May 4, 1940 - May 4, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
With profound sadness and broken hearts, the family of Barrie Dean Wootton announce his peaceful passing on his 82nd birthday, May 4, 2022.
Predeceased by his father Elmer (Toke), his mother Millie, and his brother Paul, Barrie will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 62 years Bev, his children Kathy (Ken), Maureen (Rob), Brian (Vicki), and Wendy, his 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his Auntie Peg, his bro-cousin Gary Napper, 5 nephews and their families, sister-in-law Marilyn, and his good friend and coffee buddy Ted.
Loved by all who knew him, Dad was adopted as "Uncle Barrie" by many outside of the family as well.
Born and raised in New Westminster, Dad graduated from Lester Pearson in 1958 and married the love of his life in 1960. He served his machinist apprenticeship at Burrard Dry Dock, and joined Mainland Manufacturing in 1964 as an expeditor. Dad worked his way up to the position of Production Manager, a job he loved, and retired in 1991.
Moving his young family to Langley in 1969, Dad became heavily involved in his growing community, acting as a volunteer fire fighter, giving countless hours to Langley Minor Hockey, as well as coaching the various other sports teams his children decided to join.
In 1999 he became a kidney transplant recipient and strong supporter of organ donation. Although the life expectancy of a transplanted kidney was limited at the time, Dad was so careful and respectful of the gift of life he received and the donor who gave it, the kidney transplant was still successful 23 years later.
Dad was a kind and caring man who deeply loved his family, Tim Horton's French Vanilla coffee, wintering in Arizona, cruising, and feeling the sun on his face. He enjoyed road trips, watching Hockey Night in Canada, football on Sundays, a good steak, and frozen butter tarts snuck from the freezer.
Dad's greatest joy, however, was watching and hearing about his children's and grandchildren's activities and accomplishments. Through triumph and tears, Dad was always there with a helping hand or hug when needed. He taught his children a strong work ethic and to take care of others, as he took care of his wife, children and grandchildren and his widowed mother.
Diagnosed with dementia in 2014, Dad refused to let it define him and lived his life with a quiet strength, gratitude for little things, and determination. Although we are devastated to lose him, we are grateful that Dad left before this cruel disease could rob him of his dignity and personality.
Our family thanks Dr. Martin for his many years of care and guidance, Dr. Chih-ho Hong, the amazing Renal and Vascular medical teams at St. Paul's hospital and Newton Post Transplant Clinic, and the wonderful staff at Jackman Manor for their care, dedication and respect during this last year.
We also extend our thanks to Valley Pharmacy for their support with Dad's complex medical and transplant needs and their accurate blister packaging!
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider signing an organ donor card or making a donation to either the St. Paul's Hospital Renal Program or Jackman Manor.
At Dad's request, no service will be held.