BARRY JOSEPH SMORANG

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I realize this is late, but over 35 years Barry and I shared mostly a telephone relationship. We would phone each other at least once a year close to our birthdays (his being in November, mine in December). Barry was a man who once you met him, you never forgot him. I met Barry in 1977 when the Canadian Games for the Physically Disabled were held in Edmonton. He was a participating athlete, I was a volunteer. During the course of the ten days the Games were held, we met daily. I took him to the stadium (at that time Clarke Stadium) with a couple of his friends and introduced him to a few football players. Barry's love for sport continued over the years. The next year we went to the Canadian Games which were held in Newfoundland. After that, Barry moved to Edmonton for a few years, and attended University. Barry moved back to Winnipeg and we never lost phone contact. We met each other in person a few times (probably 5) over the next many years, but after having spent the years in Edmonton he had, he knew my family and would ask about them in every phone call we had. Barry paid attention to every detail around him, even though he could not see he took in more and remembered more than anyone thought humanly possible. Barry jumped over many obstacles in his way, but had an incredible outlook on life. Barry, I can't believe you are gone, but know that you are in a better place. I know that you will continue watching over Kyla and the rest of your family members until they are able to once again hold your hand. Rest in peace, little friend. - Posted by: Jennifer shalapay (friend) on: Nov 24, 2012

• My sincere condolences to Barry's family. I first met Barry in 1979 when we were in residence at the University of Alberta. Barry was a loyal friend and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was kind and considerate. None of us on our floor in residence will ever forget the sound of him typing away in his darkened room, only to jump to his feet and rush to turn on the lights in the room when a visitor entered, so that they might feel welcome and comfortable, rather than sitting in a dark room. It was for this same reason that Barry insisted on having many wall decorations in his residence room - so that others who dropped by would be able to enjoy them. Barry touched many people that year with his infectious good spirit, charm, constantly upbeat attitude, and above all, his kindness. He is gone much too soon, but he left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to have known him. - Posted by: Alan Rudakoff, QC (Friend) on: Sep 02, 2012

• Friendships start simply but last forever. We shared the excitement of learning from the first grade to winning the science fair. Barry loved sports, foot hockey at St. Al's, ping-pong in the basement and riding the mini-bike. When adversity struck, he overcame it. Skating just required holding his cane between us, it didn't slow us down. Over the years, Barry taught me the meaning of perseverance and the quiet acceptance of life's twists and turns. He loved his family deeply and let it show. I'll always treasure the memory of dinner at Barry's with Cathy and baby Kayla. Barry touched many with the joy and simple dignity with which he lived. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. - Posted by: Herb Collicutt (Life long friend) on: Aug 29, 2012

• We are all sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Helen Ming & Family () on: Aug 29, 2012

• On behalf of the Canadian Diabetes Association our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Canadian Diabetes Association (none) on: Aug 29, 2012

• On behalf of the Kunz family. We would like to acknowledge the years we shared with Barry as a neighbor and as a good friend. We are saddened to hear of his passing and will definitely miss him. His determination to be independent throughout the years as our neighbor always amazed us. We were more than willing to lend a helping hand when he needed somebody to aid him in any way. He is now at peace and will always be watching over Kyla as she moves forward through her schooling, through her career and through her life. It was such a pleasure to have met a man as nice as him. There will be a void in our lives as well now that he has moved to a better place. - Posted by: Ken & Kim Kunz (neighbor) on: Aug 29, 2012

• We were so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Barry was a wonderful friend and neighbour. He will always hold a very dear spot in our heart. He will be missed greatly. Dwayne, Sheona, Ceilidh, and Padraig - Posted by: Sheona and Dwayne Miller (friend/former neighbour) on: Aug 29, 2012