August 21, 1941

Dad flew his first Spitfire August 21, 1941

Map where Dad bailed out July 7, 1944

Alison Squires speaks about Dad and SWNA

July 27, 2017

Alison spoke about Dad and his involvement with the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association

I did not realize until doing research for today that Barry’s father, W. C. Needham, first purchased the Wynyard Advance in 1933. When his father was forced to give up working in 1946 due to ill health, the publisher duties were given to Ken Miller until 1948 when Barry returned from World War II.

Ownership of the Advance remained in the Needham family until 1977, when Barry sold to Norm Park. Although Barry agreed to continue working for the transition period, he remained for the next 20 years - the business tends to suck you in like that.

Four years after Barry resumed publisher duties, my dad purchased the Wadena News in 1952 and the two became fast friends. They were both active in the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association; Barry was elected president from 1961-1963 and was also awarded a lifetime membership.

Many of my memories are from the days when, as young families, we attended both provincial and national conventions. It was big deal then. There were activities for spouses and families while the publishers went to meetings, then we met in the evening for a beautiful banquet to celebrate the best in the industry. It was part of our summer holidays and we looked forward to staying in a nice hotel, riding the magical train at Storyland Valley Zoo, or learning what happens at the IPSCO steel plant in Regina.

Both Barry and my dad were publishers in a time when the work was heavy, mechanical, and dirty, and they came home with ink-stained hands. It was truly a skill to be able to command a product of pride from a letterpress. Then the industry had moved from setting everything from the newspaper pages to letterheads, ribbons and napkins in hot lead in the 60s and 70s, to offset printing, cut-and-paste, and the development of negatives, that were sent off to press . It was always a mad rush to get those pages ready to meet the bus that took them off to the  press. The darkroom was developed and publishers could create their own local photographs versus using ones that were provided with news releases.

I agree with the Needham siblings, it was always work, work, work. And all of us worked at the newspaper at some time or another; may be we were just cheap labour, but I think it was more about the lessons that we could learn. But both men, and our mothers, embodied the spirit of the communities they served, in their newspapers and in the work they did in their communities, because that’s just what you did. Perhaps the fact that they lived what they believed was more of an example for their children than actually being at home.

It was a time where a gentleman’s agreement and handshake meant something; and if someone had a beef, they would actually have the audacity to air it face-to-face or on the telephone that hung on the wall, or even write a letter to the editor - unlike how it is done now where we appear to commanded by our cell phones.

It was my mom who me told about the long-standing joke between Barry and my dad: Dad always wanted the advertising Barry had in the Wynyard Advance, and Barry always wanted the news Dad had in the Wadena News. But they respected each other’s territories, as it was a line that was not crossed.

It was actually Barry whom I first called when my brother Bruce and I considered purchasing the Wadena News. He was honest in saying that he had been away from it for a while and pointed me toward the association for more information - and I have been on the board almost ever since - as the business tends to suck you in like that.

Occasionally, he would arrive at the back door of the news office unannounced, looking for more onion skin or carbon paper for his typewriter, because he was working on yet another project. He was always good for an interesting conversation, or a great story, as he was always exploring and learning new things. Even in business, he was always trying to improve it. I admired him for continuing to be curious about things instead of just growing old.

Just three years ago, he arrived from Wynyard for my mom’s funeral, came to the service, paid his respects then drove himself back home.

I considered him almost as a second father; I have been honoured to know both Martha and Barry, and his family, and as a veteran for me, he holds no higher esteem.

The Dash read at Graveside

THE DASH

I read of a woman who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

She referred to the dates on the tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

 

She noted that first came his date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But she said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That Uncle Barry spent alive on earth…

And now only those who loved him

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;

The cars…the house…the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard…

Are there things you’d like changed?

For you never know how much time is left,

That still can be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real,

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile…

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, Uncle Barry, when your eulogy’s being read

With your life’s actions to rehash…

Be very proud of the things we’ll say

About how you spent your dash?

Author Unknown

Eulogy for Barry Needham by Good Friend Dan Dennis

Dan does a fly pass at the cemetery the next day July 28 when we laid both Mom and Dad's ashes to rest
in the Needham family plot 

Ladies and gentlemen, if there ever was a celebration of life...

this has to be it. Almost 97 years of age is remarkable.

