Barry Robinson
Sugar Bear
1957 – 2022
It is with extreme sorrow that we announce Barry’s passing after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Barry was born in Minnedosa Manitoba to Anne and Donald Robinson. Barry was the baby of a family of seven. Barry was predeceased by both his parents, sisters Jean and Peggy and brother Len. Barry is survived by his loving spouse Nicci, sons Troy, Ian and AJ. Sisters Mavis (Dennis), Donna (Dale), and his brother Rick (Eileen), nine grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barry was extremely proud of his boys. He loved and supported them in anything they wanted to do in their lives. But, PapablueBarry or Poppy was over the moon about the grands. Micah, Summer, Benjamin, Isla, Miss Lilly, Ashton, Ella, Hayden and Finley. They loved to spend time with him and helping him with his puzzles. Poppy looked forward to the Saturday morning breakfasts. They were always entertaining.
Sugar Bear worked his whole life across this country drilling and blasting. He worked for many great companies and with some very great men. Barry was a friend to all and he had time for everyone and anyone. Barry worked with the Local 607 Labourers for many years but it was with Arnason Industries that Barry found his home and his passion. Barry became a mentor in the north. He loved doing what he did with a crew he respected for a boss he admired. He spent twenty-seven years working with the men and women that were really his other family. His son Troy joined that family to be mentored by his father and can now carry on what this legend of a man taught him.
Barry used to carry around at least one sandwich on every job in case he ran into a stray dog. He texted me many pictures wondering if we wanted a fourth dog. The dogs were always right at his feet and they adored him as much as he did them.
There was always a puzzle on the table, a hobby carried over from his mom. Every one liked to help him with them. As soon as one was done another was started using his very precise sorting method. If you didn’t know, there is a certain way to do puzzles.
Barry enjoyed the simple things. His dogs, hockey, golf and a couple of beer and he enjoyed his home time with Mumsie. He was humble, stoic, and quiet but he made an incredible impact on all who knew and loved him. He really was the most upstanding man and it was an amazing life we shared.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a short service on June 18th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Alcock Funeral Home in Keewatin Ontario and a Celebration of Barry’s life will follow at the Lakeshore Hotel from 12 – 4.
The honorary pallbearers are Dwayne Miller, Troy Robinson, Craig Paul, Wally Harper, Lucas Larade, Jeff Peterson and Steve Kozak.
Masking required to enter funeral home.