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Peacefully with his wife by his side on Monday December 26th, 2022 at the Northumberland Hills Hospital in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Dr. Beth Selby and the late Susan Behan (1942-1988). Born George Raymond Lambkin in Toronto. Adopted by the most caring and loving parents a child could wish for, the late Howard “Red” Vail (2000) and Vivien Beardall Vail (1995) of Weston. Proud father of Jason (Tabitha Mann) of Niagara Falls, and Matthew (Victoria Murray) of Whitby. ‘Grandpa’ to Mason, Allesandra and Lilah, and ‘Grandpa Barry’ to Vivian. Raised and educated in Weston at Weston Memorial and C.R. Marchant Public Schools, and Weston Collegiate Institute. Graduate of OISE of the University of Toronto – Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education and Doctor of Education. A resident of Toronto, Scarborough and Whitby, Barry together with Beth has been a resident of the Cobourg area since 1995. Barry enjoyed a successful career in Education for 35 years (1961-1996) as a teacher, vice-principal, consultant and principal with schools in what is now the Toronto District School Board including General Mercer, Deer Park, Lambton Park and Humbercrest, and a Superintendent of Schools with the Durham District School Board. In 1995, Barry retired to live with Beth, then a superintendent with the amalgamated Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, on an idyllic 6 ½ acre property in Baltimore near Cobourg, Ontario. The peace and quiet of the property attracted wildlife including deer, fox, turkeys and a myriad of song birds. A salt water pool and a garden pond with water fall feature added to the ambience of a northwest view of sunsets and the hills. A large screened-in porch at “The House on the Hill” was a special three-season attraction to family and friends. Barry was a proud, active Rotarian for 35 years with the Oshawa, Whitby Sunrise and Cobourg Clubs, and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. In 2001, Barry was a U of T Arbour Award recipient for outstanding volunteer service. He was a faithful member of the Anglican Church and through the years served in a number of parish committee positions. Barry and Beth moved to a bungalow condo in Cobourg in 2021. Life’s enjoyment included travel - numerous visits with Beth to Barbados and France in particular, experiences in Russia, Thailand, Chile and Argentina and winter stays in Folly Beach near Charleston S.C., power boating on the Kawartha Lakes and Georgian Bay/Lake Huron for 10 years, fishing, oil painting, jazz, sports, bird watching, wine tasting, and his much-loved miniature white poodles – Ginger, Chablis and Clicquot. Having lost Susan to cancer, and as a cancer survivor himself in his fifties and eighties, Barry felt blessed to have had a long, healthy retirement with his wonderful and loving wife Beth to spend time with their families and their dear friends, and to hear of the growth, development and achievements of their grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday January 6th, 2023 from 4-7 pm. and Saturday January 7th, from 11 am. – 12 noon, followed by a Memorial Service at 12 noon at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg. If desired donations may be made to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, The Rotary Foundation or St. Peter’s Anglican Church. The Memorial Service will be live streamed at www.maccoubrey.com on Saturday at 12 noon.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
Beth, Our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you during this time of loss. Sincerely, Nancy and Dave Blakely
Beth, this news comes as such a shock. The love which you and Barry shared was so profound . We can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Our deepest sympathy and all our love to you. Barry will always be fondly remembered.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
I have so many cherished memories of Barry....Kenton Crt.,the house on the hill,Christmas parties,Niagara,Friday nights on Tuesdays and many more good times. I will miss him.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Beth and family many fond memories of Barry as we reflect on his life his contributions to our community and the Rotary Club A donation has been made to the Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Beth, Mark and I were very, sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Our thoughts are with you for the coming weeks and months.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Beth; When writing to those who have lost someone they loved very much, we are not supposed to say we know how they feel. I thought about that for some time but I've decided to say I do know how it feels to loss the person with whom we shared our lives and love. The pain is constant; they are just out of reach but still there. I have thought of you everyday since I heard. I wish I could do something to ease the pain but I know I can't. Time, work, friends and more time. It is all we have. If you need a coffee or something stronger, let me know. Starr
Sincere condolences to Beth and family. I first met Barry at the Thursday morning Eucharist at St Peter’s. He was so supportive when I was diagnosed Breast Cancer. He helped me express my fears and always was reassuring and supportive. A memorial donation has been made to St. Peter’s.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I'm so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We are very sorry for your loss. We met Barry through Rotary Sportsman night. He was a very gentle soul, and his face would light up as he greeted you! Great role model for kids and grandkids, and especially his students their lives were better for having had Barry in it! Again sorry for your loss.