My name is Dan Dennis and I am Barry's friend.  Barry and I became friends when he moved to the  Country Care home just south of Regina Beach about three years ago.  We had a shared interest in aviation as we are both aviators.

I would drop by for a visit or he would show up at my place about a mile away driving is car with his oxygen bottle in tow.  He would tell me stories and ask me questions about my career, and the discovery channel show Mayday and others, as I tinkered with my aircraft.  We would share the odd beer or rum and coke. I did from time to time sneak a flask of red wine into the home which was our secret. I always enjoyed his company, sharp mind and desire to learn things.

We took a few short road trips and we attended the 75th Anniversary of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, where he was the guest speaker. This was the training program where Barry earned his wings.  He stole the show as everyone listened attentively to his speech. I was amazed with his ability to speak impromptu. It was obvious his career in the air force was a passion for him. It stayed with him until the day he died.

Barry and others like him,....gave up their youth, and their lives to the war effort , so that we are able to enjoy the life we do today.  We must never forget the sacrifice these men and women made.

Barry joined the Air force in September 1940. There was an administrative error and his file was placed in the unfit for duty file. This  delayed his acceptance.  He was eventually accepted and  sent to Prince Rupert on guard duties.This posting was to guard against the Japanese from invading Canada.  Apparently not much went on there except rain, fog , whiskey and women.!!!

He later on was approved for flight training and was sent back to Saskatchewan for abinitio  flight training in Regina.  He trained  in Regina on the De Havoline Tiger moth, then in Yorkton on the original North American Harvard Advance trainer.

He was never really sure why he was selected for fighter pilot duties, but after arriving in the UK and getting into a Spitfire he thought it must be  because of his slight stature.  There wasn't much room in the cockpit and it was a tight squeeze for anyone getting in or out.

I believe it was his "mischievous and outgoing, on the edge type personality".  This same personality existed years later when he would drive over to my place on the back roads at the age of 95 looking for his rum and coke. He thought no one would know or find out he was on an adventure. We shared our last rum shorty before his passing.

Upon completing his training on the Tiger Moth and Harvard, he was sent to England to join the 412 Squadron flying the early model Submarine Spitfire, a high performance, gun toting weapon, sporting a Rolls Royce engine in excess of 1000 HP capable of speeds of 350 mph and the ability to climb to 30,000 ft.  This was a lot of aircraft for an inexperienced pilot.  He had to have shown promising skills to have been chosen for the role of fighter pilot.

So, once in England with the 412 squadron, they took him up, did some aerobatics and training, a little shooting practise that  amounted to about 30 hours  or so of flying and then turned him loose.  He took a wing man, as they always sent pairs out in the fighter group and told him to go shoot up something German.  Off they would go crossing the English Channel into occupied France or behind enemy lines-- taking out supply lines, locomotives, steam engines ,  u boats, flotillas  or whatever they could find.  It was called going on a" rhubarb".

In the summer of 1942 the Luftwaffe were bombing the south coast of England at will.  They were having a great success hardly being challenged.  To counteract these raids , Spitfire Squadrons were strategically placed along that area on "immediate readiness" that means  sitting in their aircraft ready to go.  They saw bombs bursting over the village of Worthy.  Off they went and in short order saw two German Focke- Wulf 190's fleeing out over the channel.  The Focke- Wulf 190 was superior to the Spitfire in all aspects except maneuverability.  Nothing could out maneuver the Spitfire.  Barry would always say " The Spitfire has no bad qualities".

 The chase was on !!!. As Barry and  his wing man dove in behind the 190's they got close for a short period until forward energy from the dive depleted in level flight. The Spitfires, Rolls Royce  Merlin's were  at full throttle actually past the gate , as they say, and the 190's were still pulling away.  Barry's wing man squeezed the trigger on his Browning 303 machine guns and one Focke-Wulf fell from the sky. Barry's' victim was getting to far away but he emptied his guns anyway and watched his target fly off trailing smoke from a hit, but it continued on. Out of ammunition they returned to England with one kill and one hit.  That was his first engagement in battle.

