BARRY ANDERSON

Condolences & Memories (36 entries)

• Just found out three years later! Loved Barry! He inspired me to continue in music, I was not a great singer but he coached me well enough that I was able to have my own band in which I sang and played keys. I met my wife when he was giving me a private lesson on bass, she was in the corner playing piano. I’ll never forget Barry’s smirk when I was struck by her beauty. Best part he played at our wedding! Rest In Peace Barry there are so many of us students that truly loved you. - Posted by: Tony Taronno (Student) on: Feb 24, 2020

• Barry Anderson was an amazing man! He was absolutely the best teacher I ever had! His kindness, openness, and ongoing encouragement was a Blessing to all that had the privilege to have known him. My deepest sympathy to the Anderson Family. The legacy he has left, and the people's lives he has touched, will last forever. Rest in Peace and may God Keep you. - Posted by: Jim Rose (Former DMCI Choir/Madrigal member) on: Nov 29, 2017

• Damn! Just heard. The impact Mr. A had on music is obvious; the impact on many of us that were his students less so but probably even more important. He is one of the people I will always remember. The man with perfect pitch but also the man who always had (or made) time for us. 1969 -1971 - Posted by: George Klassen (Former student) on: Nov 10, 2017

• I remember mtg them. - Posted by: Joyce Lancaster (church member) on: Nov 09, 2017

• Barry, from the time he was a young man was a major voice in Winnipeg Music. At Westminster we treasured him as our organist. And I think his career as teacher, accompanist and organist has been exemplary. My sincerest sympathy, Alexis. - Posted by: Roy Halstead (Fellow music maker, Westminster Church) on: Nov 04, 2017

• My deepest sympathy to the Anderson Family. I learned to love and appreciate the harmony of choir under the direction Mr. Anderson. I will always have fond memories of Mr. Anderson and the experience of being in the DMCI choirs. - Posted by: Marlies Beesley (Former DMCI Choir member) on: Nov 04, 2017

• Although I never made the choir cut, I did take a music class from Barry and enjoyed it very much. From it I gained an appreciation of classical music. I also enjoyed helping out on the sidelines when the music program produced musicals and hosted a billet during an exchange with a student from Ontario and participating in the various activities of that exchange. I often encountered Barry while attending events where the DMCI alumni choir was performing or when he was playing piano for funerals at Neil Bardal Funeral Center and I always took the time to stop and say "hello. Rest in peace. Condolences to his family at this sad time. - Posted by: Janice Clarke (Former student (DMCI, 1975-1981)) on: Nov 01, 2017

• My sincere condolences to the Anderson Family. I was one of the many students at DMCI that had the opportunity to be a member of the school choir (1971- 1974). Being part of the choir was without a doubt the highlight of my high school experience. Mr. Anderson brought out the best in all of us. I can still feel the power, energy and chills we created under his direction. His passion for music was truly undeniable and will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Ellen Law (former DMCI student) on: Nov 01, 2017

• Mr. Anderson was my music teacher. I was a member of the D.M.C.I. choir during the years 72 and 73. He was a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed singing with the choir (I couldn't wait to get out of class to go to the music room). Thanks to Mr. Anderson, the D.M.C.I. choir performed at various schools throughout southern and northern Manitoba. Some of the songs we sang, during our trip to northern Manitoba, were based on the "Jesus Christ Superstar" musical and we created an album titled "Jesus Christ Superstar "Daniel McIntyre Sings"." I still listen to my album today. It was a great experience which I will never forget. - Posted by: Audrey (Audra) Jansen (D.M.C.I. student and member of D.M.C.I. Choir (1972-73)) on: Nov 01, 2017

• I arrived in Canada in 1968 from Japan. I always loved singing but Mr A was the teacher who helped me to persue my love of singing throughout my life. I still sing at church choir and I am 65 now. Thank you for the fun days at Daniel Mc You were a great teacher and a leader. I will always remember you . - Posted by: Mariko matsumoto (Student of dmci) on: Oct 31, 2017

