Obituary of Barry Evan Allen Roberts

ROBERTS, Barry Evan Allen (82) passed away at his residence, Fairview Personal Care Home, in the early hours of Sunday, October 21, 2018, surrounded by family. Born on June 2, 1936 in Blackfalds, AB he was the first child of Evan and Florence (Pierce) Roberts. The family relocated to the Rounthwaite District (Oakland/Wawanesa Municipality) in 1944, where he remained for much of his life. Barry attended East Brandon School and Brandon Collegiate. As a young man he tried out a few different jobs throughout western Canada but always found himself pulled back to the farm. As the eldest son, it was at the family homestead where he would remain and dedicate his life to the farm, working alongside his family. Barry was the pure definition of a farmer. He was respected for his attention to detail, care of his property and equipment, and for his ability to fix most anything. Barry met Carol (Douglas) later in life through a combination of acquaintances, 2-way radios and community dances. They wed at City Hall on December 12, 1974. Barry proudly adopted Carol's son, Darwyn, and together he and Carol were blessed with another son, Robbie, in 1977. Barry and Carol remained at the family homestead until 2014, creating many years of memories for their family, friends and community. The onset of Alzheimer's required Barry to leave the farm and move to Fairview. Barry was recognized as one of the most widely known citizen band (CB) radio operators in western Manitoba. His nickname or 'handle' back then was 'Country Boy' and when Carol came on the scene, her handle was 'Country Girl'. Barry had a strong booming voice on the CB radio and with the use of a large antenna mounted on the windmill tower in his yard, his signal travelled for hundreds and even thousands of miles if the conditions were just right. One of his many talents was working with electronics and his interest in radio led him to pass the exam needed to acquire his ham radio licence in 2003 with the call sign VE4KWR, and soon after Barry became a member of the Brandon Amateur Radio Club. Barry will be remembered by his wife Carol; daughter-in-law Hope; grandchildren: Kayla (Adam) and Ryan; and great-grandchild, Epic; brother Owen (Deb); sister Lynda Sclater (Tom); sister-in-law Val; nephews: Marty, Dana, Mark, Vance, Sean (and their families); and nieces: Elena, Ashley and Bryna (and their families). Barry's passing is also felt amongst his extended Roberts and Douglas/Perreault families, and a close group of friends, from the farm and Amateur Radio worlds, and the community at large.Barry was predeceased by his sons, Darwyn and Robbie; parents Evan and Florence; and his brother Trevor.A funeral service in Barry's memory was held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Central United Church, with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. He was laid to rest at the Brandon Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mark, Vance, Sean, Marty, and Dana Roberts and Troy Granger. Honorary pallbearers were Elena, Ashley and Bryna, Kayla and Ryan. Barry's family members presented tributes in celebration of his life. Donations in Barry's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B – 457 9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 1K2 or a charity of your choice.