To receive our quickest response, please call us at (519) 395-2969 for our Ripley location or (519) 528-3432 for our Lucknow location 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Someone will be there to answer your call and get you the assistance you need when you need it.
Visitation will be held at MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow on Tuesday July 18, 2023 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, and one hour prior to the funeral service (10:00 - 11:00 AM) at the Lucknow Presbyterian church. Please come dressed casually.
A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday July 19, 2023 at the Lucknow Presbyterion Church at 11:00 AM.
Please come in casual attire to honour Barry's wishes.
Cemetery: A private family interment at Greenhill Cemetery.
Barry Alexander McDonagh peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 14th, at Victoria Hospital, London at the age of 81. Barry leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Betty, his children, Mike (Kim) McDonagh, daughter-in-law Lynn McDonagh, and Tracey (Steve) Simpson. Nine grandchildren, Keshia, Kyllie, Breanne, Hilary, Tanner, Robin, Bailey, Chad, and Kenzie proudly called him Papa. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and brothers Ross McDonagh, and Rod (Joanne) McDonagh who will miss him dearly. Many nieces and nephews fondly knew him as "Uncle Barry". Predeceased by his parents Jack and Norma McDonagh, his brothers Murray and Chuck McDonagh, and his beloved son Wayne.
Many would remember Barry as a business man who took great pride in what he accomplished. He spent 26 years as an owner at McDonagh Insurance Brokers, and B.A. McDonagh Real Estate. He was a long serving member of the Lucknow Fire Department, the Lions Club and he spent many years helping with Lucknow Minor Sports. Some of his fondest memories to talk about were his days spent at the rink or on the ball diamond where he excelled as a pitcher.
In the warmer months Betty and he made their home along the shore of Lake Huron which was their favourite place to be. He quickly became the local waterskin instructor, barbecue master, and opened his door and deck to everyone.
When retired, Betty and he spent their winter months in Citrus Ridge, Florida where he was known as the local handyman before noon and enjoyed endless games of cribbage around the pool in the afternoon with the snowbird crew.
He will be missed, not only by his family, but also by the community in which he proudly called home.
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Betty and Family
We are saddened to learn of Barry's passing. He was one of the most admired and respected owners here at Citrus Ridge and will be sorely missed. May God bless you and your Family as you mourn his loss and celebrate his life.
Message from Andrew and Nancy (Sanders) McVittie2023-07-25 13:33:51
Betty and Family. So sorry to hear af Barry’s passing. He was a wonderful man. My kids and I have so many great memories of our time spent with him at Citrus Ridge. It won’t be the same there without him.
Often times when you are no longer a resident of Citrus Ridge, your dedication and volunteerism is forgotten but not the case with Barry. Anytime we drove through he was there with a smile and a handshake! He was not only the family patriarch, he was the patriarch of Citrus Ridge as well. Our deepest condolences to Betty and his entire family.
Our Deepest Sympathies. Our apologies for missing the service. We just heard tonight about Barry's passing. Mom and Dad will be above with open arms to welcome him home.
Message from Jim and Donna Muir2023-07-20 16:02:14
Dear Betty, Mike, Kim, Lynn, Steve, Tracey and families
We were so sad to hear that Barry passed away. We will surely miss him. We have had a lot of fun with your family over the years for sure. He was a great fellow. Jim and Donna
Message from Brenda Melong2023-07-20 08:26:34
My sincere sympathy to you all; Barry was such a wonderful man and will be missed by all. I had the privilege to know and work with Barry and have many wonderful memories to cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace.
My deepest sympathy Betty and family on your loss. Barry will be missed. Holding all close to my heart.
Message from Dick and Dianne Lohnes2023-07-19 13:32:15
Our sympathy to the entire family on Barry’s passing. We will definitely miss our neighbor in Citrus Ridge! Always a friendly “hello” or wave as we walked by.
Prayers as you grieve his loss.
Message from Doug Steel2023-07-19 13:16:47
Betty, Mike, Tracey and families. Sincere condolences. I always remember the smiles.
Sending sympathy and condolences to all. Remember all the good times to help you get through the days and months ahead. I remember with a smile when I would look in the mirror on the wall while playing the organ at the Ashfield Presbyterian church and see your tanned and happy faces looking back at me. There’s certainly been lots of changes in the past few years - but family and friends help us manage - and by the number of messages received you certainly have lots of friends and acquaintances that will help you through the tough days ahead.