• In 1962-63 Barry Anderson initiated a small jazz band at Silver Heights Collegiate: three reeds, two trumpets, a trombone, guitar, bass and drums. He directed and played piano. From somewhere he found charts to a dozen standards which he passed out to us. I still have the third alto parts to "Birth of the Blues" and "With the Wind and the Rain in Her Hair." It was my first experience playing with a group. Barry offered the exact mixture of admonition and encouragement to a sixteen-year-old saxophonist. He launched me into a lifetime relationship with music. I read the news of his death just after the regular practice of a similar small jazz band. Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for that wonderful gift to me and to literally thousands of others like me. - Posted by: John Thompson (former student at Sliver Heights Collegiate) on: Oct 31, 2017

• He was my choir teacher for 3 years at DMCI. I always found him very dedicated to his work and extremely talented. He will be missed by all. May he Rest in Peace, and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that he was not only a great Music Teacher, but he was a great human being. My deep condolences to his wife, who I met on various occasions, and to his children. God Bless you all Izzy Sebastiao-Vieira - Posted by: Isabel Sebastiao-Vieira (Previous student. Graduating Year of 1981) on: Oct 30, 2017

• My sincere condolences to the Anderson family. One of the reasons I joined Knox was to listen to Barry playing that magnificent organ, especially when he brought in the pipers and could let out all the stops. It would send chills down my spine. Barry's enthusiasm and devotion to music will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Vicki (Friend) on: Oct 30, 2017

• I recall with great fondness my time in the DMCI choir in the early 70s under Barry's leadership. The tour out west to BC and the musical 'Godspell' at the Centennial Concert Hall stand out for me. His passion for the music and dedication to his students was profound. While my father introduced me to trumpet at an early age, it was my experience with Barry in the choir that led me to study organ with him through high school. And although I went to college for architectural design after high school, my organ studies with Barry carried me back into music studies (up to the PhD level) and I have been teaching music (theory) for over 30 years at the university level. But I am now returning to the organ, albeit in a more blues and jazz style; having heard Barry 'swing' with the best of them, I think he could relate. Thank you Barry for showing us what genuine musical passion and commitment look like and for your guidance and inspiration through my formative years. May you rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to the Anderson family. - Posted by: Charles Morrison (former student (early 70s)) on: Oct 30, 2017

• Barry was my pipe organ teacher for many years. My parents went to high school with Barry so luckily for me, when I outgrew the electronic organ and needed a higher calling, they reached out to Barry and he agreed to take me under his wing. Over the years I learned so much from him and felt truly blessed to have him as my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. To me he was, and always will be, the best pipe organist and teacher ever. We’ve lost a exceptionally gifted, caring, kind, and talented man. I will miss him. - Posted by: Karen Wright (former pipe organ student) on: Oct 30, 2017

• I was one of the fortunate students who was on the trip to Japan in 1970 and it was a trip of a lifetime. I was able to make this journey with a great group of people, many of whom still remain great friends, and Barry made it all that more enjoyable. He was a great teacher and friend to all and had a special connection with all of his students. He will be missed. Condolences to the family he is a great loss to all who knew him. - Posted by: David L Robertson (Former Student) on: Oct 30, 2017

• As a second generation DMCI student I got to sing in the Alumni choir with my mom before I even graduated! I have so many awesome musical experiences because of Mr Anderson! Music was the reason I made it through High School. Music was the reason I got into university. Music with Mr Anderson is the reason I am a Much teacher not nearly as talented as him but I hope to pass on a The very least a smidgen of what I got from his classes on to my students today . I am thankful for his presence in my life and his calling to teach music! Job well done Mr Anderson! - Posted by: Heather Paul (Student at DMCI) on: Oct 30, 2017