Beth - our sincere condolences. Barry was a wonderful addition to the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club, in particular in the area of Rotary Youth Exchange, as you well know. His warmth, sincere caring, effectiveness and wisdom will be missed, and I am fortunate to have known him.
Please accept our condolences on Barry’s passing. I enjoyed working with Barry over several years on the Sportsman Night committee. Barry always took time for a smile and a friendly greeting. We knew where to find you both on a Tuesday night.? Our thought and prayers are with you and the family.
Beth, we were saddened to hear of Barry's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your entire family during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Barry over our years in Rotary. His great sense of humor and bright smile will be missed by all. ~Rob and Karen O'Neil
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Peter's Anglican Church
Beth, My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Laura
Beth, My deepest sympathies for you. Barry was truly a kind, generous person with amazing kindness and humour. He truly touched many peoples lives, and he will be missed. Katherine
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
Hello Beth, We are all so sorry to read the sad news of your late husband and life partner. Please accept our most deepest condolences and support. Wishing you courage and love at this time of sorrow. From the Rotary Club of Woodbridge, Renata Pancini
Beth - My condolences in Barry's passing. I have fond memories of our time in Thailand, in Rotary days and especially being a part of the pre Christmas gatherings.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We were so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Many good memories of years gone by. Condolences to all the family!
Dear Beth: I have wonderful memories of my time working with Barry in the late 1980s at the Durham Board of Education on Rossland Road. He was a kind and considerate person to work with. My condolences to all your family. Diane Kirby
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Beth, I was saddened to hear of the death of your husband. My deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Laurel
Dear Beth I am so sorry to hear that Barry has passed away. Ed and I always enjoyed our times together with the two of you and have enjoyed fond memories. Barry was a great person who will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family Sincerely, Diane
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Beth and family, I was saddened to hear of Barry's passing. Thinking of you at this challenging time.
Heartfelt prayers are with you during this difficult time, he was a one of a kind and we will sorely miss him. Love to all the family.
We are so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Due to the Pandemic we did not see Barry & Beth for our usual Chinese Food outings. We will miss him terribly. We have so many wonderful memories spanning many years, from boating to visiting in Cobourg. We will remember him with love. He was an amazing person. Rest in Peace. David & Pam Goodaire
Dear Beth We were sad to hear about Barry’s death. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sincerely Margaret and Rodger
Dear Beth and family. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Barry. He will be missed in our little group of condo friends. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Dear Beth What a great loss you have sustained. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for your comfort and for peace as you relive all your happy memories. We, too, will miss Barry. God bless Shirley
RIP Barry you are now in Jesus Arms . Prayers goes out to Beth and Family , Sorry for your Loss, Barry will be miss greatly by us . Friends of Barry and Beth Deb Kellerman & Bill Hall ,Buddy Hall
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Beth and family at this time. Barry was warmly enjoyed by our BMO family. He will be dearly missed by us all. God bless you Barry!
Barry was a wonderful host, who made the best Christmas cake ever, a good educator and he always gave of himself to his community, locally and nationally. He loved to travel and we were happy that he was able to spend time with just in France. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family and with his wife Beth. May he rest in peace.
Dear Beth and family - I am so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. He was a kind, gentle and loving man with a ready smile for everyone. His sense of humour was wonderful and his legacy as an educator remarkable. My deepest condolences as you navigate this very difficult time. -Kathryn Davidson
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We have so many great memories of Barry, cocktails on the screened-in-porch, roast beef dinners, hours together discussing politics and family and life. A wonderful road trip down the Florida Keys to Key West. But what we will remember most about Barry is his friendship, his hospitality, his generosity, and his sense of humour. That unique and infectious laugh and his broad smile. And most of all, what, to us, was his defining characteristic was his great love and admiration for Beth. He adored her and rightfully so. Rest in peace Barry. We will miss you as will so many others.
My sincere condolences to Beth and Barry's family. Barry was a valued contributor to the education of thousands of students in his role as Superintendent of Education in Durham. He brought academic depth, professional understanding and personal commitment to his work. Barry will be respectfully and warmly remembered by his many colleagues.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Beth and Family We were so sorry to hear of Barry’s recent passing. He put up one heck of a fight!…Such a kind man with a great sense of humour. He will be missed by so many. Love Micki and Curt
Dear Beth and Family We were so sorry to hear of Barry’s recent passing. He put up one heck of a fight!…Such a kind man with a great sense of humour. He will be missed by so many. Love Micki and Curt
Dear Beth, We are saddened to hear about Barry’s passing. His sense of humour, baking talents and story telling are just a sample of the many memories to cherish. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending our love. Eunice & Lyle
Barry was a new friend and we very much enjoyed the time we spent with him and Beth. He will be greatly missed. A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity: Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation.
