Obituary of Barry Honeyman

It is with appreciation for a life well lived and deeply loved, that the family of Barry Douglas Honeyman, life partner of Nora Fontaine of Gardner Creek, NB, announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Barry was born on June 9, 1951, in Pine Falls, Manitoba. The first born of the late Isabel “Belle” May Honeyman (née Brewster) and the late Norman “Pat” Douglas Honeyman of Quispamsis, NB.

In 1964, his family relocated to Quispamsis, where Barry attended Rothesay Junior High and Rothesay Regional High School followed by classes at University of New Brunswick (UNBSJ). During this time, Barry was a stellar cadet in the 527 Simonds Air Cadets Squadron. He had a love of cars and motorcycles, including driving and organizing car rallies with his dad. Both enjoyed rallying and being part of the New Brunswick Sporting Car Club.

While attending UNBSJ, Barry discovered his ideal extracurricular activity: campus radio, the best gig for a lover of music, which continued into the live scene as he – with a few friends- established “Cloud Chamber “at the Renforth Community Centre (now the Bill McGuire Centre). They pioneered bringing in bands such as Banana Splat (later known as April Wine), Manfred Munn and Lighthouse, which sometimes necessitated a change to a larger venue of the Lord Beaverbrook Rink in Saint John due to growing popularity.

Barry loved many things, but his project with Heritage Canada was a dream job. Travelling the province to photograph and catalogue old buildings, the project combined three key interests of Barry’s- his love of history -both reading and writing, his love of photography, and third and probably most significant was the opportunity to do this amazing work with his best friend, Martin Flewwelling.

Always learning and looking to expand on his life experiences, Barry turned his love of photography and early business acumen as a catalyst for his next enterprise. This was the Saddle Bag Tack Shop, operated out of the former Rothesay Train Station (The Station House), co-established with Ruth Brigden (his first wife).

After much soul searching the choice was made to move the business to Quebec where he also started another adventure- Fatherhood, his most beloved role! Barry’s career then pivoted into the Federal Public Service, initially with the Department of Defense, followed by Foreign Affairs. There, he worked within a team that undertook the major and central task of establishing integrated records management across the entire department

Through his work he travelled to numerous countries, including Canadian Posts in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Austria and Bangladesh. This love for travel carried over into his personal life, accompanying his father to the 65th anniversary of the WWll liberation of the Netherlands- an honour to his father’s service to his country. This entailed a remarkable meeting with the family that helped house his father during the war. To the history buff in Barry, this was a lifetime memory. His personal travels included trips with his partner Nora to China and various countries in Europe and the Caribbean.

With the building of their dream home, Barry and Nora retired to New Brunswick where he was now able to fully indulge in his love of reading (a Honeyman trait). He could be found at any book sale, always looking for his favourite authors, like his father, Barry particularly loved the author Nevil Shute and had read everything he had written- but he always purchased a few extra copies to give away, in hope of introducing others to his works.

While living in Gatineau, Barry’s love of birds earned him the local title of “Bird Man” for the variety of species and sheer numbers that gathered at the feeders in their beautiful backyard. The year- round hobby – which continued in New Brunswick-especially entailed preparations for the early spring return of hummingbirds, wherein he meticulously recorded the details concerning each species. Watching the birds gather throughout the year was a source of great pleasure to both he and Nora.

Barry is survived by his beloved life partner, Nora Fontaine of Gardner Creek, NB; his loving children, Chelsea Honeyman (Jonathon Rennick) of Kanata, ON; and his son Simon Honeyman (Jessica Wright) of Toronto, ON., as well as his granddaughter Rosa Rennick who was the apple of his eye.

He is also survived by his brothers: Grant Honeyman (Stephen Yarrow) of Charlottetown, PEI; Murray Honeyman of Hamilton, ON; and Kelly Honeyman (Denise) of Upham, NB and sister Colleen Honeyman Flewwelling, of Quispamsis, NB. Barry is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Barry was predeceased by his parents, Pat (2018) and Belle (2011), and his infant sister, Maureen (1955).

Barry lived a life of quiet wonder, loyal friendship, and lifelong learning. His stories, laughter, and love will remain with us always.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). A Celebration of Barry’s Life will take place at the funeral home reception area on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

A private family interment will follow at St Anthony’s Cemetery, Upham, NB, where Barry will be laid to rest.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Barry can be made to The Salvation Army or , to your local SPCA, or to a charity of the donor's choice.