• My deepest condolences to the Mr Anderson's family. I am a former DMCI student and member of the choir. I remember when I went into the music room for my audition, I was petrified. Nothing came out, he joked with me, got me relaxed and I spent the next 3 years singing He was a very special individual and an amazing teacher. I have such wonderful memories and many of the arrangements have stayed with me especially Ave Maria. Thank you so much for the joy you brought to so many with the wonderful gift of Music God gave you, for sharing, teaching, and helping me to experience the passion and love you had for music. I still have my trumpet, and will always treasure the experience of playing it in Jesus Christ Superstar. Rest in sweet Peace. You will never be forgotten. - Posted by: J. Wendy Browne (student) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Mr. Barry Anderson was a really well respected man amongst myself and my peers, Grad of 82 at DMCI. After graduating I continued to follow his tremendous musical contributions in the community and the media. He will be missed by many. God Bless. - Posted by: Katrina Diglisic (Former DMCI student) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Barry was an inspiring choirmaster who was able to help every single teen he taught, to find joy in singing, - Posted by: Erna Buffie (choir member DMCI) on: Oct 29, 2017

• I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Anderson was a great man and a great teacher. But most of all, he cared for his students. I joined choir with my friends because it would be an 'easy' credit but he made us work for it! I did not sing well but he never ever discouraged me from trying or being a part of the choir. He let us play on the piano during lunch and spent time with us in the class during free periods. It was a fun place to be. He was one of my favourite teachers growing up and I will remember him forever. I'm sure he's playing the organ in heaven for the angels right now. RIP Mr. Anderson. - Posted by: Vanessa Everton (Former Student DMCI) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Barry was a good friend and a great artist, willing to share his musical expertise wherever and whenever he was able. Many times, he accompanied me at weddings and funerals and I was always fascinated by his musical resourcefulness. The world has lost a phenomenal icon in the music industry. He will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to Alexis and the family. Mike Mayer (Friend and Police Choir member) - Posted by: Mike Mayer (Friend and choir member) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Barry Anderson was my choir teacher at DMCI from 1981-84. His passion and enthusiasm for music was contagious. I will never forget our choir singing "Lady," "The Lord's Prayer" and "The Saints Go Marching On." They were absolutely majestic and touched your soul. I was thrilled to hear him play at the University of Winnipeg graduation ceremonies in June, 2016. I had the opportunity to speak to him afterwards and it was nice to express to him how much those music years affected me. What a great teacher, and a stand-up guy. He will be missed. - Posted by: Barb Caie (Former student) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Singing in the DMCI choirs in the late '60's was the highlight of my senior high school years! Mr. Anderson was so supportive, friendly and motivating! I am sure he will be missed by SO many but kept in our hearts and memories! - Posted by: Ron Plenert (Student at DMCI) on: Oct 29, 2017

• As a former student and choir member of DMCI (1976-1979), I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Mr Anderson had such a deep love of music, and a passion for the work that he performed. My condolences to the family at this very sad time. Cheers to Mr Anderson for a life very well lived, and for always following his dream. -Louise Glaser - Posted by: Louise Glaser (Former student, DMCI) on: Oct 29, 2017

• On behalf of my mom Dorothy Lother and our family, we offer condolences to Alexis and Barry’s entire family. I was a little girl when I first heard Barry playing the piano with such panache and swagger and passion. His smile....his dimples lit up every room he entered! With every visit to Winnipeg comes the mandatory salute to Barry and Alexis’ house driving down Taylor. He will be terribly missed but live on in our hearts and fondest memories. - Posted by: Carla Lother (Family friend) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Alexis and family, my most sincere condolences on the sudden passing of our dear and wonderful Barry. He was such a joyful person and it was such an honour to have had him as our choir director. I will always remember his ever smiling face and the beautiful music he played. - Posted by: Denise Martel () on: Oct 29, 2017