Many years later Historian/ Author ....Chris Goss contacted both Barry and the brother of the Focke-Wulf Pilot, who  had been killed in a later dog fight.  Barry learnt that the pilot had been an Ace from a previous war with several kills.  He jokingly  told me that had he known that,  and since it was his first engagement with the  enemy , he'd have been full throttle in the opposite direction back to England.

A friendship  developed with Willy, the brother of the deceased Focke-Wulf pilot, and over the years they communicated through letters , phone calls and later emails.

 In 2004 Barry and Martha went to Bad Gleichenberg in Austria to visit Willy.  Willy presented Barry with a souvenir.  It was the 20 mm cannon shell that Barry had fired into the fleeing Focke-Wulf 190.  Willy said 'you gave this to my brother, now I am returning it  to you."  It was a very special moment for both of them.

Barry had many missions, and one which stays in my mind , is where he defended a crippled American B17 and its jumping crew, from attacking Focke-Wulf 190's. After running out of ammo he used dummy attacks to drive them off and was successful.

There were many missions, but with the high risk and dangers associated the odds were against these young fighting men and women.

Barry's number came up, and while strafing a German transport group over occupied France, he was hit by anti aircraft fire.  Using the energy he had at his disposal he climbed his crippled and burning aircraft skyward until the flames became too intense.   He slid his canopy open and in his words " I popped out of there like a cork from a Champagne bottle". He pulled his ripcord and burnt and bleeding he floated earthward.

As such he became a member of the "caterpillar club".  He has a card and a lapel pin of a "silkworm with ruby colored eyes" signifying you jumped from a burning aircraft and used a silk parachute to save your life.

 He was captured shortly thereafter by the secret service  while hiding behind bushes. He was taken to a makeshift POW camp known as Stallag 221.  He was treated for his injuries by French nurses, whom he connected with many years later.  He was fed a diet of cabbage soup( less the cabbage), black bread and rank cheese.

Barry was lucky.. after 34 days the Americans liberated France and he started the long journey back to Saskatchewan and his family.  He was assigned to Ferry command in Canada.  The war was over and the surplus  training, fighter, bomber and transport type aircraft needed to be positioned around Canada for storage and dispersal.  Once that was complete it was time for Barry to move on with his life.  He left the Air force for the newspaper business.

In June 2004 while at the 60th anniversary of D Day  Barry met a group from the "Normandy Association for Air Remembrance" and discussed finding his downed Spitfire.  They had found 1500 of the approximately 3000 that went down.  While describing his bailout one of the members said  " I think I know where your aircraft is". On October 17, 2005  Barry and his family were invited to attend the excavation of his Spitfire near  Falaise, France.  In a farmers field the backhoe brought up pieces of an engine, propeller, cannons and machine guns, more that 15 ft deep,  What and exciting event, however upon further investigation it was determined to be a P51 Mustang and not a Spitfire after all.

The  Group didn't give up and after a newspaper story about the event, four locals came forward with new information.  A farm worker who had been young at the time of the crash had come forward and claimed he had seen Barry jump .  He presented his diary to Barry and showed him where the plane was located.  This time it was correct.  The stench of gasoline was prevalent with the first scoop full of dirt.  It was the remains of the "Spitfire MK622.  Parts were recovered and the  still inflated tail wheel was brought home and is on display at the legion.

At an Airshow in Estevan, a modern day spitfire pilot, Warren Pietsch who had spent time with Barry and  who roams the airshow circuit showing off the antique Spitfire said to me" You don't know what a gem you have in Barry Needham".  I do know that and am sure you all do as well.

Barry I cherished our friendship and the little time we spent together.  I often think of what you've done for Canada and our democracy.

Barry, has now for the last time....  Slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter- silvered wings, he,s topped the windswept heights with easy grace. And I know he's put out his hand  and  touched the face of God.

Barry, The Royal Air force Motto goes with you  "Per Ardua Ad Astra"  Through Adversity to the stars.

Barry, we all thank you for your service and we love you and  will miss you . God speed my friend. God Speed.