Betty and family, Barry was a wonderful man. I had a few good chats with Barry over the years and his love for Betty was very apparante. May your happy memeories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
Wishing you peace,
Love Gina & Destinee.
Message from Paul and Eleanor Henderson2023-07-18 19:54:11
Betty and your family
We have so many great memories of growing up in Lucknow together.
Barry was our ace pitcher in baseball and a good friend and teammate.
We send our condolences to your whole family.
Paul and Eleanor Henderson
Message from Paul and Eleanor Henderson2023-07-18 19:45:46
Betty and your family
We have so many great memories of growing up in Lucknow together.
Barry was our ace pitcher in baseball and a good friend and teammate.
We send our condolences to your whole family.
Paul and Eleanor Henderson
Our hearts & thoughts are with all Barry’s family at this sad time in your lives.
Message from Fred and Lynn Jones2023-07-18 14:07:21
Dear Betty and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Barry's passing and send our sincere condolences. We will always remember Barry for his love of life, family and friends. Barry was an integral part of the Citrus Ridge community, contributing and volunteering endlessly. He will be missed by all and we send our love and prayers. Fred and Lynn Jones
We are deeply saddened that Barry has passed but so incredibly grateful that we knew him. He was a true gentleman, a gentle man and such a well-loved, well-respected member of our community. A life well lived.
Love to all of Barry’s family.
Message from Bruce and Jayne Skinn2023-07-18 11:43:00
Our sincere sympathy to all of the Mcdonagh family.
Hi Betty and family
So sorry to hear about Barry
My condolences to u and your
Family
Your friend Wayne Mayhew
Message from Terri and Neil Cathcart2023-07-18 08:53:21
Betty, Tracey, Mike and extended family, our deepest sympathy to the family. We had some memorable times when we visited Citrus Ridge with Barry. He was a great man. We will be thinkng of all during these difficult times.
Our sincere condolences to Betty & Family, Barry & I had many laughs & times during my year in Lucknow B of M, Baseball, sports, Lions Club & good times. Memories will always be cherished. God Bless
Betty, Mike, Tracy and families. Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. To the many memories shared with you all.
The Baker family.
Message from Daryl and Nicole Dore2023-07-17 18:56:39
We are heartbroken to hear of Papa. The lake and Florida won't be the same without him. We are sending love to the whole family. Heaven just got a lot more fun.
Betty and family, we extend our deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Barry will be missed greatly by family, friends and community, he was an amazing man.
Message from Gene and Peggy Bradley2023-07-17 18:46:29
We are truly saddened by the news of Barry’s passing. The sheer volume of condolences here and on the Citrus Ridge Facebook page tells us how revered Barry was by so many people. We are so thankful for knowing Barry and pray for Betty and their family. God bless you all.
To Betty and all of Barry's family we send our heartfelt sympathy and will cherish the memories we have shared in our times together.. May he rest in peace.
The true measure of a person is how MUCH they will truly be missed. Looking at the plurality of condolences, I know Barry will most certainly be. I enjoyed 34 years of the most friendly competition as a State Farm Agent with the Lucknow McDonagh's and found all to be 'class acts'! RIP Barry...they just don't make 'em like you Barry any more!! Condolences to all.
Rich Gibbons
I always think of Barry and Betty together….my heart goes out to you Betty . Losing a life partner is devastating. Especially a wonderful man like Barry ! He was always smiling and enhanced every gathering he was part of , his love of life was contagious. He made our world a better place for his being in it!
He lives on in fond memories of all who knew him.
Many ,many memories were made with Barry from Alaska trip to us moving into Florida park. His advice was always respected. A great man with many talents. The words golf or cribbage will never be the same Surround yourself with that incredible family, Betty.
So sorry for your loss. Barry was such a friendly guy. He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to the whole McDonagh Family.
Message from Andy McFarlan2023-07-17 12:31:29
Dear Tracey and family,
I am very saddened to hear about your father's passing. He will surely be missed.
My sincere condolences,
Andy
Message from Karen Martin2023-07-17 11:37:28
I am saddened to hear about Barry’s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Kintail beach will not be the same without him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Barry,our thoughts are with you at this time.
Message from Pat and George Gibson 2023-07-17 10:09:30
Dear Betty and family:
We are remembering a life well lived. Loving family, supporting community by active involvement on all levels and sharing that involvement without hesitation. An example for generations.