Wonderful thoughts of Barry as a leader and a friend. Judith and I send our condolences to Beth and the family from Hong Kong. Miss you Beth.
Beth, we are so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and your family Dean & June Jenkins
Thinking of you at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Beth and Family, We are so sad to hear of Barry's death. He leaves a legacy of strong leadership, dedicated volunteerism and gracious hosting. We will remember his smile and laugh always. Sending love and peace Tanys and Gord
Beth My condolences on the loss of Barry. I trust he received compassionate and exemplary care at NHH - the hospital you both served so well over the years. Thinking of you, Ann
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear, Beth. My most sincere condolences on Barry's passing; he will be sorely missed. It has been quite a journey for both of you. Rest in Peace, Barry.
We are sorry to hear of Barry’s passing and extend our deepest condolences to you Beth, and your entire family.
Barry was an exceptional friend. He left a mark and touched every heart he came across.
Jay, my sincerest condolences to your whole family and his friends!
Dear Beth and family, Stephen and I were very sorry to receive news of Barry's death. Personally I remember him from his work with St. Peter's; professionally I remember him fondly for his generous volunteer service to Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) as a patient/caregiver partner. In addition to regional work to improve the delivery of care for seniors with chronic conditions through the PATH project, Barry served as an inaugural member of NHH's Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). His thoughtful advice helped build the strong PFAC NHH has today. May he rest in peace and may the wonderful memories you, his children and grand children made together bring comfort at this very difficult time.
We were so sorry to learn of Barry’s death. Beth we wish you our heartfelt condolences. We always enjoyed Barry’s company and working with him on matters, Rotary, especially on youth exchange. We know that your memories of him will be a blessing and source of inner peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Rotary Foundation
We are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Beth and the family.
Sending my condolences . I was surprised to receive the email from District 7070. I am in Seattle having spent Christmas with Elizabeth, Graham and Ruby. I am returning late afternoon of January 7 th. I will be in touch once I am home. I can relate to your situation during this time of year. Know you are in my thoughts.
Dear Beth - we are deeply saddened by Barry's passing. He was a dear and loyal friend. We have so many great memories of our times together. Our March Break adventures to Mexico were especially fun and relaxing - just what we needed. Barry along with Joan assisted us in auctioning off gourmet dinners to support Teachers for Kids. As we put our culinary talents to work in the kitchen Barry and Joan graciously served our guests and kept them entertained. Barry was a natural for entertaining. When it came to culinary talents, Barry was no slouch. His Christmas cake was always a big hit. We'll never forget the delicious Thai dinner Barry prepared for us when he returned from his trip to Thailand. Visiting the 'House on the Hill' was always an escape to the country for us. Sitting your porch watching the sunset brought gratitude for all that we shared - great food, rich conversation and hearty laughter!!! To remember these special times, Barry painted a beautiful sunset picture for us. Barry was a person of many talents. We are thankful for the fun times we had together. We will miss Barry deeply. His kind and loving spirit will always be with us. Love Joan & Ron
Dear Beth, I was saddened to her about Barry. I met Barry on a few occasions and I was impressed with his demeanour. I always knew that to win your heart he must have been quite a gentleman. According to his obituary he was quite a Renaissance man. Always actively involved in a variety of pursuits. His presence will be missed, but his memory will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Barry Richard Vail November 9, 1939 - December 26, 2022 ~ REST IN PEACE ~
Barry was a wonderful man who will live in the hearts of any one who knew him. I will cherish always the painting you both gave me as a gift. Sincerely, Gala
Dear Beth. We are so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing, we are still in shock. We will miss our friend but remember him with such affection. Sending our love and deepest sympathy. Tony and Carol
Beth my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Beth, you and your family are in our thoughts. Sincerest sympathy, Brian & Cheri
Sorry to hear about the death of Barry! We will miss him. But nobody will take away our memories of him. As we are away in Nova Scotia until January 8, we will miss the funeral service in Cobourg. Blessings, Karen & Michael.
Beth and family., what great enlightening conversations with Barry! He will be missed. Our condolences.
Our deepest sympathies.