In Memory

Barry Beardslee

Barry David Beardslee, 69, of Evergreen passed away on April 1, 2014.
Barry was born in St. Paul, Minn., on April 12, 1944. He attended Southwest High School in Minneapolis, graduating in 1962. He then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1966. Barry went on to serve his country in the Air Force in 1968, retiring from the National Guard in 1992 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Barry worked at Air Wisconsin Airlines as a pilot for 31 years, beginning his career on Feb. 26, 1973, in Appleton, Wis., moving to Lafayette, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind., and finally retiring in 2004 while living in Evergreen.
Barry was married to Mary on April 21, 2000; they were married for almost 14 years.
Barry is survived by his spouse, Mary; stepmother Margeret Beardslee; sisters Nancy, Pam, Lynn and Debi; as well as other family and many friends.
Barry is preceded in death by his father, David Beardslee, and his mother, Nance "Shorty" "Del" Beardslee.
Barry was a guy who brought smiles to the faces of everyone he met. His infectious laugh, practical jokes and sparkling eyes are legend. Barry lived from the heart, bringing his passion for loving life to everything he did. His Christmas boxes were received with much joy and laughter and trepid anticipation.One of Barry's favorite things was to share his love of a full moon. He loved being an aviator, soaring the skies, protecting his country, and taking people to and from friendly destinations. Although Barry never had any biological children, he embraced, loved and taught many children with his magical way of teaching them to be dedicated and caring, and to have a strong work ethic.
During this last journey of Barry's life, he has brought together a family that has not been reunited like this in a very long time. Barry was a great listener, never judged and rendered wonderful wisdom.
Please toast Barry with a glass of red wine on what would have been his 70th birthday on April 12 at 6 p.m. Mountain Time. He would have loved it!
A celebration of life gathering is being planned for the future. If you would like to be notified about when and where that will take place, e-mail terri.fennessy@gmail.com to get details about the plans.



 
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06/07/14 09:11 PM #1    

Jay Wescott

Barry Beardslee was my best friend in grade school through Southwest High School. I have so many fond memories of playing together, being Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and going to summer camp. In High School, being on the Track and Cross Country Team. I remember going on vacation with Barry & his family up to a lake near Alexandria. It was the fourth of July and it was our job to light the fireworks. We lit the first two rockets and up in ther air they went. The only problem, as the rockets came back to earth, they landed in the box with all the rest of the fireworks. It was quite a spectacular display for about a minute and a half. After graduating from High School, we lost contact with each other. I do miss Barry and still think of him often.  He was a Great Guy!

Jay Wescott


06/09/14 07:56 AM #2    

Robert Perschmann

Barry was a man of humane maturity at a much younger age than most people. His every word and every move seemed to me to include a sincere gesture of kindness. That was before he was twenty. When I talked to him last time he only offered more. What is it that makes some people so dang good? 

 

-Bob Perschmann


07/05/14 05:19 PM #3    

Dianne Donahoo (Youngdahl Keller)

Friday night of the fifth reunion I met both Barry and Court as I made my way through the room. I didn’t know either one of them very well but that was about to change. As the evening went on and the crowd began to thin I heard my name being called. Barry and Court invited me to have dinner with them and Barry bought the wine. At closing time Barry invited the both of us to his room for more wine, now I couldn’t pass that up. The three of us told high school stories, told our personal stories and laughed a lot.

I was so looking forward to spending time once again with the two of them and I will treasure the memory of that evening. A glass of wine is in order at our birthday party in honor of Barry and Court; at least it is for me. Thanks for the memories guys I will miss you terribly.

Dianne Donahoo Youngdahl


07/06/14 03:18 PM #4    

Martha Erickson (Deuchler)

Funny that Diane brought that up about Friday night of the reunion - I had the pleasurer of joining Court and Barry after the party on Saturday night.  Interesting stories were told and memories shared.  I always had fond memories of both of those guys.  Barry went far too soon - as have several others.  I won't be at the reunion but I will be raising a glass of something to you all and having a moment of silence for those that are no longer with us.

 

Martha


07/07/14 09:37 PM #5    

Andrew Quirt

I remember Barry with fondness.  I remember back in High School, Barry telling me about his desire to be a piolet, and his concerns about not being able to qualify.  While I mourn his passing, I rejoice in that he was able to acheive his dream.  We all have this brief journey, and a life lived well is the best that can be hoped for, and that he did.


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