Sincere Sympathy to you, Betty and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are keeping you close in our hearts.
Message from Dick Richards2023-07-17 09:01:23
Sorry to see a neighbour, family friend and school mate pass on. Barry will be sorely missed in the community. My condolences to Betty, Ross, Rod and all Barry's family
Message from Elaine & Jason Ellis2023-07-17 08:53:19
Our condolences to the entire McDonagh family.
Jason, Elaine (Rhody), Tyson, Tyler & Colton Ellis
Message from Roy & Colleen Douglas2023-07-17 08:44:27
Extending our sincere condolences to Betty and her family at the sad time. Barry will be missed by so many people.
Betty and family,
I am so sorry that you have lost a most special person in your lives . He cherished you all so much.
Mary Jane
Message from Sheila Clarke2023-07-16 22:47:52
The McDonagh name meant integrity, courtesy, and a helping hand- (and it still does!) I so appreciated the help of Barry and his family. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Dear Betty and Family,
We extend our sympathy to all the McDonagh family on Barry's death. Treasure the memories of the times you shared with him.
Murray and Patricia Hunter
Message from Ron and Diane Ferguson2023-07-16 21:12:20
Sincere Sympathy to you, Betty and your family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and holding you close in our hearts.
Message from Debbie Riopel & Peter Montgomery 2023-07-16 20:20:02
Dear Betty and McDonagh Family - Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this very sad time in your lives .Barry will be deeply missed and remembered. Sincerely, Carol and Bob.
Message from Debbie Riopel & Peter Montgomery 2023-07-16 17:14:52
Barry always valued his time at Citrus Ridge. He was a true volunteer and he loved making events memorable, such as the annual Canadian Dinner and the Senior Olympics. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with Betty and their family.
What I remember about Barry was his thoughtfulness, kindness and support to new members. Our first time at Citrus Ridge, he and Betty invited us for Christmas dinner as we were away from our family. He helped me get the white fence around the pool and the new lounges. He also became a volunteer gardener. He helped to make Citrus Ridge the park it is now. He will be sadly missed and unforgettable.
Barry had a beautiful soul and a peaceful demeanor about him. His smile radiated kindness and a welcoming spirit, which for us newbie snowbirds meant the world to us. He was second to none. With this said, we will forever treasure Barry’s gift of inclusion shown us. Praying you find comfort and peace. God bless you.
Sympathy to the entire family. Cherish the memories
Message from Doug and Nancy Aitchison 2023-07-16 12:55:24
Our sincere condolences to all the families. You will have great memories.
Message from Hammer and Sandy MacLeod2023-07-16 12:40:05
Dear Betty and Family, our deepest sympathies. We can not imagine what Heaven is going to be like once Dad and Wayne take over. Hugs and Support to you all.
To the entire McDonagh Family My deepest sympathy in the passing of Barry. He always had a smile and a friendly hello anytime we met. May your memories carry you along in the days to come.
Gord & Joanne (Ritchie) Brown
Betty, Mike, Tracey, Lynne and families, our sincere condolences on Barry's passing. He will be truly missed by all. May all the love and memories you hold help you at this difficult time.
Betty & Families
I am so sad to hear about Barry and thinking of all of you at this time. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and the families. Share all the many good memories from times in Lucknow, at the Cottage, and of course Citrus Ridge. I hope those good memories will help you through in the days to come.
Betty & family, May the fondest of memories help you through this time of sorrow. Know we are here for you and that Barry will be greatly missed by many in his winter community. His kindness always filled our hearts with joy.. Our deepest condolences.
Message from Ron and Janice Hewitt2023-07-16 07:41:14
I always think of Barry and Betty together….my heart goes out to you Betty . Losing a life partner is devastating. Especially a wonderful man like Barry ! He was always smiling and enhanced every gathering he was part of , his love of life was contagious. He made our world a better place for his being in it!
He lives on in fond memories of all who knew him.
Message from Jack Jackson2023-07-16 07:07:57
Betty and family Donna & I are so sorry to hear of Barry"s passing. Barry was such a wonderful person, a friend, a giving & caring person who was always there when you needed him. We will miss him deeply. He will be forever remembered. Barry is at peace now and with his Lord.
Jack & Donna Jackson
We are saddened to hear of Barry’s passing. He was the nicest gentle man. Always smiling. May the many precious memories you shared help ease your sorrow. May he rest in peace.
