It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Barry Coombe, on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. Barry Alfred John Coombe was born February 16th, 1943 in Hamilton, Ontario. Barry grew up with his sister Jan on Salem Avenue with his mom and dad (Jean and Jack Coombe). Barry was a dedicated student and avid athlete loving basketball, baseball, tennis and golf. He met the love of his life Judy at Hill Park Secondary School and she never let him go, getting married July 16th, 1966. Barry went to McMaster University and continued his passion by playing on the McMaster Buccaneers Basketball Team. Barry did his undergraduate at McMaster University and then pursued his Masters in Geography, his passion for education continued and he decided to mold young minds by becoming a high school teacher. Barry worked for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board for over 30 years. He was a remarkable high school teacher at Sherwood and Scott Park and Vice Principal at Sir John A. MacDonald and Sir Allan MacNab, where he wrapped us his brilliant career. Barry was also a huge supporter of girl's sports and always coached the girl's basketball teams, taking several teams to City Championships. When Barry wasn't working in education, he was educating young minds through coaching softball, or refereeing basketball. Barry was a proud member of the OABO (Ontario Association of Basketball Officials) and a valued member of the Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials - winning several awards for his dedication and commitment to the sport in Hamilton. He was an Ancaster resident with his wife Judy for over 55 years and in this time, they raised their three wonderful daughters, Jennifer, Heather, and Leanne. While it is difficult to say goodbye, it is made a little easier with the cherished memories that we can still hold on to. His girls will always remember their trips to Florida, playing games of softball (with him coaching or cheering from the sidelines), board games in the living room, him leading bike rides with the neighbourhood kids, backyard pool parties, his speeches at weddings, his practical jokes, and most of all his dry and sarcastic sense of humour. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, Poppy, and friend. Barry's greatest joy was the time that he spent with his beloved grandchildren. Whether he was swimming with them in the pool, vacationing with them in Florida, watching them play sports, taking them to play golf, to the movies, out for meals, or just driving them anywhere they needed to go, these memories will last them a lifetime. Barry will forever be missed by his loving wife Judy, his daughters/sons-in-laws and grandchildren - Jennifer Coombe/Simon Smith (Alex, Bronwyn), Heather/Chris Vaugeois (Mitchell, Harrison, Davis), and Leanne/Scott Tovey (Aiden, Sydney). Barry will also be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Gerry Bonnefoy, his brother-in-law Bill, sister-in-law Cindy, extended family, nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and his St. John United Church family.

Cremation has taken place, and at his request there will be a Celebration of Life and Reception, on Saturday, June 15th at 11:00 am at St. John United Church (Queensdale and East 38th Street, Hamilton). If you wish to honour Barry's memory, donations can be made to St. John United Church Memorial Fund or Halton Down Syndrome Association (https://haltondownsyndrome.com/)