Obituary of Barry Michael Dorey

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the death of our wonderful father, grandfather and brother, which occurred on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston, with his children by his side.

Dad lived a simple and content life on the South Side, with his cat, Louie. He loved time spent in the woods on his ATV, kayaking, music, and working around his yard. He was everyone’s go-to for home repair and maintenance, and we called him “McGyver” because of the many practical and funny “fixes” around his house over the years. Since the pandemic he had become one of Amazon’s best customers, from gadgets to laundry soap – anything to avoid driving to the grocery store in Port Hawkesbury. He was a much-loved neighbour and friend on “The Hill”, and it was with great enjoyment that he gave many friends and colleagues silly nicknames that stuck for life. He especially enjoyed his “morning meeting” with Danny and Leonard, his best friend for over 40 years. More than anything, he loved his family, and was a very proud Dad, Grampie, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, and Cousin.   

Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Patricia “Patsy” (McNamara) and Alfred Dorey. He proudly worked at Strait Richmond Hospital, first as a security guard at the building site when he was just a young man, then as a janitor when the hospital opened, and finally, for the majority of his career, as a storekeeper in the procurement department, splitting his time between the Strait and St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish for years. He retired in 2015, but could still be found whistling in the halls up until 2019, taking the occasional relief shift to help out. He was a hard worker, always quick with a joke and loved by all who worked along side him.

Barry was the very definition of a family man and remained devoted until the very end. He is survived by his children; Gina MacDonald (Joey), Grantville; Ryan Dorey, Edmonton; and Krista Ratchford (Ryan), River Bourgeois; Shandelle Ryan (James), to whom he was an important father figure; siblings Brent Dorey (Sharon), Bedford; Denise Kelly (Mike), Port Hastings; and Natasha Dorey, Evanston; grandsons Nick MacDonald and Rory MacDonald; nephews Riley Kelly, Connor Kelly, and Braden Kelly. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Patsy (McNamara); and by Victor and Evelyn Burke.

Special thank you to Riley for the many hours of comfort he provided to Dad during his time in hospital, we all appreciate it. Also, thank you to Dr. Paul Pluta; ICU nursing staff at St. Martha’s; Lesley and the Palliative Care team; Alicia and Alexa at Strait Richmond for going above and beyond with outstanding personal care for the whole family; and the entire staff at Strait Richmond Hospital, especially the nursing staff from the inpatient unit, for your support during what was the most difficult time of our lives.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. in River Bourgeois Visitation Parlour. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, Father Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Whiteside. Donations in memory of Barry may be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society or St. Patrick's Cemetery Fund. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com

'Be at peace, Dad. We’ll love and miss you forever.’