Leader Post Article "Aerodrome of Democracy"

Leader Post Article

Saskatchewan Aviation Council

Saskatchewan Aviation Council see page 6

No. 11 Service Flying training School Yorkton

No 11 Service Flying Training School Yorkton

The Memory Project

Barry Needham The Memory Project

Video of Dad in Minot with a Spitfire 2016

Video of Dad in Minot with a Spitfire

Saved by Calvados

Newspaper article:   A Pilot from the Landing at Beaumais, Sunday

Translated from a French Newspaper article

(Note: Calvados is an excellent  liquor only made in this region of France)

  A PATRIOT SAVED BY THE CALVADOS

  On the 18^th of June, 1944, the battle of Normandy is raging.  Returning from his mission aboard his Spitfire MK 622, a Canadian pilot, Barry Needham, is hit by German DCA, above the community of Bons-Tassilly.  His airplane catches fire.  Seriously burned on his hands and face, he has time to parachute and lands three hundred metres from his airplane which had crashed.  Witness to this drama, an inhabitant of the community, Guy Oriot, about 20 years of age, runs to his aid but is captured by some SS.  As soon as they were stopped, the two men are driven to the Chateau de Beaumais, then occupied by the SS.

  

   Informed by some neighbours, Mr. & Mrs. Hoste intercede through a German colonel who is staying with them.  Due to their pleas in favour of the young man, and without doubt, in recognition of the quality of the Calvados from the Hoste vineyard, that he particularly appreciated, he consents to intervene with the SS of Beaumais.  Guy Oriot would be freed the same evening.  As for the pilot, after having been cared for by the Germans, he would be released at the time of the ‘liberation’ in the month of August.

  Upon the involvement of Michel Rainfroy and Jean-Claude Clouet, Barry Needham, accompanied by four members of his family, would return to Beaumais, Sunday afternoon in order to see once again the castle that he has never forgotten, nor the French person, since disappeared, who had risked death while wanting to hide him.  The next day he must attend the organized searches at Bons-Tassilly in order to recover his Spitfire

Lest We Forget

Lest we forget

Eyewitness honours gunned down Canadian airman

By Anne Sanderson

A story that began 65 years ago recently came to life again for Canadian airman Barry Needham.

This October he had the opportunity to travel to France. There he met a woman who claims she has never forgotten the sacrifices he made during WWII.

Eighteen at the time, Georgette Dorn says she watched Needham plummet from the sky when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire over the small village of Bons-Tassilly, France on July 7, 1944.

On New Year’s Eve, 2008 she decided it was time to let him know how much she appreciated all that he has done.

Needham received the phone call in January. After sharing the story with her family over the holidays Dorn’s English-speaking granddaughter had agreed to contact him on her behalf.

 “I could hardly believe what I was hearing when her granddaughter started telling me everything her grandma remembered,” Barry said of the call. “She remembered it with such detail that I asked her to get her grandmother to write out what she observed.”

The letters arrived in the mail a short time later, along with a hand-drawn map of the crash site showing where Dorn had been standing hanging wash to dry when Needham’s plane was hit. 

“The parachute and the pilot came down quite slowly while we tried to get his attention with our white tea towel,” Dorn remembered. “We were hoping to get his attention so we could direct him away from the Germans but the terrain was not in our favour.”

“We followed you with our eyes until you landed and we have always remembered your legs dangling,” Dorn continued. “A few hours later when I made my way to the road I saw you in the SS car. I waved Au Revoir and someone waved back. I always thought it was you.”

Dorn expressed an interest in meeting Needham in person and when he didn’t show up to a celebration at Juno Beach in June she sent him a bottle of wine in the mail.

“It had been wrapped several times to protect it – it must have cost her a lot to send. It made me realize just how important all of this was to her so I arranged a trip to go and see her,” Needham said.

Accompanied by his son-in-law Alfred Moshurchak and family friend Jackie Ferraton their interpreter, Needham arrived in Paris, France on Oct. 12.

He met Georgette Dorn at a small village. She was accompanied by Madame Oriot, the wife of a man who had attempted to help Needham after the crash.

“When I walked up to her it was as if I was meeting an old friend,” Needham says of the meeting. “As is expected in France I kissed her on both cheeks and gave her a hug. She had tears in her eyes – it was a very emotional moment.”

Needham was honoured during a short ceremony, which was filmed by French television stations and later recorded in the daily newspaper.

While it is hard to imagine, what is especially hard to believe is that is only half of the story.

It is not the first time he has been honoured by eyewitnesses.

