Posted Jul 27, 2026 | 3:48 PM
Barrie was born on May 8th, 1936, in Burslem, Staffordshire England and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 26th, 2026, at West Lake Terrace in Picton, Ontario.
Barrie will always be missed by his loving wife and partner Susan (nee Peake), his sons Richard (Ronald), Steven (Linda), and daughter Laurie. He leaves behind grandchildren Christina, Adam, Alisabeth (Nate), Ross, Kevin, Kyle, Joseph, Christopher, Noah and his Great Grandson Jaxon. He is also survived by his nephew Russel and niece Sandi. Additionally, he will be remembered by his extended family of Bobbi-Ann Whelan, John Robert Whelan (Kim) Jason Patrick Whelan (Tasha) John Whelan as well as friends and relatives in England and beyond.
He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Lily (nee Mayer) along with his sisters Sonia and Yvonne who lived in South Africa.
Barrie spent a big part of his youth in Durban, South Africa after moving there with his family in 1944. While living there he trained to become a carpenter-a skill that served him well throughout his life. In 1956 he traveled through England and Europe with friends before making his way to North America where he settled in Montreal. It was there he met his first wife Joan (nee Brennan, deceased) and began working as a firefighter for the Westmount Fire Department starting June 1957. While battling a fire in January of 1962 Barrie suffered severe injuries when an aerial truck collapsed while he was on the 100′ ladder. After returning to work on light duties he retired from the fire department in 1965. He then joined C. P. Rail’s Insurance Department before moving to Improved Risk Mutual (I. R. M.) as a field representative in their Fire Prevention Engineering Department which required relocating to the United States.
In 1974 Barrie became part of American International Groups (A. I. G.) which prompted him to move back to Canada where he took on the role of Engineering Manager for Canada in 1976; later becoming Vice President of Fire Prevention Engineering in 1980. His career had him traveling all over the globe until retiring from A. I. G. in 1991. In addition to this role, Barrie opened the first Canadian Invisible Fence Brand pet containment dealership back in 1989-eventually establishing dealerships across Canada while becoming Invisible Fence Brand’s first Canadian Distributor before fully retiring in 2009.
Barrie had a love for the outdoors; being an avid sportsman and dog lover all through life enjoying activities like hunting, fishing, trap shooting and rally car driving. He cherished time spent with friends at trap clubs or fishing alongside childhood friend George Godfrey from Texas whom he met during his time in South Africa. Traveling brought him joy too; these outdoor hobbies allowed him opportunities to explore many parts of the world.
A true gentleman at heart with a warm smile and gentle laugh that brightened everyone’s day-he had a generous spirit always willing to lend a hand when needed. Though he’ll be greatly missed here on earth; we can picture him now happily holding a fishing rod or aiming for those elusive clay targets.
Following Barrie’s wishes there will be a private funeral service with cremation afterward; interment will take place at another time. A casual gathering for family and friends to remember Barrie will occur on Friday July ,31 at Burke Funeral Home located at150 Church Street Belleville between1:30pm -3pm where everyone is welcome share fond memories about him together over light refreshments provided.
The family would like express heartfelt gratitude towards staff members at West Lake Terrace LTCHfor their exceptional care given during Barrie’s stay within this loving home environment.
If you wish , donations may be made towards Parkinson’s Foundation Heart & Stroke Cancer Society Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward or any charity close your heart memory honoring Barrie. Online Condolences can shared at www. Burke Funeral. ca
Full Name : Barrie James Welch Date : May 8, 1936 – July 26, 2026
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