Island Carpentry Is A Legacy of Barry BeDour
By Jeannette Doud

The season of promise will soon be upon us, when the golden daffodils, tulips, and spring flowers push their tiny heads above ground. Our dear friend, Barry BeDour, welcomed the heavenly blue skies and warm temperatures, for this was his busiest time of year. He was often seen riding by on his bicycle to his many job sites. Often, I would tap on the window to give him his favorite bag of colorful jelly beans, which would give him the energy to bike up Cadotte Avenue. He and his crew would be opening many of the beautiful homes for the summer season. Barry was a master carpenter, and his beautiful work can be seen all over the Island in homes and businesses.

His many friends came from as far away as California and Florida to pay their respects and say a last goodbye to Barry, a person they loved with all their heart. A beautiful Mass at historic Ste. Anne's was celebrated at noon Tuesday, April 10, with Father Jim Williams officiating, a personal friend to Barry, who often visited his bedside at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. With Ste. Anne's overflowing with friends and relatives, the procession led by altar servers Robert Chambers and Tymon Horn, Barry's daughter, Caralyn, and son, Paul, carried their father's ashes to the altar. Beautiful music filled the church, provided by Trinity choir.

A prominent member of our community, he will be sadly missed. His greatest ally was his courage, greatest fortune was his family and friends, and his greatest success was in service to his community and generosity.

Barry loved life, and his family, and all that it had to offer. He and Betty lived happily in their East Bluff home with their constant companion, Buddy, their faithful dog.

He was loads of fun, and shared his laughter with everyone. Barry was a pilot, who often took Buddy as a passenger, as he did when he jumped aboard his snowmobile. Let us not forget how much he enjoyed skiing the trails of our beautiful Island, when the freshly fallen snow covered the ground.

Barry took time to laugh, it was the music of his soul. He took time to work, it was the price of success. He took time to be friendly, it was the road to happiness, and he had enough work for his hands to fill every corner of his heart.

The brilliant sun and bright blue sky was the background for the fly-over performed by Barry's two dear friends, pilots Ken Smith and Paul Fullerton, as family and friends departed Ste. Anne's Church en route to the luncheon reception at the Community Hall.

Island friends extend their deepest sympathy to Betty, Caralyn, Paul, and all the family members.

To Barry: There are those whose lives remind us of the sunsets warming glow, they leave a touch of glory lingering after when they go. Rest in peace, dear Barry, you will reign in our hearts forever.