In fact it was newspaper accounts of his previous visits that led his most recent eyewitness to locate him.

In 2005 he was invited back to watch his plane be exhumed from the ground.

It ended up being a P51 Mustang, but a newspaper article reporting the details of the war-time crash drew forward some valuable eyewitnesses who were able to pin-point the exact location of Needham’s spitfire.

Elie Lemarchand was a farmhand at Bons-Tassilly when he saw the plane go down. The event had begun with the familiar sound of a plane turning overhead. Then a barrage of anti-aircraft fire had filled the midday sky.

                        Upon hearing the noise, Lemarchand quickly ran outside to see what was happening. His heart sank when he realized the plane had been hit. As he watched the plane spiral downward from the sky, it was with sickened horror he saw the pilot bail out and fall through what had become an incredible ball of flame.

                        Lemarchand was close enough to see the pilot fall into the woods on the other side of the road behind the water filtration plant of Bons-Tassilly. The airplane met its final demise only a short distance away, not far from the entrance of the road from Caen to Falaise.

                        As Lemarchand watched, he saw the pilot attempt to undo his parachute straps. He had been badly burned and was obviously suffering a great deal.

                        Although Lemarchand was tempted to help the ailing pilot at 21 years of age he knew he was no match for the Germans. To his relief someone else stepped forward. He recognized the young man as his neighbour, 20-year-old Guy Oriot.

The idea appeared to be to get the injured pilot behind the water plant before the enemy arrived. Unfortunately for them both, a carload of Germans would arrive at precisely the wrong time. “Sharp” discussions ensued and eventually both men were taken into the custody of the dreaded SS. Lemarchand later heard that Oriot had been released. However, according to rumour things had not ended so favourably for the Canadian pilot. The Germans locked him up  in a German prison, where he was kept for well over 30 days.

The night Needham’s plane was gunned down Lemarchand sat down and wrote five pages in his diary. Sixty-one years later he presented his diary as evidence of the true account of the events that had transpired. When combined with the details provided by the other three witnesses the hobby group was able to pinpoint the exact location of the missing Spitfire, some 15 to 20 miles away from the first dig.

 Needham was present when the Spitfire was successfully exhumed on June 19, 2006 almost 62 years from the day it had gone down.

The stench of old gasoline filled the air when the backhoe's first shovelful broke ground bringing up some shattered pieces, soon identified as MK622, Needham's Spitfire.

The excavation continued for several hours, uncovering more and more pieces, including the engine and still inflated tail-wheel buried almost 20 feet underground. Even the serial number plate was intact.

When he was back this October, Jean-Claude _______ who heads up ANSA the group responsible for the dig, took Needham back to the crash site again and used a metal detector to see if there was anything else left.

“We had barely scratched the surface and we found a 303 shell,” Needham said. “It is no wonder these people have never forgotten – it is still all around them.”

While at Bons-Tassily Needham and Dorn also went back to her old house and stood where she had watched his plane come down.

“A young couple have the house now, but as we stood there I could see how clearly she had seen what transpired that day,” Needham said. “It was emotional for both of us to think that after all these years we have finally met.”

While Needham has no idea what will transpire next he has already been invited to travel back to France in 2014 to attend a special ceremony to honour the efforts of WWII veterans.

In the meantime he admits he is one of the fortunate few.

“It’s a miracle really that they still remember after all these years,” Needham told Airforce Magazine in an interview recently. “I am starting to think that being hit may have been the best thing that has ever happened to me – it has certainly made my life a lot more interesting.”

Altogether the now-retired newspaper publisher residing in Wynyard, Sask. has been back to France six times and each time he is honoured he is reminded of the esteem the French have for Canadian servicemen and women.

“Many good men and women died never knowing how much their sacrifices meant and now that the French have found a live body it is as if I have been chosen to tell the story. I am truly honoured to be put in such a position and I want everybody to know it is an honour I share with everyone who was part of it.”

Canadians Victorious in Wave-Top Battle

More notes of Condolence

Dear Denise, Kathy, Scott, Debra, Colin and families, 

I am deeply and sincerely sorry for the loss of your father.

Barry was a wise man with a fantastic memory. Whenever talking about his past, he could easily recall dates and details of any events. My son Ryan spent a few hours with him last year and was so amazed by his recollection of the war years and enjoyed sharing these stories with him in such a friendly manner.

