Barry D. Van Ry - Obituary

arry Van Ry was born on May 21, 1939, and ascended this earth at 6 pm on December 10, 2022. At 17 years of age, Barry found himself starting a family. Forced to grow up quickly, he worked at a gas station while attending Everett Community College in Everett WA. His leadership qualities presented themselves early as he was soon elected student body president. In his search for excellence and with a determination to provide the best possible life for his family, he took a job as a longshoreman, then a car salesman, and eventually started selling yellow page advertising door to door. Through a stellar work ethic, superior intellect, and determination, Barry worked his way up the corporate ladder to become President and CEO of Bell Atlantic Yellow Page Directories. His professional life took him on a journey as Managing Director of Directories Australia, with responsibilities in New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Barry was an inspirational and profound speaker. As a judicious problem solver and dynamic leader, he inspired others to be and do their best. To know Barry was to respect him. His stamp of approval was sought after and revered. Barry’s adventurous spirit was best-experienced riding motorcycles. He loved horses and nature. He had a particular affinity for the Great Northwest. Barry would tell you that although he lived an amazing life full of adventures, his greatest pride came from his family and friends. He was born in the small Dutch community of Lynden Washington where he leaves many that helped mold and shape him as a man. His pride and joy were his four children Georgee, (Charles), Barry, (Khayya), Steve, (Erin), and Matthew. He enjoyed the love of 11 grandchildren, their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. His wife Linda, has loved him unconditionally and cared for him through his heroic battle with Parkinson's disease. He will also be missed by his sister Arlene, (Harold) and Queen, his loving caretaker. Queen has made all our lives easier by being forever present and sacrificing to make him comfortable. We, his family, see him now, riding a high-spirited stallion across the plains or perhaps driving his motorcycle across some heavenly terrain. His heart is full of joy, his big beautiful laugh filling the air. With God by his side, Barry will keep a vigilant watch over his family and friends from heaven until the day we meet again. Until that day he will forever be in our hearts. Contributions in Barry’s memory can be made to Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation by mail to P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online HERE A Celebration of life will be held in Washington State in the summer and announced at a later date. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the memories tab on the left.