Barry Michael MARCHI

Barry Michael Marchi (Dove) beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend passed away peacefully after a tenacious battle of cancer at the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie, BC on April 2, 2023.

 On December 27, 1962, in Fernie, BC - Nino and Clara Marchi welcomed their third son, two more siblings would complete the family of five. Barry lived his early childhood in Natal before the family relocated to Sparwood in 1969, where he planted deep roots, called home and would raise his family for the remainder of his life. 

His attendance at Frank J Mitchell and Sparwood Secondary schools were where the many long friendships he had were formed. He participated in many sport activities but, his time boxing and playing hockey would be his passion. He won many boxing matches and was the winner of both the Bronze and Emerald gloves.  His love of hockey would span his whole life starting with the Pine Avenue bullies road hockey, minor and junior B hockey with Elk Valley Raiders, mine league and then old timer hockey. Barry would share his passion with his daughters, coaching them for many years. Team Canada, junior games were a favourite get together he shared with family and friends. He had a passion for all things outdoors, and his Motto of ‘lets giver’ often applied to whatever adventure he was on, he lived life to the fullest trying to fit the most into a day he could. No hunting trip was complete without a load of firewood, a bag of mushrooms or lunch by the swing bridge, sharing stories and laughs of the day or days gone bye.

 In 1981 Barry embarked on a long and successful career at the newly formed Greenhills mine as a plant and control room operator. He was a dedicated and active member on the mine rescue team for 30 years, many of which he was captain or coach. Competing with his team was a way of putting their skills to test and his mine rescue team won several zone, regional and provincial competitions.

Of all things Barry lived for, nothing brought him greater joy and fulfillment than his family. Barry and Kim started their family in 94 with Melissa and welcomed Taylor in 98. Adventures of exploring, fishing on the Elk or Michel, camping at the kook, gold panning, traveling across Canada, States and Mexico, were just the tip of the iceberg they would do together. Barry was happy when the girls brought home two “valley boys” to join the family. Instant bonds were made as they were game for anything, shared the same family values and have a passion for great outdoors. There was never a function to small or big not worth attending in his eyes as it was a celebration to be shared with the people you love.

Challenges and the unknown aside, Barry’s zest for life and determination to never give up “fighting the fight” against cancer gave him the strength to keep living and be a voice of advocacy to others facing this journey, and those in his corner to have the strength that we could go on as well.

Barry is survived by his daughters Melissa (Jay) Marshall, Taylor (Tyler) Marchi- Rybachuk and his grand-fur babies Georgie, Capri, and Rip. His siblings Stephen (Angi), Mark (Dawn), Mike (Kathy), Dawn (Preston), and his nieces and nephews Alise, Brett, Daylan, Paige. Numerous extended family and friends. Barry was predeceased by his parents Nino and Clara Marchi.

Barry and his family would like to express their deep gratitude and respect for Megan Norrish LLSC advocate, all the doctors, nurses and support staff whose kindness, caring and compassion supported them.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Barry Marchi to: Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada, East Kootenay Foundation for Health – Oncology Department, BC Cancer or the Elk Valley Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held on April 15, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sparwood at 10:30 am.

Please join Barry’s family for a celebration of life at the Sparwood Rec Center, curling rink following the service, where we invite you to share your stories with his family and friends.