Betty & Family: when I first arrived in Lucknow, a stranger and so very unsure of myself, the McDonagh family was there to light my path. I thought myself very lucky to learn commitment to community from one of the best. Barry was and will always be a Legacy Guy - leading from the front - his light will shine on in each life that he has touched.
I met Barry many years ago at his Summer home on the shore of Lake Huron. He was an incredibly likeable man and I called him the Mayor. He was indeed in charge.
I spoke with him recently and we agreed to meet on the 'other side'. My deepest condolences to Betty, his wonderful wife.
Rest in Peace Mr. Mayor.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Barry. He was always a welcoming person around Citrus Ridge and will be greatly missed. Will miss him at shuffle and around the pool in the afternoons.
Kurt and Sherry Prescott
Betty we remember your hubby fondly he was funny and fun to be around. A Betty there were all those hours in the pool. our prayers for you and your family as you deal with grief yet again .
i hope we will see you back at Citrus Ridge next winter.
Message from Bob and Sherri Humphrey2023-07-15 19:25:26
Our Thoughts and Prayers For Al the Family.Barry was such a kind and friendly Man.He will be missed by many.
We are so sorry to hear that Barry has passed. We really enjoyed meeting them and enjoying times with them at Citrus Ridge. Stephen really enjoyed playing crib with Barry and the other guys down at the pool. Our deepest condolences to Betty and all of their family.
We will always have such fond memories of our Lucknow area & Citrus Ridge visits over the years. So blessed to have such a wonderful uncle & family that he & Aunt Betty created. Also so happy for your two visits to BC, most recently in 2019. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.
To Buffy/Dad, Janet and I appreciated your guidance and support. You were always quick to help us with your knowledge and wisdom in our early years and will never be forgotten. Thank you for being you!!
Dear Betty, family and friends.,Please accept our deepest sympathy. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know Betty and Barry as part of our Citrus Ridge neighbours. We will miss Barry, his welcoming good nature and kindness. Sending loving hugs Barb and Paul
Sorry to hear of your passing Barry. We will miss seeing you at CR. Our condolences to you Betty and your family. MY God take care of you in heaven. God Bless you
Our deepest condolences Betty & Families. A great man that has been such a pillar of our community. We cherish the memories of Citrus Ridge Christmas's with your family. Cheers to Barry with a dill pickle shot & whisky...minus the pickle juice..as Barry says ...that just ruins the shot! Papa to so many! Hugs and Love to all!
Russell, Danielle, Kyle, Kennedy and Kreamar!
Message from Sandra Edgar 2023-07-15 15:53:05
Betty and family! Please accept my sympathy in the loss of Barry. During my Insurance career at Howick Mutual I truly enjoyed doing business with 3 generations of the McDonaghs. Any conversation over those years with Barry was extremely enjoyable and respected. He was a true businessman of which your family can be very proud of. I have lossed 2 of my favourites from those years in Barry and Wayne. Remember the good times, they will be a great healer for your family.
I am so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. He was always one of my favourite guys, always a smile, hug and happy to see you! Betty I’m sure you will miss your partner in crime but you have lots of friends to support you❤️. Mike, Tracey and families, sending hugs your way❤️
Message from Jeff & Dayle Taylor2023-07-15 15:00:04
Our condolences to the McDonagh family. Barry will be missed in the Lucknow community.
We are sorry for your loss.
Barry was always very helpful to us in Citrus Ridge.Deepest sympathy to Betty and family at this time.
Josie and Louis MacKay
Murray Harbour ,PEI ,Canada
Message from Mary Hastie, Doug and Nicholai2023-07-15 14:42:53
With deepest sympathy Betty and family .Blessings to all
Message from Jeff & Dayle Taylor2023-07-15 14:12:20
Our condolences to all the McDonagh family. Barry will be missed by the Lucknow community.
Message from Mary Hansen, Adam & Jakob Webb2023-07-15 14:03:15
I knew Barry from my coming to live along the Lake on Kintail Beach. He was the first person I met when I bought here.
Barry was always very welcoming and enjoyed a hug, a laugh and helping hand.
He certainly will be missed!
My family sends condolences to Betty and the entire family!
God Bless !
Message from Perry & Jean Wallace2023-07-15 12:41:12
We have always enjoyed our visits-whether in Lucknow or Citrus Ridge. Our condolences to Betty and family