Captain W. Barry Morris
A Life Lived to Its Fullest
At 15 years of age living with his family and working their farm in Southwestern Ontario, he knew farming was not for him. Not being a healthy child and his sicknesses didn’t allow for the muscular build required for heavy farm work.
Barry travelled to British Columbia and worked a fur trap line near Mount Robson in the Rocky Mountains where he almost met his end. He became a CN track labourer, station manager and telegraph operator. It was around this time he decided he would fulfill his childhood dreams of flying. Barry had watched from the fields the maneuvers overhead of the air force flying missions out of NATO’s Training Base, Centralia.
He acquired his pilot and instructors licences and started out as a bush pilot in Northern British Columbia doing extensive flying in the High Arctic and overseas.
He built a successful airline business and pilot training school in B.C., which became the first "hub and spoke” feeder airline system. The airline flew passengers from the smaller communities into the larger communities where they could pick up international flights. It is now divided in among numerous small feeder airlines including an Air Canada subsidiary.
He was a member of the BC Aviation Council.
Federal Cabinet Minister, Jean Crétien commissioned him to fly him out of the interior of British Columbia on a highly secretive mission to return to Ottawa when the war measures act was enacted by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
Barry accepted a contract with the Iranian Oil Company as head pilot and Federal Aviation Authority pilot inspector. Unfortunately, he and his family barely made his two-year contact commitment when the Iranian Revolution broke out and they had to flee with the Shah. As it turned out, and in retrospect, he said many times that he should have never left his family’s departure as long as he did. They barely escaped and left him with a harrowing experience he never forgot.
Barry’s aviation career spanned about 60 accident-and-enforcement-free years and over 23,000 flying hours progressing from single-engine tail draggers, floats, and amphibians to such aircraft as the Challenger Jet 601, 601A and 601ER, the Waterbomber 215 and 215T, Dash 8, Dash 7, Transporter, Buffalo, Twin Otter, Otter, Beaver, Turbo-Beaver, and many various smaller single and twin-engine aircraft.
Barry spent eight years on de Havilland Aircraft’s Accident Investigation Committee. He travelled the world advising local country accident investigators on our de Havilland aircraft.
Barry has instructed pilots and airlines worldwide in initial, advanced, instrument, multi-engine, jet prop and jet. He was one of the first de Havilland test pilots to fly the then new Dash 8 and instruct airline pilots around the world on de Havilland and Canadair aircraft types and airline indoctrination.
During his career, he was involved with several international search and rescue flights to locate missing downed aircraft. One of them was the Electra crash of 1975 which made headlines for many years because of its nature in Canada’s cold high arctic.
Barry was a test and demonstration pilot for de Havilland Aircraft, Boeing Canada, and Bombardier/Canadair. He set up and operated mining, oil and gas exploration flight operations in developing countries, assisted established airlines integrate new aircraft types into their operations, trained flight and ground support groups and movement of aircraft worldwide. He retired from Boeing deHavilland as Manager of Flight Training having direct responsibility for training standards at Flight Safety International in Toronto.
After Barry retired from Boeing deHavilland/Bombardier/Canadair, he along with his wife, Linda opened a successful aviation business, providing consulting services, pilots and engineers to airlines around the world to assist in building their airlines. We held charter operation licenses for domestic and international flights, while ferrying and test flying aircraft for airlines on a contract-basis worldwide.
Barry was elected and served as Councillor in the Village of Sundridge from 2006 to the end of 2014. He did not run for another term as he wanted to dedicate more time on his books dealing with his 60-year career in aviation.
In 2011, he delivered a Dash 8 from San Marcos, Texas to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan under the code name “CARDSHARK”. He handed over the aircraft at the same time and at the same airport the US Navy SEALs captured Osama bin Laden.
Barry wrote monthly stories for the Great North Arrow newspaper based on his worldwide aviation experiences, which were well-received by the reading public.
He served three years as Aviation Technical Consultant for “Arctic Air”, for CBC TV.
His books comprise a trilogy of his lifetime adventures, highlighting in depth what it was like growing up on a farm without mechanization, indoor toilets or inside running water culminating in being included in a prestigious group of Canada’s foremost test and demonstration pilots. It deals with all his “adventures” that occurred along the way. The first book is in re-write, the second is still partially in his handwritten notes. The deHavilland part of his story will, unfortunately, remain unwritten.
