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)
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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)  

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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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

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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