Barry Edward Cassidy

September 30, 1933 - January 20, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and dear friend on January 20, 2020 at the age of 86.
Barry was born on September 30, 1933 in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to the Cowichan Valley when he was 3 years old. After graduating from Cowichan High School, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Claresholm, Alberta. After serving for 3 years as a Leading Aircraftman, he moved back to the Cowichan Valley where he met his first wife Jessie through mutual friends. They married, built their house and soon after welcomed their first child, Catherine in 1960. Four years later they welcomed their son, David. After working a few odd jobs in the time following his return from serving with the RCAF, he settled into a career with BC Tel, where he worked as a linesman for 35 years. He loved to travel with his young family and spent many summers with them exploring the interior of BC as well as much of the Northwestern United States. He always spoke so fondly of the trips they took to Disneyland, as well as Florida and the Cayman Islands where they enjoyed scuba diving.
In 1987 he married his wife Linda, and in doing so acquired his third child, Laurie. They had many memorable adventures together, including numerous fishing and camping trips here on the island, a trip down the coast to Disneyland and a trip to Europe. After retiring in 1993, he and Linda enjoyed many fishing trips to Port Renfrew, a cruise to Alaska, and many trips to Bellingham. He spent many of his days woodworking and reading. He loved being a Grandpa and was so very proud of his grandchildren.
He was a member of the Fish and Game Association and made many friends there over the years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He was an incredibly talented woodworker, building houses, boats and campers, beautiful pens and bowls and everything in between. He had the best sense of humour and always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Barry was predeceased by his first wife Jessie Cassidy, mother Beatrice, step-father Murvyn and his good friends John Skertchly, Rance and Helen Butler, and Jack Fielden. He is survived by his wife Linda Cassidy, his eldest daughter Cathy Snelling (Don), their daughters Jessica and Laura, his son David Cassidy (Shelley), his children Matt, Brandon and Michelle, his youngest daughter Laurie Archer (Brent); their children Emily, Evan and Alexander, his great-granddaughter Charlotte, and his dear friends Jim and Donna Evans, Mer Skertchly, Freda Fielden and his roommates at Cairnsmore Lou, Ron and Noni.
We would like to thank Doctor MacGregor and the wonderful staff at Cairnsmore Place for all the compassion and care you gave him.
A memorial will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the United Church (246 Ingram St) with a reception to follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, it is Barry's wish that a donation be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in his memory.