Roy
Robert "Bobby" Barry, beloved husband, father, son,
brother and friend, passed on to his Heavenly Home on July 10,
2008 and will be deeply missed by the many that loved him. He
touched countless lives with his ability to live life to the
fullest. He leaves behind his precious wife, Erika Barry, and
daughters Taylor, Kristina, Sarah, and Hannah; parents Roy and
Elizabeth Barry; father and mother in-law Peter and Marilyn
Lane; sisters Amy Wright, Stacy Garrett, and Becca Graham; brothers-in-law
Michael Garrett, Clint Graham, and Paul Wright; nieces Kortni
and Natalie Wright; nephews Levi and Owen Garrett, Cody and
Wes Graham; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, and close friends.
The last several months for Bobby were some of the best of
his life. He recently married Erika, who was the love of his
life, and had just returned from an extended honeymoon to the
Mediterranean and the Florida Keys . Both enjoyed countless
hours working with their horses that were near and dear to them.
But most of all, it was the love they shared together.
Bobby carried on the long family tradition of professional
polo as a highly respected player and umpire. He was known for
his skill, passionate play, and enthusiasm for the sport. His
talents allowed him to play around the world in many different
countries and with many dignitaries and professionals.
It can easily be said that Bobby fit more into his short life
than most do in an entire lifetime. His loves were spending
time with his family, trips to the coast, fishing, hunting,
playing games in the backyard, laughing, and making sure that
all around were having fun. With an effervescent smile that
infected all those around him, it was impossible to not share
in his joy.
We will miss his distinctive laugh, his zest for life, and
his love for family. There will be a hole in our hearts without
Bobby and he will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Polo
Players Support Group, Inc., that will establish the Bob by
Barry Endowment Fund, 11924 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 22-287,
Wellington, FL 33414 .
Remembering Bobby Barry,
Corky Linfoot made the following remarks before the opening
day match at Santa Barbara on Sunday, July 13, 2008:
“The
polo community is comprised of just a small number of people.
When a member of this group gets out of polo for whatever reason,
the rest of us take note. When an influential individual dies,
most all of us feel the loss and the ripple effect reaches all
of polo.
Because so many players are the sons, daughters, nephews and
in-laws of other involved in the game, we grieve at such times
with them. This has never been more apparent to me than now.
Last week we lost one of the good guys. Bobby Barry died Thursday
while jogging on the beach in Carpenteria. As in the case of
all sudden deaths of young, fit friends the first reaction is
shock. Even now, reaction from all of us who knew him is a combination
of disbelief and injustice. He was a father, son, husband, polo
player and much more. But most of all Bobby was a survivor.
Informed a few years ago that he had terminal cancer, undergoing
surgeries and chemotherapy, Bobby continued a workout regime
running stairs in the stadium at his hometown of New Braunfels,
Texas. Doctors told him that he had a very small chance of survival
and to put his affairs in order because his days were numbered
and predetermined. Bobby’s reply to them was simple, direct
and self defining. He said “You don’t know anything
about me.” He came back to health with a vengeance.
Bobby has been a leading member of the USPA Professional Umpire
program since then and a force to be reckoned with. His consistent,
professional, and impartial performance as an official gained
him the utmost respect from all.
Bobby had one of the greatest smiles I have ever seen. His physical
presence created an aura evident in any room. His natural good
humor and Texas manner invariably drew people to him. He was
slow to anger but unwavering once he drew a line in the dirt.
In earlier years Bobby played professionally. I had the great
fortune to play both with and against him. He was a giver on
the field and a workhorse and played the game without malice.
He was an honor bound teammate and adversary.
In recent years I have been involved in the umpire program here
at Santa Barbara with Bobby. He was a leader of our group, which
included his good friend and fellow umpire Rick Sears. Bobby
made our job easier by defining our responsibility, honing our
performances and backing us to the hilt in the inevitable times
of turmoil. By my definition Bobby was a man who could serve
as an example to many in polo and other aspects of life.
Bobby will be sorely missed. For those of us who knew him our
thoughts and best wishes go out to his entire family.
Corky Linfoot
