Little did I know that meeting my pre-assigned 1970 UW-Oshkosh dorm roommate would result in a lifelong friendship … what a blessing that turned out to be! Barrie soon introduced me to his girlfriend Kay (who has been another blessing in our lives) and I introduced them to mine (Anne). College life soon provided multiple opportunities for the 4 of us to become very good friends. As roommates, Barrie and I had the opportunity to share life’s triumphs, struggles and dreams. We often ate together as couples along with our group of friends (and yes Kay, we all remember who was always the last one done J). The Lord blessed Barrie and I with a unique opportunity to develop a bond unlike other friendships.
Our marriages (Barrie being the Best man in our wedding), careers, families and interests separated us by many miles but we often found time to visit or share a quick phone call to “get caught up”. We recall the wonderful memories of visits to see Barrie and Kay … Devil’s Lake State Park, Hartman Creek, the (3) homes in the Waupaca area, their return visits to the Oshkosh area and our homes. When possible, visits would be to help one another, enjoy social times together, catch a Brewers game, enjoy time on the water or just “hang out.” Kay … one most memorable was the number of trips in a single day to the boat launch to re-launch and retrieve several boats that Barrie had used for our “boating enjoyment” --- one after another they had all died on the chain. It sure was helpful that Barrie knew so many people on the lake that day as one after another gave us a tow back to the launch.
Whether you were talking with Barrie about family trips (somehow fishing always seemed to come up), a love for photography, his involvement with the lives of students or Waupaca sports, walking in the woods, sharing family joys and heartaches … you knew that his interests, concerns for your burdens, insights, wisdom, laughter, etc. were genuine and often focused on others rather than himself. I can recall many a shopping trip to find that unique tie to add to his rather “unique collection”. We also remember having the pleasure of opening our home to Aaron and his friends when they attended UW-Oshkosh for “home cooked meals” or to be another place away from campus they could “just feel at home”.
As Barrie walked through life and touched other’s lives, they, too, soon came to benefit from his friendship … something I had the distinct pleasure of knowing for over 40+ years. No doubt there is an empty spot in my life which I now allow to be filled with wonderful memories and the knowledge that someday, Barrie and I will be together in God’s presence! Barrie … you will always be the “Best Man”.
It is hard to think of Barrie without thinking of you Kay since I knew you almost from the day I met Barrie. Kay, we love you, deeply care about you and would be honored to carry on our unique friendship into the future. We pray that He would provide you with His grace to help you through each day.
Our condolances on tthe loss of a friend far ttoo soon.
Scott and Anne Ney