Barry Kuly

Barry Kuly

February 28, 1946 – February 13, 2018

Barry Kuly was an unforgettable person. He would sing you a greeting to welcome you to a room, with a big old grin and arms open wide for a hug. He would tell you a terrible joke, play a practical joke, bake you a braided bread and then paint you a beautiful banner. He would do anything to make you feel at ease (even if trying to make you feel at ease put you ill at ease!), no matter where you were.

His love, his faith in God, his inquisitive mind, and his passion for teaching made him unforgettable, which is why it was so hard to watch him slowly forget as Alzheimers set in over the last decade and eventually claimed Barry’s life on February 13, 2018. Although the disease that took Barry’s life was cruel, his dignity and vitality were safeguarded by the staff in the geriatric unit of the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. They have our deepest respect and admiration.

Barry was born on February 28, 1946 and he died 71 years later in Selkirk, the community where he spent his life and career as a teacher. Family and community were so important to Barry. The ongoing love and support of Barry’s family, his fellow Bible Students, and colleagues from his hometown were a testament to how much he was loved.

Barry was predeceased by his father Benjamin “Brownie” Kuly and mother Elizabeth Kuly. Barry has two younger brothers, Rod (Barbara) and David. In 1971 Barry married Lucie Beasse, the love of his life and partner to the very end. Together they raised Marc (Tamara) and Michelle (Andy and Jeffrey). Some of their happiest family time was spent on the farm in Lucie’s hometown of Ste. Rose Du Lac where Barry was embraced as one of the family. He celebrated the birth of each of his grandchildren, Ruth, Jack and (little) Lucie and was the larger than life “Uncle Barry” to his nieces and nephews.

Barry saw what was possible in life, not the obstacles. He told stories and he made them. These stories sustained us in love and laughter during our long goodbye. Please join us in hearing and sharing some of Barry’s stories, his faith, and some good Ukrainian food on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Stories about Barry keep his memory alive.We welcome yours – be they funny, sad, happy, or inspiring at: barrykulystories@gmail.com. Donations to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba,120 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2, accepted in lieu of flowers.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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