He had great respect for other seniors in the care home, and was friendly and kind to everyone there... including staff. He was such a nice man to work/care for. He wasn't fussy at all... he was so easy to please. He never complained about anything and regarding his health... he was one tough man. He insisted on doing as much as he could do, for as long as he could do it... or it wasn't worth doing. Barry was always so thankful for anything that was done for him.

I enjoyed conversing with Barry about football, curling and fishing, or just talking about the weather. Barry had a kind memory of Martha, often talking about the ceramics she made. He loved all of you and was proud of his family and time spent together meant everything to him. He was really a very special man.  

Barry will be deeply missed and remembered often. 

May you be comforted by the love of those around you. 

Wishing you peace, 

xo Elsie

(Elsie provided care for Dad for the past 2 years and had known him for much longer when Denise lived at the farm)
_____________________________________

Dear Deb, Denise, Colin, Scott and extended Needham family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.  Great souls like your Dads never ever really part because he has left an impression on anyone he met and was acquainted with.  Everyone will remember your father as a great human being who led a wonderful life filling it with love of family, business success and his service to his country.  Proudly he shared many stories of his days as a fighter pilot and you were so lucky to share so much of that with him.  You were blessed with a relationship with your Dad that was so very special.  As a family you all  enjoyed many memorable times with him that will always be cherished.
With much Love and HugsSharon Brown (Lewandoski)  

______________________________________________________________________________

My deepest condolences to all Barry's family. A great friend and fisherperson,gone to a better place, always missed! Love Glenn and Trish

________________________________________________________________

I was delighted, absolutely delighted, last September to encounter Barry at the Estevan airport, where a authentic Second World War Spitfire IX fighter was on display. 

And I was shocked, saddened Tuesday when I learned this wonderful gentleman had passed away. 

Thanks to Barry for his service to our country and thanks to his family for sharing this legend with us.

Blue skies, sir!

- Will Chabun

_________________________________________________________________

This was so strange I just have to tell every aviation buff I know.

It's Friday afternoon and I'm in the reading room of the Provincial Archives here in Regina. I'm looking through the late Gordon Elmer's collection of files, statistics and photos for information on the wartime British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, specifically the little-known 3 Air Observer School here in Reglina. 

I'm finished taking 20 pages of notes and duplicating some of Gordon's photos. As I'm putting the files back in their box, I notice some additional photos. 

The second one in the sheaf leaps out at me: on it is the name of Barry Needham, wartime fighter pilot. The photo shows him and about a dozen other young men taking a break from their studies at Regina's 2 Initial Training School in the first few months of 1941. The photo -- bearing the names of those in it -- plus another that is unmarked, with some airmen added to it -- is attached to this email.

I hadn't planned to go to the archives Friday and made the decision on a whim.

I wasn't looking for Barry's photo. But I found it. Or perhaps it found me. What are the odds?

By the way, Barry's obit in today's Leader-Post. He died Monday, just short of 97. During the Second World War, he did two tours with the RCAF's 412 (Fighter) Squadron, flying many different versions of the Spitfire and meeting some of the legends of the wartime RCAF like Buck McNair, John Gillespie Magee and Buzz Buerling.

A  memorial service for him will be held at 11 a. m. Thursday in the Wynyard Community Centre. Please remember Barry and his service. 

- Will Chabun

________________________________________________________________________

Dear Debra:

Sid and I send our condolences to you and your family.

We have fond memories of your parents at the lake and enjoyed all the stories Barry had to tell.

Chris and Michael always admired how active he was and enjoyed hearing stories about flying airplanes.

He lived a great long life and will be missed here on earth but will be flying high where he is now!

Sid, Cathy, Chris and Michael Bildfell

_________________________________________________________________________

Ms. Carter and Ms. Needham:

On behalf of myself and the employees at CAE in Moose Jaw, Cold Lake, and across Canada, I would like to express how deeply saddened we were to hear of the passing of Mr. Needham.  We send our sincere sympathy and condolences to you, your families and close friends of this fine gentleman, aviator, and highly decorated Canadian Veteran. 

