Robert Edward (Barry) Moffatt passed away peacefully on the morning of October 19, 2026, at the age of 93 years.
Loving husband of the late Marilyn Moffatt (Mills) and Father of Kathy (John) Stuart, Waterloo, Ontario; the late Nancy Moffatt, Huntsville, Alabama; Rob (Louise Morin), Jeff (Bobbi Faulkner), and Steve (Tammy). He is survived by his loving Grandchildren Katie (Tim), Lauren (Jess), Alex (Malloray), Michael (Amanda), Robyn (Stanley Li), Nicholas, Brendan, Aidan and Jack, and his Great-Grandchildren Elizabeth, Cameron, Dylan and Parker. Special Grampa to Jordan (Angelika), Noah and Caleb and special Great-Grampa to Henry and Audrey. He was predeceased by his Grandson Matt in 2024.
Born in Ottawa on November 5, 1932, to Ted and Ethel (Rowan) Moffatt, he attended Glebe Collegiate, Pickering College and Carleton University. He was a gifted athlete who was recognized as one of Ontario’s finest young runners, earning the nickname “Miler Moffatt.” He later graduated from the University of New Brunswick as a Professional Civil Engineer.
Barry was an active member of the Ottawa business community and in his mid-twenties founded Moffatt Construction. Through hard work, determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he built the company into one of the region’s largest multi-dimensional construction operations. Even as a successful businessman he remained remarkably unpretentious throughout his life.
Barry and Marilyn shared a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together they raised five children, travelled the world and shared a community of lifelong friends. They loved to entertain, and there was rarely a shortage of people at their home, their cottage on Big Rideau Lake or, in later years, their winter home in Fort Lauderdale. Marilyn’s passing in 2020 left an enormous void in Barry’s life, and he missed his wife and best friend dearly.
With a busy family and a demanding career, Barry nevertheless made time to enjoy life fully. He loved cottage life, sailing, golf, skiing, travelling and spending time with family and friends. A consummate practical joker, he was outgoing, fun-loving and always ready for the next adventure. Whether sailing in the Caribbean, skiing in Europe or deciding to ride a bobsled run in Yugoslavia simply for the fun of it, Barry embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and on his own terms.
He will also be fondly remembered by his extensive community of friends at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, where he was an active member for almost forty years and co-founded the Wednesday Men’s Golf League. His years at The Royal brought him great happiness, and many were fortunate to share in his outgoing nature and great sense of humour.
Throughout his life, Barry understood the importance of giving back. A longstanding member of Kiwanis, he also supported numerous charitable causes and, together with Marilyn, was particularly committed to the Canadian Cancer Society. He co-founded the “It’s a Beautiful Day” Golf Tournament and generously gave his time and resources to help others.
Barry believed in the sanctity of family, the value of friendship and the importance of finding time to enjoy the journey along the way. He was a devoted Husband and Father, a mentor, a leader and a cherished friend to many. Loyal, generous and resilient, he seldom complained and never took himself too seriously. He lived a full and remarkable life, very much on his own terms, and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune of knowing him.
There is comfort for his family in knowing that Barry is now reunited with Marilyn, Nancy, Matt and so many cherished friends who have gone before him.
The family is forever grateful to the physicians, nurses and staff at Bruyère for the outstanding care, compassion and dignity they provided Barry in his final days.
Friends and family are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Visitation on Monday, October 26th from 6pm to 8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 27th at 10am in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, followed by an Interment at Beechwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry’s memory may be made to the Bruyère Health Foundation.
Until we meet again, I wish you well
I hope your light shines easily
And until we meet again, it doesn’t matter how we’ve done
On Athol side I’ll see you further on
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