In 2011, Barry was presented with the Canadian Owners’ & Pilots Association Award of Merit presented annually if a person is recognized as doing something special to further COPA’s aims over a period of time and recognizes individuals demonstrating an outstanding record of support for general aviation in Canada and to aid in the promotion, growth and prosperity of aviation in Canada.
In 2011, he received Transport Canada Aviation Safety Honourable Mention for his life-long promotion of safety in aviation.
Barry received a Federal Government Award in recognition of outstanding support for general aviation in Canada and commending his continued efforts promoting the aviation industry.
He received a Byline Magazine Short Article 2006 Honourable mention for one of his stories; “A Royal Flight”.
Barry leaves behind his wife, Linda, and their extensive family.
His children: Karen Wettlaufer, Chris Morris, Nicole Morris, Tammy Morris, Michelle Morris. His grandchildren; Ashley and Brandon Laura Morris, Alex Dempsey, Ethan Dempsey, Jack Morris. His great grandchildren: Devlon, Braylon and Bryson. And one more just to enter this world: His grandson Brandon and his spouse, Amanda, are waiting the birth of their first child.
His younger brother Murray and Isabel’s family, Laura (son Wyatt), Tanya (children Eva and Dylan), Michael and Rodney. (Murray predeceased Barry by 15 years)
His half-brother, Wayne Westman, his wife Zorheh and their extensive family.
And a slew of other children that called him “Uncle Barry”. He always lovingly referred to himself and “Uncle Barry”.
I know this has been long, but the situation warrants it. He took the path in life that not too many people tread. It provided him with a life-time of “adventures”. His passing has left a gaping hole in all our lives, but there has been the creation of another star in heaven.
Barry’s moto was “you get back what you put in”. Always strive for something better.
He will be missed by so many.
Your loving wife, Linda, your family, and all your friends…goodbye kind soul. Until we meet again.
Barry Hubbard
Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2015My heartfelt condolences to Linda and all the family…I am truly sorry for your loss and regret not having kept a closer friendship…my last “long range” ferry flight at DHC was with Barry…Christchurch NZ to Glasgow UK and a memorable flight it was..goodbye my friend.
Ken Tilley
Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2015God speed Barry.
High Flight
John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of –Wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Joel & Anna Paul
Posted on: Sunday, September 6, 2015With deepest sympathies and condolences to the Morris Family. Like many, and during the course of many enjoyable years at De Havilland, I was always touched by Barry’s kindness, gentleness and great sense of humor. I am glad our professional lives briefly connected.
Anne Marie Scheffler
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2015I always knew Mr. Morris as Michelle’s dad. A real character. What a life. Brave and loving. My condolences for the entire family especially Michelle, Tammy and Nicole. xoxo Anne
Bill Montgomery
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2015My sincere condolences to Linda and Family
Last trip together Nepal 1989 very enjoyable with Linda and my Wife Joyce
SAFE JOURNEY BARRY
Thomas Cleland
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2015Linda and Family
I knew Barry for barely 8 years, having met him at the Sundridge town council.
Somehow the conversation came round to flying . I let him know that my Dad and I had flown together for 43 years but aince his passing, I had not been up.
He proudly took me to the airport to imtroduce me to some nice folk and just generaly do what flyers do, look at rhe planes and share some tales.
We became fast friends and stayed in touch since. He was a diligent communicator and friend and often reached out to me with concern if we had not spoken in a while.
I was so looking forward to spending time with him since you had both moved south. But alas time is fleeting and it was not meant to be.
Barry was a kind and gentle soul and someone I was ever proud to call my friend. I will miss our long and interesting conversations.
Farewell my friend.
Like I so often think of my own father when I see the glint of sunlight on the body of a floatplane headed somewhere fun, while the passengers breifly enjoy that unmatchable feeling of being above it all , now I will also think of and miss my friend Barry.
Thomas Cleland
Terry Lynn (Schneider) Phillips
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2015Beautifully written Linda… what a life so rich in character. My condolences for your and your family’s loss. I know what a special relationship he had with my father who has and will miss him. All weekend every plane we heard overhead hearkened his memory…
Terry Lynn (Schneider) Phillips
Waye and Bev Beavis
Posted on: Monday, September 7, 2015Our deepest sympathy, Linda and family. We are shocked as well as Barry and Wayne had a great visit last week. May your fond memories give you comfort in the coming days.