I had the privilege of meeting Barry last December in Moose Jaw at the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan 75th Anniversary where he shared stories and adventures about his time in the Royal Canadian Air Force and overseas during WWII.  All those in attendance were captivated by his journey, bravery, resilience and service to our country; he had a profound impact on myself and all of those who were privileged to be in his company during this special event. 

Again, our deepest sympathies for your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and friends at this time.

With Warmest regards,

Joe Armstrong

Vice President/General Manager

CAE Canada

Defence and Security

___________________________________________________



Dear Needham family; Denise, Colin,Debra& Scott, and families,

How to say goodby to such a special person; a good man, a life lived so well, the world a better place for his having been a part of it.

We understand from the family that Barry was ready to let go and we hope that this happened peacefully for everyone. How incredible that he chose the same day as your Mom.

I think, having lost Mom this year and knowing that she too was ready, we can relate to some of what you children might be feeling at this time. When quality of life becomes poor leaving few pleasures to enjoy we see what a struggle it becomes and the tiredness can't be disguised. We feel that ourselves for them. Once Mom was gone tho I missed her so much because I remembered how good it was for so many years and how she always tried her best to be a good parent. I need to remind myself that the last while was not like that and it was also time for me to let go.

Your Dad was one in a million and Neil & I are both so grateful to have known him and had him in our lives. It was a real privilege to feel his warmth, strength, and the love he and your Mom radiated to so many people.

We will not be at the service this Thursday because of prior plans. We hope you forgive this and know that our hearts and prayers go out to you as you say your goodbye.

I know I can say for all the Walter family that we have enjoyed the ties made with the Needham's over the many years we've known each other. Please keep in touch, stay well, and know we will think of you often and fondly.

Deb D.
__________________________________________________________

Denise and Kathy,

Barry was a wonderful man- I'm saddened that he's gone and we'll no longer have the pleasure of his company.

You've done such a lot to make his last years as good as they could be.

Thinking of you as we all come to grips with his passing.

Hugs,
Wolf

________________________________________________________________

Uncle Barry,

You will be missed. You touched so many people, always keeping up with friends whether they were nearby or half  way around the world. A writer, a historian, a researcher, and a wonderful father who was so proud of  everything his kids did. He was devoted to  his one true love Martha. You will be missed. Judy (Dads niece from sister Marvel)
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Barry and I were classmates from 1933 to 1938 at Wynyard High School. I valued our lengthy friendship. I am sorry to have lost him. That leaves one other classmate alive, namely Harry Thompson, of Nanaimo,BC. Thank you for the notification, and am sorry I cannot attend. I am enjoying good health, and I am the oldest Toastmaster in the world to my knowledge. I lost my wife Rose six months ago.
Barry and I were so lucky to have grownup in such a wonderful town, although we were both only honorary Icelanders!

Ralph Yorsh, Vancouver
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Hilda and I want to let the family know what a great friend and person
Barry was.

Forrest and Barry spent a lot of time over the years on fishing trips
and flying together.

  He will be greatly missed by all.

Forrest and Hilda
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Well my wonderful Uncle Barrie has joined Auntie Martha, his brother and sisters.  He was the last, and what a wonderful Uncle he has been.  So full of stories, always interested in others, forever learning and sharing his memories.  We will truly miss his upbeat personality, his gentle ways, and kind nature.  

So many good memories with Uncle Barrie making sure we enjoyed our time together.   Being at the cottage with mom, Caitlin and Michael as they listened to family lore and marvel at the sunsets.  Uncle Barrie shared his life with us and made ours special. Wonderful times shared in Victoria, Coquitlam and Saskatchewan. 

You have been an amazing family as you "rallied the troops" to support him in his last few years.

He will be missed but is forever with us.

