Andrew Brian Barylski

Obituary

Passed on

June 9, 1948 – December 1, 2025

Peacefully, in the morning of December 1st, Andy passed away at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli, Manitoba. He is survived by Florence, his wife of 53 years; son Kevin; daughter Karen (David); grandchildren Ava and Keifer.

Dad was born June 9, 1948 at the family home in the R.M. of Rosenburg, Manitoba. His parents were Andrzej (Andrew) and Pauline. He had six siblings: Jean (died at infancy), Edward (Anne), Joyce (Ted), Norman (Barb), Michael (Dale), Marianne (Rick) and numerous nieces and nephews. He completed  elementary school in  Cochenour, Ontario, Hayek & Vidir Schools and finished his high school education at Arborg Collegiate. When he lived in Ontario, where the blueberries were plentiful, Auntie Sylvia nicknamed Dad “Banjo Eyes.” After graduating, he went to Balmerton, Ontario to work with his uncle at Dell Construction, then later went to work in the mine.

He came back to Manitoba and worked in Winnipeg with the BDC Company. At a New Year’s dance in Fisher Branch, he met his wife to be. Once married, the two ventured to Norway House, where they spent four years working together, having much fun with the friends they made. The stories of those days still bring smiles.

Moving back to Arborg, he worked at the Co-Op Lumber Store. The North called him back where he shared management at the hotel and he flew throughout northern Manitoba and Northern Ontario preparing Income Tax returns, until he retired. We remember one winter when Dad came home from one of his trips, the pilot landed his plane on the field across from home. Dad grabbed his bag, waved a farewell – the pilot returned to the skies and Dad walked home.

Together, Dad and Mom traveled extensively including traveling all of Canada and the United States. They took winter holidays in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Hawaii and multiple trips to Europe.

He volunteered with the Kinsmen and for nearly two decades at the Fire Department in Arborg. He was well known for the meals he cooked at the Fire Department to ensure the volunteers were well fed after returning from a call.  

Dad did so much in his life. He figured things out and was not intimidated by challenges. He could crack a joke when we least expected and was a prankster. Dad lived a very full life and had fun doing things like: driving a motorcycle, farming, snowmobiling, boating, hunting, canoeing, fly-in fishing and having a shore lunch and taking flying lessons. Surprisingly, he also had a quiet side and read.

Employment with Barrett & Sons gave him experiences, knowledge and unforgettable adventures. Thank you.

To the Emergency personnel at Johnson Memorial Hospital for your compassion, thank you.

As per Dad’s wishes, there will be no formal service and a private interment will be held.

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