Barry ANSELMO

Barry (Blackie) Anselmo passed away on August 11th in Fernie, B.C., surrounded by the mountains he loved, the huckleberry bushes he cherished, and the people who meant the most to him.

Barry is survived by his wife of 48 years Rosanne, and his children, Lynnette Kuervers (Brad Meulenbeld) with children Isaac, Roland, Elias, Jonas and Kamryn, Marshall Anselmo with children Vincenzo and Gianna, Nathan Anselmo (Jennifer) with children Jayda, Parker, Danyca and Carson, Anthony Anselmo (Alleine) with children Jovianna and Giovanni, and Joyanne Anselmo (Matt) with  children Franco and Benson.

Known for his infectious smile and warm demeanor, Barry welcomed everyone he met with open arms, whether they were lifelong friends or new faces in the community. A passionate sports enthusiast, Barry was a dedicated fan of the Ghostrider hockey team, never missing a game unless circumstances forced him to. Even then, he would keep his phone close by to check the score every few minutes.  He was a proud supporter of his grandchildren's athletic endeavors, attending basketball and volleyball games at local schools in Sparwood, Fernie, Jaffray, and Cranbrook, and tuning in online to catch baseball games and other sports from afar. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. 

Barry was born and raised in Fernie by his beloved mother Loretta, who passed away in 2000. His passion for connecting with family roots took him to Italy on two occasions where he was able to find and visit the hometown of his grandparents.  His travels throughout Italy brought him immense joy.  He cherished his annual trips to Victoria to visit his children and grandchildren.  Along the way he loved stopping in to visit and spend time with his brother Reno, sister-in-law Kathy, and their son Daryl and family.  He also enjoyed visiting family and friends while making these trips to the Island.

Barry’s commitment to Fernie was evident in his many contributions.  He served as a City Council member; he took great pride in leading the renovation of the Fernie Heritage Library, which earned him the Citizen of the Year award in 1999. He also contributed to the construction of the Fernie Family Center; coached hockey from the youngest players to Junior “B” teams and brought joy to many as Santa at various events.  Over the last few years, he enjoyed working along side his friends, collecting bottles.  He always commented that he loved people didn’t matter who they were or where they were from.  He was a familiar face at the post office and grocery store, where he loved to chat and socialize.  Barry never missed his morning coffees with friends or visiting with relatives. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  Known for his sense of humor, he often entertained his grandchildren with jokes, famously asking, “How do you like them apples?” and “Who wants ice cream? Put your finger in your ear.”

Many thanks to the doctors who cared for him throughout the years especially to Dr. Soetaert and his staff, Dr. Wix and her staff, Dr. Rodrigue and the many, many doctors and nurses at Fernie District Hospital who treated him with care and comfort.  He will be surely missed by all who knew him. 

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