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BARRY NELIN
Unexpectedly on August 3, Barry passed away at his home in Nanaimo, British Columbia at age 78. Father, grandfather, teacher, principal, cyclist, downhill skier and avid reader. He will be greatly missed by daughter Lesley (Rob), son Matthew (Danna), grandson Logan, granddaughter Gemma, brother Grant (Margot), close friends Judy and Dave, as well as by his previous wife Margaret, and his nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Remaining fit and active, Barry enjoyed his regular ski trips to the mountains and recently purchased his annual season pass for Whistler. He cycled 60 to 80 km road trips with his cycling friends, and only in the last year did he bow to ‘peer pressure’ by purchasing a peddle assist bike to tackle the BC hills.
Barry grew up on Clifton Bay in Winnipeg’s west end attending Issac Brock and Daniel Macintyre schools before achieving a BA and Teachers credentials at the University of Manitoba. He taught and lived in Charleswood during the majority of his working career. Along the way he built a cottage at Black Sturgeon Lake which was a special place for his family. Each summer it was also a starting point for the several day canoe/camping trips he enjoyed. After retirement he made the move to Nanaimo to enjoy his outdoor interests all year round and be close to his friends.
His desire was for no funeral service. For those who wish, it would be appropriate to have a special thought for him the next time cycling, skiing, canoeing or reading an enjoyable book.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2023
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Barry was vice principal at Royal School in Charleswood when I was teaching there. A very gifted talented man and good at what he did. Sincere condolences to his family and friends - Posted by: Trudy Johnson (Colleague) on: Jun 22, 2024
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We were shocked to hear of Barry's sudden passing. He was a close family friend over many years in Nanaimo. He was also "a fitness guru" as well as a kind man. We will really miss him at Smith family gatherings. Our sincere condolences to all of the Nelin family. - Posted by: Heather & Jim Smith (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2023
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Mr. Nelin served as principal during some of my years at Chapman Elementary. Sending condolences to his friends and loved ones. - Posted by: Bonnie Carpenter (Former Student ) on: Aug 25, 2023
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Barry was a kind and gentle man who loved activities outdoors. His daughter Lesley was friends with our daughter Arlee and they would drive the small fishing boats back and forth to visit each other. We have many fond memories of time spent at the lake with Barry and Lesley. Godspeed my friend. - Posted by: Rob Perry (Lake Friend) on: Aug 13, 2023
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Mr. Nelin coached Matthew and I in hockey with my dad and was a lifelong friend of our family. However, I think I will remember him most for sharing one of his lifelong passions. When I was a kid, Mr. Nelin was kind enough to include me on a ski trip that he was taking to Frost Fire with Matthew. This was my first experience downhill skiing, and I loved it! I remember distinctly that Barry liked to carve his way down the hill working his edges, whereas Matthew loved speed and zipped straight down. I think about Mr. Nelin anytime I have the opportunity to hit the slopes now with my young children (admittedly, I am much less patient with them than he was with me that day...must have been a gift from his years of service in education). My sincere condolences to Matthew, Lesley, and all of the Nelin family. - Posted by: Rob Mutter (Family friend) on: Aug 12, 2023