Barry C. Jackson

Son, brother, soldier, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend – passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at his home in Keady. He was 89 years old.

Barry was born on Good Friday, April 3, 1931, at the General and Marine Hospital in Owen Sound, the fourth son and child of William Jackson and the former Pearl Thomas. He was orphaned in 1943, at the age of 11, and entered foster care at the Children’s Shelter on 2nd Avenue East in Owen Sound. He was educated at Dufferin, Victoria, Ryerson, Alexandra, and Strathcona public schools in Owen Sound and at the Edge Hill school (S.S. #3, Glenelg) near Durham.

He enlisted in the Canadian Army in August 1950 and volunteered for overseas service with the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Barry was trained as an infantry soldier at Camp Petawawa, the Currie Barracks in Calgary, Camp Wainwright in Alberta, and at Fort Lewis in Washington, USA. He was sent to Korea in March 1951 and fought with 2 PPCLI at the Battle of Kapyong in April 1951. The battalion was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation “for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of combat duties.” Barry cherished this decoration and proudly wore it, along with his other medals, for the rest of his life.

Barry was wounded by an explosion in a bunker near the front line in early 1952 and convalesced in a hospital in Kure, Japan before returning to Canada and being honourably discharged from service. Unfortunately, the effects of the burns he suffered in Korea remained with Barry and were ultimately responsible for the illness that has taken him from us.

He later served in two Canadian Army reserve units in Owen Sound and rose to the rank of WO2/CSM before leaving the military for good in 1968. He was a long-time member of the Korea Veterans Association and the PPCLI Association, and he was a Life Member of Branch 6 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Owen Sound, which he joined in 1953. He was instrumental in having 1st Avenue West designated as “Veterans Way” in 2005, the Year of the Veteran.

Barry was a devoted husband and father, and recently marked 52 years of companionship and 50 years of marriage with his beloved Marlee. He worked hard to support his family under circumstances that were difficult at times, but we never doubted that he loved us, that he was proud of us, and that he was always in our corners.

Barry is survived by his wife Marlene and his children, Carla and her husband Tom King of Chatsworth, Jonathon and his wife Robi of Guelph, and Erin Jackson-Mitchell of Barrie. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his six siblings.

Memorial and committal services will take place at a later date, with interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Tannahill Funeral Home, 1178 4th Ave West, Owen Sound, 519-376-3710. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tannahill.com . If desired, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Building Fund or the Legion Ladies Auxiliary would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

*** SAFE IN THE ARMS OF PEARL ***

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