First one chair, then two, three... added to the hallways and on and on until the church was overflowing with mourners and well-wishers as people arrived to pay their last respects to Barry Huie.
As was expected, the celebration of life service for our friend and former president of the Toronto chapter of the Kingston College Old Boys' Association was very well attended. It was a true reflection of the love and respect held for a man who'd spent the better part of his life giving to others. Indeed some had come to know him through a mentorship program which was started by Barry along with Alex "Frano" Francis many years ago.
Looking through the crowd gathered, one could identify mourners from the diaspora here in Toronto who'd known Barry through his various community activities as well as those who'd met Barry through the well-known Soccerfest which he was instrumental in starting. All knew Barry as one who was always giving of his energy and time to the community, especially in areas of education; and one who always did what he could to strengthen the prospects for the younger generation.
His daughter Kimberly delivered a beautiful eulogy that offered glimpses into the life of the man as father, grandfather and mentor.
Fittingly, a very moving tribute was delivered by Courtney Betty, one of the youngsters whose life Barry had touched and who had gone on to become a lawyer. He presented a football (soccerball) on stage to Barry's two grandsons as a symbolic gesture of "passing the baton" on to the next generation.
Just as the casket was being loaded into the hearse, a very rousing Fortis was delivered by a smartly assembled honour guard formed by KC Old Boys standing on both sides of the entrance to the church. Yet another brave one had fallen; but indeed, he never yielded.
To view the Barry's funeral program please click here.