• I was fortunate to have Barry as my home room teacher in grade eleven. We had a piano in our classroom and it wasn’t too difficult on a Friday afternoon study class to convince him it was somebody in the classes birthday. This would get him playing Happy Birthday on the piano, which he then would often follow up with one or two or three cuts of a Stan Freberg comedy album. He made my Friday afternoons. Of course on Monday he would point out that he had checked and looked up whoever’s birthday I had claimed it was and that I was mistaken. I got to see ‘Stan’ live many years later at a business convention in Mexico City and it brought back the many fond memories I had of Barry’s ‘study’ classes. By the way, he also was a great English teacher. - Posted by: Coulter Turner (Former Silver Heights student) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Mr. Anderson was my choir teacher at DMCI. I was in the main and boys choir, but I was also fortunate enough to be chosen to be in the madrigal choir as well. With his encouragement and help, I also brought back the barbershop quartet for some performances. He was instrumental in helping me win a spot in the International Ambassadors of Music, which was a European touring choir made up of singers from the US and Canada. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I have him to thank for his encouragement and training. He has made my life happier with incredible experiences and gave me a lifelong love of music. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. - Posted by: Paul Simmons (Former Student) on: Oct 29, 2017

• Mr. Anderson led some very fine choirs at DMCI. He was an exceptional musician with unbridled enthusiasm for choral music. My condolences to his loved ones. - Posted by: Paulo S Borges (Former Student at DMCI) on: Oct 28, 2017

• I never look at obituaries, but today I did and saw that Barry had passed away. It hit me as a shock, as it seemed Barry was one of those that would always be around. Then it occurred to me that he will, truly, always be around. He will be around in the hearts and minds of those that worked and played with him, like me, and be around in the envelope of love that surrounded him from his family. There will never be another Barry, and the world is less today than it was when Barry shared his wonderful gift with all of us. He touched the lives of so many, and lives on in my thoughts, and in the minds of those to whom I shared the experiences I had with Barry. My friend, I will cherish those memories, and somewhere, sometime, I hope to share another beautiful single malt Scotch with you. Alexis and your family, although we have grown apart since those years I sang at Knox and with the Phil, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and that I will shed some tears at the idea that Barry is gone, but will be revived by the fond memories of a brief span of time when our lives co-mingled. God Bless you, and may Barry rest in His peace. Herm - Posted by: Herman de Vries (Friend, lover of music) on: Oct 28, 2017

• 'He touched many lives with his gift' The highlight of my high school years was singing in the choir at DMCI. I have many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. Barry was a truly amazing music teacher and director with so much passion it was contagious. That was evident in the many successful concerts and award winning performances he conducted over the years, both at home and abroad. Thank you Barry for your dedication, inspiration and your gift of music to so many. You will be missed. - Posted by: Angela (DMCI Class of '72) on: Oct 28, 2017

• I had the privilege of joining the choir as an alto in grade 10 (1979) at DMCI which of course, was directed by Mr. Anderson. He conducted our group with such vigor; his passion for music was infectious. In 1980, our choir had the honour of being invited to perform on the Fantasyland stage at Disney World in Florida. It was the first time I'd ever flown and I have wonderful memories of that trip. Mr. Anderson was revered by everyone who knew him and his legacy will last forever in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness his love of music. A legend in his own right. RIP Mr. Anderson. You will be missed by thousands 💙 - Posted by: Brenda Plohman (DMCI Choir Student ('79-'82)) on: Oct 28, 2017

• My deepest sympathy to the Anderson family. I’m very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Lori Arnason () on: Oct 28, 2017

• With our deepest sympathies, our thoughts and prayers to the family. He had magic with music, the way he played with such natural abilities and soul. His legacies are many and will live on through family,friends, students and colleges. He will be greatly missed. All the very best Love and Care the Magyar Family - Posted by: Magyar Family () on: Oct 28, 2017

• My deepest condolences to the family Mr. Anderson taught me to love music and he was one of my favorite teachers. I have thought of him and smiled at good memories many times over the years. Rest in Peace Mr. Anderson. - Posted by: Pat Steele (former student) on: Oct 28, 2017