Johnson, Barry Joseph, age 56, Summerside Road, Antigonish County

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Joseph Johnson, age 56, on September 8, 2023, at home.

Born and raised in St. Andrews, Barry was the tenth child of the late Mary and Eddie Johnson’s eleven children.  He was a brother, uncle, husband, and friend. but his greatest joy in life were his children, Kelsey and B.J.

Barry was an extremely hard-working man.  He worked at North Bay Fisheries Co -op for thirty-five years where he made many friends.  He loved the ocean, and he was known to have a hamburger or two from Fish & Ships laughing with his sisters Karen and Bev. Following his time at the Co-op, he decided to try construction, working for Caper Developments.  He again came home laughing about the friends he made, the jokes about his lunch and the things he found funny on the job.  Barry got to spend everyday with his brother Daryl, his best friend, and for this we are very grateful.

Barry was a kind soul with a heart of gold.  Not one to use many words, Barry used his actions to show how much he cared. He spent time at his three favorite places: on the water with BJ in the boat; at the camp with Darryl; but mostly in his shop.  The door was always open and friends and neighbors always welcome.

Barry referred to himself as "the cat with nine lives".  He had his first heart attack at age 36 and had two more over the next 20 years.  He never one felt sorry for himself, providing for his family, cutting hardwood, fixing the roof, and working endless hours fixing cars, trucks, 4 wheelers and anything else with wheels.

Barry’s world was his children.  He was proud of their accomplishments and the wonderful kind adults they became supporting Kelsey through seven years of university and B.J. who became a heavy-duty mechanic.  He said Kelsey sang like an angel and BJ had become a better mechanic that him.  When BJ introduced Mary, he instantly liked her and had another daughter to love.

Barry is survived by his wife Diane (Myette) with whom he had thirty-five years with; daughter, Kelsey and son, BJ (Mary Stewart); siblings: Sally (Frank Mauger), D’Escousse; Dorethy Higgins, Edmonton; Mary Davidson, Toronto; Margie (Lloyd), Mattie Settlement; Bev MacLellan (Bill), Arisaig; Karen (Allan) MacKay, Livingstone’s Cove; Theresa, Georgeville, Darryl, St. Andrews; father-in-law, Donnie Myette; brother in law Gary (Danielle) Myette.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary (Nauffts) Johnson; brothers, Charlie and Bobby Johnson and Paul and Donna in infancy; nephews, Troy and Trevor Higgins, Edmonton niece Kathy O’Hara, Toronto and mother-in law, Peggy Myette.

Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm.  Funeral Mass will be in St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie on Friday at 11:00 am with Father John Barry presiding.  Donations in his memory may be made to the family for a continuing education fund.  Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.

           "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that

            I can do or kindness that I can show to any human being let me

            do it now for I shall not pass this way again."