Obituary of Colonel (Ret'd) Barry Wark
Surrounded by family, Barry ended his battle with Parkinson’s Saturday 15th July, 2023 at the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Veterans Unit. He stood his ground and fought to the very end like the soldier he was.
Barry was born in Spring Hill, NS on Christmas day 1942. He was preceded by his father John Wm. Wark and his mother Ola Bell (Newson) Wark, three brothers Howard, Keith, Ronald and one sister Winona (Wark) Georgeson. Barry married his longtime sweet heart Brenda Louise Matheson on 14 May 1963. Barry and Brenda have one daughter Sallyann (Wark) Doyle, son-in-law LCol (retired) David Doyle, two grandsons Ryan Preston Wark Doyle, Adam Michael Richard Doyle and one great grandchild Declan Doyle, and several nieces and nephews.
Barry spent his youth in Westchester Station, Barry was proud to have been a farm boy. He learned what arduous work was and this shaped his life, his work ethic, his love of horses and Saint Bernard dogs. He graduated from West Pictou District Highschool in good standing and was offered scholarships from St. Francis, Mount Allison, and Dalhousie Universities. He graduated from Dal with a BSc through the Canadian Forces ROTP program and was commissioned as Lieutenant in the Artillery. He spent his junior officer years in training and staff positions. He was posted to Winnipeg, Victoria, Chilliwack, St. John’s and Gagetown. He completed Staff School and computer training with the US Army. Barry made a significant career change in 1973 leaving the Regular Force and transferred to the Nova Scotia Highlander Army Reserves and sought civilian employment.
Barry’s first civilian job was with Hawker Siddeley Trenton Works a railcar plant. He was responsible for workplace safety which quickly led to the development of his labour relations skills and subsequently promotion to industrial relations manager. When the railcar industry became unstable he accepted a Senior HR position with Bowater Mercy – a news print mill in Liverpool, NS. Wanting to be closer to family Barry excepted a Change Agent/Development position at Scott Paper/Neenah Paper a paper mill in Pictou County. He was later promoted to HR Manager until his retirement in 2007.
Over a 10 year period with the NS Highlanders, Barry was appointed to positions as company commander, Deputy Commanding Officer, and Commanding Officer. He set a high standard for his troops and under his command, the Battalion increased in strength and was the largest Army Reserve Unit in Canada. In 1983, he transferred to Headquarters Atlantic Militia Area (now part of 5th Canadian Division). His first task was developing Advanced Training leadership where he was recognized for his mentoring skills and officer development. This was followed by his appointment as Senior Staff Officer Operations and Training, where he began work on army reserve restructuring. During this time Barry attended the US Marine Corps Reserve Staff Course in Virginia and the NATO Staff course in Rome. He was later appointed Deputy Chief of Staff working on the merger of militia districts in NS. In July 1992 he was promoted to Colonel and stood up the newly formed NS Militia District, which he commanded for five years. Barry commanded the Area Training Brigade for two years and was the first Commander of 36 Brigade. After he retired from the Army Reserve he maintained his connection with the NS Highlanders and served six years as their Honorary LCol. Barry was honoured to be invested into the Order of Military Merit in 1995. Barry was proud to have three bars to his CD, commemorating 42 years of service.
He was active in many organizations, the most notable being as governor on the NS Board of Commissionaires for 18 years, serving a term as Chairman. For his service he was presented with the Commissionaires Distinguished Service medal. In 1984-85 he was the Canadian Manufacturers representative on a five member joint panel to study and recommended modernization to the Workers Compensation Act. The committee recommended many long lasting changes to improve and modernize workplace safety in Nova Scotia. He also served five years as Industry Representative on the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board. During Barry’s tenure many long lasting enhancements were made to the WCB.
Other organizations that he contributed to include: Canadian Pulp and Paper Association where he was recognized for his contribution to safety, Forest Employees Relations Council, Summer Street Industries Foundation and served one term as chair to the Saint Andrews Society. Upon retirement, Barry and Brenda built a cottage that overlooked a lake where they enjoyed many a day until his battle with Parkinson’s disease took hold.
A grave side service will be held 2 o'clock, August 1 at Eagle Hill Cemetery, Westchester, N.S.
Directions to Cemetery.
(1) Enter Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104 W from Hwy/NS 102 interchange. Travel through the Toll Station at Cobequid Pass.
(2) Approximately 30 min. (50.0 km) from Truro Highway # 102 interchange take exit 8 from Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-104 W to Wentworth Collingwood Rd. in Westchester Station.
(3) At bottom of ramp turn left onto Wentworth Collingwood Rd.
(4) Travel on Wentworth Collingwood Rd. approx 6 minutes (6.8 km)
(5) Eagle Hill Cemetery will be on the left.