Love Laurie, Ron, Michael and Caitlin

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Hello Needham Family, Thank-you for taking the time to keep me updated on your father throughout the years, and during this past few weeks. I truly appreciate your efforts and know with certainty that Barry was a great man, as demonstrated by his and Martha's strong family bond in all of you. It is with disappointment that I must pass along that I cannot attend the ceremony on Thu. Regrettably I was not able to coordinate my travel to participate and meet you all, as I am away from home throughout this period. As mentioned in the past, I first met your father on approximately the 03 Jun 04. I met him at a large reception in the hotel where Barry and many other Canadian Veterans were staying, to commentate the anniversary of D-Day. There were a number of distinguished men that I had the opportunity to meet that evening, but your father notably stood out for me. Although I was brought up in Rose Valley to really detest Wynyard folk (more so on the hockey ice), his humble charm was.....comforting. We chatted for quite some time that eve, learning much about what we had in common. But another real highlight of this trip came the following evening, when my crew of three 412 Squadron members, and Barry with two of his WWII fighter pilot 412 Squadron went out for dinner at a small French restaurant. When the seven of us arrived we were seated at a splendid candlelit table in a small and intimate room, with only a couple of other tables in the room. As one of the tables was empty, and the other table was settling their bill, I thought the setting was perfect to have a private and colourful visit with our new friends. I can say that I was not disappointed! If you know who the two fellas from the popular television program known as The Muppets are, who sit up in the balcony and entertainingly critique and joke about life (Statler and Waldorf), envision one more similar and loveable character, and you would be close to understanding the level of good banter and jovial rhetoric for hours at the table. I can't recall if the food was anything special, but I will say that plenty of red wine was enjoyed, reliving and listening to the daring and sometimes humours exploits of these three fellas! I know that Scott would like to know in detail what was discussed, but those stories should only be lived and relived on French soil! As we started to throttle back that evening, many hours after we truly had arrived, one more bottle of wine was brought to our table. It was one of the finest in the restaurant, and it was a gift from the table beside us. It was a gift for the table that was settling it's bill much earlier in the evening, but had stayed for hours, listening with absolute enjoyment to Barry and his friends tell stories about their experiences years earlier in life.  I can say with clear recollection, it was at that moment that my appreciation for Barry deepened significantly and emotionally. Was I ever fortunate to share a dinner with this great man and his friends. But as you all know, I had a few more opportunities to share with Barry, and I really do adore them all. Thank-you once again for including me in family activities/travels and keeping me updated on Barry's endeavours. I look forward to staying in touch. And I must apologize to Colin, as I did not have his contact information. But please do pass on my thoughts to him. Enjoy your day reminiscing about your father and family, it really is what he would have wanted! Most sincerely, Chris Strawson Friend of Barry Needham _________________________________________________________________________________ I am so sorry, Denise, to hear about your Dad.  Such a lovely, intelligent and vibrant man and Wynyard will miss him a lot I think.  All my best to you and your sibs and other family.  Everything shifts a bit when you lose a loved one and the world seems slightly out of sync for awhile.  I still find things not quite right around here since my Dad died.  And yet he was ready and I'm not sad.  I hope that is how it goes for you too. I'm sure the service tomorrow will be packed with people wanting to pay their respects.  I must go to Regina in the morning to pick sister Terry up at the airport but will be thinking of you. Will respond separately regarding the reunion. Take care Thora _____________________________________________________________________________ Thanks for the update Scott, I had been wondering about my friend. He has fought valiantly throughout his lifetime and has accomplished so much with what he was given. It was my honour to have gotten to know him and feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet a true hero. My family still thinks of him fondly and I often quiz Phoenix as to the importance of the metal die-cast spitfire that he stills plays with to this day, he says, "It's the plane that your friend Barry gave me, the kind he used to fly". Can you please tell him that he will always have a friend up north that thought so highly of him. Tell him that he has done all that he could do and did a masterful job at raising such a splendid family - rest easy my friend - you have earned it. My condolences to you and your family, my thoughts are with you all. Love, your fishing buddy Barry.N.D.Roberts _____________________________________________________________________________ Hi Scott, I'm sorry to hear about Barry's difficulties.  I'll pray for him to get better or make a smooth transition to the next chapter.  It was a great honor to spend time with you guys and to be able to part of Barry's reunion with the Spitfire.  You guys are always welcome.  Please say hi to Barry for me, Warren _____________________________________________________________________ Our sincere sympathy to all the family on the passing of your beloved Barry. He was  such a gracious  soul and much more. So happy he got the recognition he so deserved while he was here ,to witness the love and respect people had for him. Your parents were a most beautiful couple in every  way. You must  be so happy to be able to say they belonged to you. May their Spirits come together now. They have given you all some great memories to reflect upon. Blessings to all, Most sincerely The Storos' Bill and Darlene