He was an amazing man with so many interesting stories and adventures to share!
Kim Seguin
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2015So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing Linda. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed. He always tried to find a way to put a smile on our face when he was in to the office with a cute little joke or one of his own anecdotes. He was a generous soul.
Kevin Psutka
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2015I came to know Barry during my time as President of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. His tireless effort to promote and protect the Almaguin Highlands Air Park illustrated his extensive aviation experience and especially his understanding of the importance of General Aviation to the health of the airlines as well as the economic generator that the airport was and could be for the region. For this, as well as his extensive contributions to aviation and Canada, Barry received a COPA Award of Merit in 2011 “for his wide and varied support in development of General Aviation in Canada”. He remained engaged in this effort right until the end. Most recently, he kept me in the loop as he worked with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on the transfer of artifacts in his possession to the museum so that generations to come can appreciate what aviation has contributed to Canada’s development as well as Canada’s aviation sector to the world.
Barry will be missed for sure but he will live on the hearts of all aviators who came to know him and his passion for aviation. Smooth flights Barry!
Laura Sims
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2015I was sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. I met him while serving on the Rec committee in Sundridge, He was always so encouraging and kind and full of airport news. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and family.
maureen ednie and garry rice
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2015So sorry for your loss’ I know what your going through That was such a beauifull obituary that you wrote for Barry. He had a wonderful life but he will be missed
Sarah Dodd
Posted on: Tuesday, September 8, 2015My heart goes out to Michelle and to her family for their loss. I had the privilege of meeting Barry both as Michelle’s dad and as our aviation consultant on Arctic Air. I know I speak for the entire writing staff on that series when I say Barry was a passionate storyteller, always eager to educate us and to share his sometimes harrowing adventures. His enthusiasm for all things aviation was contagious. We will always remember and be grateful for his contribution.
All the best,
Sarah
Norman Miller
Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2015I got to know Barry through his time as a Sundridge councilor. I always enjoyed our conversations, most recently two weeks ago, that inevitably got around to some flying related theme. He was a passionate advocate for the Sundridge-Almaguin Highlands airport and worked hard supporting it. I will treasure the history of de Havilland book that he gave me a few years back. I hope that his adventures that are recorded are published as there is much that can be learned from the way Barry lived his life. He lived a full and exciting life and will be greatly missed. It was an honour and pleasure to have known Barry. Norm Miller, MPP, Parry Sound-Muskoka
Lynda & Mel McLaren
Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2015Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families, Linda. Cherish the memories.
Krisinda Westman
Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2015I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Barry’s passing. My condolences to Linda. And to Nicole, Tammy and Michelle, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I have such fond memories of spending time together with all of you guys when we were kids. Thinking of all of you. xoxo
Bob Gumbinger
Posted on: Wednesday, September 9, 2015From Delia and myself our deepest condolences to Linda and Berry’s family. It was always a great pleasure to fly with him in various parts of the world. His warm friendly manner and dry sense of humour made everybody like him on first contact. Our last trip together was to Afghanistan and I knew if we got into trouble he would instantly make friends and all would be OK. Safe trip Barry.
David Lowe (Kas Tchay Pas NoHo Mukwa)
Posted on: Friday, September 11, 2015My friend has taken flight from this earth for the last time. Barry was a beautiful soul who loved to touch the sky. I knew Barry only for about 10 years but in that time he and I bonded as co-lovers of all things “airplane”. Barry flew them, I admired them. Barry and I did politics together, we tried to do many things for the good of our peoples together but the most rewarding time I had with my friend Barry happened when Barry invited me to join him for a personally escorted “behind the scenes” tour of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. It was an obvious thrill for Barry as he admired some of the aircraft which were actually older than he was! He and I were thrilled when we got to see an actual piece of an Avro Arrow. Ah, it was a great time. I haven’t gotten to see my friend Barry much since I left Muskoka and then Ottawa. We did chat on the phone and by email, but sadly, not enough. I am going to miss my old friend, the Captain. Barry, keep your love of the sky as you meet the Great Spirit. We will all miss you brother.
