing things full circle, in my final 5 years of practice I was auditor of Operation Springboard. It had expanded considerably, is very well thought of in its field, and was in excellent financial position. No doubt this is a result of wise governance under Barry’s previous leadership. Well done Barry, RIP.
My condolences to Barry’s family and friends. Barry was my boss at Ernst & Whinney’s midtown office for a number of years and relatively “ fresh off the boat from the UK” Barry was a great mentor and friend. I particularly or more accurately don’t remember too much of a truly enjoyable evening with Barry at the Toronto Scottish’s annual Robbie Burns dinner.
My condolences to Barry's family and friends. I was saddened to hear the news his passing. I worked with Barry at E&W Yorkville office for a few years and am grateful for the many fond memories I have of him. His humour was only surpassed by his generosity and kindness.
having worked with Barry for many years, I pray that the enclosed poem may provide some sympathy to family and friends at this sad time bob Gone from My Sight I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads its white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. It is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch it at length. It hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says: “There, it’s gone” Gone where? Gone from my sight – that is all. It is just as large in mast and hull and spar as it was when it left my side: and just as able to bear its load of living freight to the place of destination. Its diminished size is in me, not in it; and just at that moment when someone at my side says: “There, it’s gone!”, there are other eyes watching it coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout – “Here it comes!” And that is dying. Henry Van Dyke
I WORKED WITH BARRY. I PRAY THAT THE ENCLOSED POEM MAY PROVIDE SOME SYMPATHY FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AT THIS SAD TIME POEM WILL HAVE TO BE SENT LATER.
I was sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Barry, Sue and I had some good laughs together when he and Sue stayed with me while They were house hunting in Cobourg. My sincere condolences.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Barry & I grew up on the same street, Budea Cres., same school, V.P., Barry was our goalie for many years at Wexford Hockey League,most of our team meetings were at his fathers home, i remember Wes, his father and of course Gary Culverson. My condolences to his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
Barry was an intelligent, witty,carring friend to Lynda & I.RIP Barry.We are pleased to honour him with a donation to Operation Springbord.
Barry was my oldest and dearest friend for 65 years. Beyond that we were business partners and talked every day for many years. I feel that he was there for all the most important moments of my life. I will miss him greatly and remember him forever. Penny and I share in the loss of Barry, his generosity and loyalty and terrific sense of humour.
I was so sad to hear Barry passing. He was a magnificent person even if I only got to meet him for a little while. Seeing how much he cared for my grandmother and saw to her every need filled my heart with so much joy. My condolences to everyone.
My deepest condolences to the CLayton family & Barry's many friends. May you all find comfort in one another at this very difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
Sharon and I are so saddened by Barry's passing it was way to early and sudden. He will be missed by us all for a long time, he was a great guy and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
We are so very sorry to hear about Barry's sudden passing. We have great memories of him and Sue when we visited them at their home in Coburg. He certainly did have a wonderful sense humor and we certainly enjoyed his funny stories. Our sincere condolences to the family.
On behalf of all the staff at Northumberland County Moving, we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Barry's family. He was a valued client of ours and will miss his quirky humor.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Operation Springboard
RIP BARRY
RIP Barry.
So very sorry to hear of Barry's sudden passing. Loved golfing with him and enjoyed his humour and endless funny stories.