Barry passed away peacefully at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre surrounded by his family.
Beloved husband of Nicole (née Diotte). Loving father of Sherri (Hugh Faloon) and Ian and stepfather of Julie Lamothe (Marc) and Rachel Letellier (John). Proud grandfather of Kristopher, Samantha and Benjamin and step grandfather to Anika, Justin, Emilie, Maxime and Yana.
Predeceased by his first wife Margaret (née Brown), his brother Bob, his sister-in-law Joyce and his niece Linda (Dave}. He will also be greatly missed by his brother-in-law Michel Diotte (Denise), his nephew Robert Blair (Aura) and his niece Kathy Blair (Jim).
During the period of 1954 to 1965 Barry served as a military engineer and army pilot in the Canadian Army. He volunteered to participate in the Korean War.
After retiring from the Public Service as Director General Air Navigation System, Transport Canada in 1989, he established his firm "Blair Consulting Services Inc." to provide consulting services specializing in aviation. His work involved being a senior advisor to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in matters of air navigation system and airports in several countries in Europe.
Barry loved playing his saxophone and clarinet in several bands. Fitness and outdoor activities were always part of his life.
Many thanks to the staff at the Perley for their care and compassion during his final journey. A private burial service and celebration of life will take place with the immediate family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley and Rideau Foundation would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Richard Nordlund
AUSTEN CAMBON
Hello Nicole / Barry's Family
This is just to let you know that I was able to arrange for Barry's Obituary to be published in "eVeritas", RMC's alumni online news publication that is distributed to about 8,000 alumni periodically. Issue 13 of eVeritas is now available. Anyone can view the contents by going to "everitas.rmcclub.ca" and the current Issue 13 will open. Click on the bluntly-named section "Deaths" in the Table of Contents.
The first Item in this section provides information about arrangements for Jerry DONAHUE's funeral including the requirement to register for seats and the possibility to view live-streaming of the service. Next is the Obituary of another Classmate, Chuck GOODFELLOW. Scroll down past three other Obituaries and you will see Barry's Obituary. Barry was a wonderful person in many ways. This exposure in eVeritas will hopefully reach many of his friends in Canada and beyond. Best wishes to you, Nicole and to all the Family as you cope with your loss. Sincerely, Aus. 3201 Austen (Aus) Cambon, Class Secretary, Class of RR'52 / RMC '54
Jane Trites
I always enjoyed the conversations I had with Barry at Friday lunches. My deepest condolences to Nicole and family.
Jerry Valihora
I was sad to hear about Barry's recent death and I send my sincere condolences to Nicole and other family members. Judy and I remember biking with Barry and Nicole when we lived in Ottawa and I also have good memories of of golfing with Barry around the Ottawa area.
We were not great golfers but we always had fun.
Rest in peace, Barry
Roy Knighton
I am very sorry to see that Barry has passed away. During the 1990s as Transport Team Manager at the EBRD in London, I had the pleasure of working with Barry on a number of air navigation projects in Eastern Europe which the bank financed. I very much enjoyed Barry’s quiet, competent and efficient way of getting things done. We traveled together in Eastern Europe, attended the ICAO World Conference in Rio in 1998 and I also had the pleasure of visiting Barry and Nicole at their home in Ottawa. Heartfelt condolences to Nicole and her family.
I knew Barry from our time in 2 Field Squadron in Gagetown in 1965. As a fellow military pilot I flew Barry to Toronto for his interview with Transport Canada in fall of 1965. The military engineers' loss of Barry's talents was Transport Canada's gain. My condolences to the extended Blair family.