Peter Rebek
Posted on: Friday, September 11, 2015Sincere condolences Linda and family,
I had the great privilege of working with Barry shortly after I joined Boeing deHavilland. I did my first demonstration flight with him to Dallas for the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) then on to Mexico City. Barry took me under his wing, providing his insights and wisdom as he displayed his great story telling and friendships along the way. During our training assignment to Taiwan the following year, we shared our friendship again. During an after dinner stroll he surprised me with his enjoyment of video games as we popped into an arcade. I certainly enjoyed the stories and history that he shared wth me. He was quite the talker. He was soft spoken, a gentleman and a friend. He was also a great writer. The segment of the book he shared a few years ago that he had written captured my interest, quite rivetting actually as I found it captivating reading his escape from Iran. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Barry was also blessed with a wonderful partner, Linda. He certainly put a lot of effort into anything he tackled and had a great career. May you rest in peace Barry.
“Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!” May we celebrate a life well lived!
Jim & Joan Nicholson
Posted on: Saturday, September 12, 2015Dear Linda and Loved Ones: May the God of all comfort be with you now, and always. We thank you for the special place that you and Barry filled in Sundridge and area. We feel your loss.
Shirley Hallett
Posted on: Saturday, September 12, 2015Dear Linda and Family,-
We were saddened to hear of Barrys’ passing,and not being in touch since you moved from Sundridge.
We have fond memories of you both while you had your cottage on the island,joking with Barry that we may possibly be related.
The highlight was him taking me flying over Lake Cecebe,taking off from the ice in our bay.
May you have peace,courage and loving memories to hold,forever in your heart,we will be in touch,Shirley(Morris)&Alvin Hallett
Cyndi Culbert and Jim Shedden
Posted on: Sunday, September 13, 2015Fly high Captain, seek skies and adventures farther and higher than you have evr been. We know in our hearts that we will learn of your new adventures in some magnificent way. We will miss your stories, your friendship , and Barry, I will miss your hugs. Linda, as difficult as it may seem, stay strong, Barry will never truly be gone. I for one, will always see him walking through the door with his leather flight jacket on bearing its pilots wings. Watch over us Barry.
Moni Arber
Posted on: Tuesday, September 15, 2015Moni Arber
My warmest sympathy and compassion for Linda, Michelle, Nicole and Tammy for the deep loss of a loving soul, husband and father. I remember with joy Barry’s visits to Switzerland, his friendship with Kellard who has certainly welcomed him with open arms on the other side. Barry’s humour and his adventurous life will always be remembered.
To Those I Loved And Who Loved Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go –
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy that we had these precious years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on;
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say
„Welcome home“.
Author unknown
Pat Porth
Posted on: Tuesday, September 15, 2015So sorry for your loss, Linda, and fascinated to read the story of Barry’s life. What a very full and rewarding one it was. I’ve been worried about you as you seemed to be alone at home, but haven’t wanted to intrude in your sorrow. But as I said in my card, if there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to call.
Lisa Westman
Posted on: Friday, September 25, 2015I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Barry. I’m sorry for your loss Linda. Nicole, Tammy and Michelle, I’m sorry for the loss of your dad. I too have great memories of times together growing up. My thoughts are with you. oxxo
Sonya Fletcher-Hicks
Posted on: Monday, September 28, 2015Linda, Nicole, Tammy and Michelle.
It was with great saddness to learn of Barrys’ passing. I have so many fond memories growing up of the Morris family. Parties at Uncle Carmans and Aunt Margarets. Visits to our house…which usually meant a trip to Mitchell by the dads for pizza. My first plane ride with my sister to your home where we spent the weekend riding the horses. I think there may have even been a slight argument between the girls and that led to manure being flung! My second plane ride was one Sunday night having dinner and Barry called and off to Russeldale we went to go for a ride. Not only did Barry live an incredible life, but he touched many of us along the way. I as a child and as an adult loved to hear him tell about his adventures. He did a lot in his life, and will be loved by all of us forever. Rest in peace Barry! Love, Sonya, Geoff, Riley and Jenna
Lois Brisbois
Posted on: Tuesday, December 8, 2015“The highest art form of all is a human being in control of himself and his airplane in flight, urging the spirit of a machine to match his own.”
Richard Bach
Barry got to practice his art for a lifetime. Now he flies free. I’m thinking of you Linda.