Barry Arnold Rye

With heavy hearts and great sadness, the family of Barry Arnold Rye (65) announces his peaceful passing at home on July 28, 2026, surrounded by loving wife Lisa and family.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Barry, the third child of Doris (Reid) and Kenneth Rye, grew up on the family farm near Namao. He graduated from Sturgeon Composite High School before starting his career as a crane operator at CN Rail where he displayed a dedicated work ethic and made many lifelong friends.

Barry played ball and darts on various teams and enjoyed golfing with family, most especially when outplaying his brother Cal. Barry also took great pride in maintaining his Class 1 driver’s license, self-reporting a ‘PhD in driving’. He loved farming, tractors, snowmobiling, tinkering and building things including an elaborate ‘cat townhouse’ for the garage – a project approved by sister Deb. Barry’s love for cats was rivaled only by his loathing of the local magpie population which he took out on one (or a few) too many games of Angry Birds.

After many happy years at their acreage near Morinville and post-retirement, Barry and Lisa moved to Edmonton where they hiked and cycled the river valley trails. Some of his most treasured moments were spent walking with his beloved wife while sharing conversations and quiet reflection.

In Edmonton, Barry found great joy volunteering for the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association; supporting the riders, working in the barn, and meeting new people at the Whitemud Equine Centre. His patience, kindness, and natural ability to connect with others were embraced by the program and its participants.

In recent years, Barry faced one of life’s greatest challenges with courage and humility following his diagnosis with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Although PPA gradually affected his ability to communicate, it never diminished the strength of his character, his love for others, or the impact he had on those around him. He bravely shared his diagnosis so others could learn more about this rare clinical syndrome. Throughout this journey, Barry and his family were blessed to meet many extraordinary people who provided care, support, friendship, and hope.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to the dedicated teams at Pilgrims Day Program, the Corbett Aphasia Rehabilitation and Education (CARE) program at the University of Alberta, and Just Like Family Home Care. The compassion, encouragement, and genuine care shown by all enriched, uplifted, and inspired Barry’s life immeasurably. The relationships formed through these programs brought comfort, laughter, understanding, and companionship.

Predeceased by his parents, Barry is survived by his loving wife Lisa, her children Jennifer and Daniel (Pam), grandchildren Silas and Everly, brother Calvin (Kris), sister Debbie (Les) and Lisa’s brothers Alan (Kathy), and David as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barry will be remembered for his character, his willingness to help anyone in need, his love of the outdoors, his devotion to his wife and family, as well as the quiet strength and courage with which he faced every stage of life. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught with his actions, and the love he shared. Those who knew Barry will remember his warm smile, sense of humor, gentle nature, and the enduring example he set for all who were fortunate enough to walk beside him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

At Barry’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association or a charity of your choice in Barry’s name.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/little-bits-therapeutic-riding-association/