Barry Lloyd Stephens

October 17, 1939 – August 13, 2023

Barry passed away on August 13, 2023, at the age of 83. After nearly 2 years without his beloved wife of 56 years, Donna, they are reunited.  Barry is deeply missed by his daughters Leanne Damas (Alex) and Keri Burgess (Jordan) and his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud, Talia & Jackson Damas and Owen & Rhys Burgess. He was the loving brother of Beth Harper (Jim), Ken Stephens (Tina), and the late David Stephens (Illona).  He was predeceased by his parents Ellis and Margaret of Leaside.

Barry grew up in the East York and Leaside neighbourhoods of Toronto, graduating from Leaside High School.  He continued with his studies, earning the prestigious Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 1965.  He enjoyed travelling with work to complete audits across Ontario and the Maritimes.  From 1975-1985, he was a partner in Thorne Riddell, the largest public accounting firm in Canada at the time.  He then moved to Extendicare Inc., retiring in 1997 as Vice-President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.  With a love of cottaging instilled in childhood, and careful building of their dream home in the early 1980s, Barry and Donna retired to their beloved “Gathering Place” on the Lake of Bays in Muskoka. 

Barry, like so many Torontonians, was an avid fan (and critic!) of the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, always making time to tune into games.  He was lucky enough to witness both Stanley Cup and World Series wins by his teams in his lifetime.  Barry and Donna were decades-long subscribers to Toronto theatre, particularly loving musicals, often playing the albums from favourite shows at home and on drives to the cottage.  Barry loved to travel and explore the world with Donna, close friends and family.  He enjoyed telling stories of adventures (and misadventures!).  He made sure to share his passion with his grandchildren, introducing them to multi-country European history and culture, as well as his favourite London restaurant Sale e Pepe. Through travel, Barry developed an interest in photography, capturing many memories.

Barry had a generous spirit. Barry’s generosity of time and his drive to support his communities are reflected in his resume of volunteerism in retirement.  He was a past member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Appeals and Discipline Committees. He served as President, Past President and Treasurer of the Lake of Bays Association.  He was a Past Director of Algonquin Health Services and a member of its Audit Committee.  Barry served as the second President of the PROBUS Club of Huntsville and co-chaired the organization of the national PROBUS Rendezvous in Muskoka in 2005.  Barry was also very consistent in his ongoing financial support of numerous Canadian charities.

One of Barry’s biggest joys was gatherings of family and friends.  He loved socializing, sharing great food and wine, and exploding into joyful laughter.  He treasured many long and close friendships with couples in Toronto, the “group of seven” in Huntsville, as well as 40+ year neighbours at Lake of Bays.  He appreciated a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon, aged Scotch, filet mignon and creme brûlée.

Donations in memory of Barry may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation (huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca) Focus on Imaging or a charity of your choice.

Barry and his heartfelt laugh will be greatly missed.