The world lost Barry L, Grote, AKA ‘The Great One’, retired pilot, master woodworker, hunter, fisherman, contrarian, solver of the mysteries of the universe, master of sarcasm, riddler, engineer, generous spirit, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many left his earthly bodily containment after an extraordinarily courageus battle with cancer on August 28th, 2015. We will cherish the memories of Barry forever.
Barry was preceded in death by his beloved mother and father, Don and Phyllis Grote of Aberdeen, and survived by his beloved wife, Janice Grote, his daughers, Chaille Lemcke (Craig) and Cheri Colter (Richard), grandaughers, Milena Lemcke, Aurora Colter & Chloe Colter. Barry is also survived by his beloved brothers Don, Randy, Brant, and Richard, & sisters Valerie, Laurie, Patsy and Pamela.
A narrative of The Great One can be found on the next tab under 'His Life'. Please feel free to share your own narratives, memories, & pictures!
A informal open house in Celebration of Barry's Life gathering for family and friends will be held in Crystal Lake, IL on Friday, Oct. 2nd at D'Andrea's at 4:00 PM, and in Aberdeen SD on Friday, Oct. 9th at the Dakota Event Center at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations that Barry supported: Feed the Children (www.FeedTheChildren.org) St. Joseph Indian School (www.stjo.org) and South Dakota Wildlife Federation (www.sdwf.org)
Barry was also preceded in death by a few kitties: Patches and Sylvester , of Crystal Lake Il, & The Dooter of Denver, CO, Ming of Dallas, TX (cats and grandcat – debatable on the beloved part there), and survived by Monique, Yoyo, and Nijinsky 'Ninja' Colter (Dallas granddog & grandcats, Mooshus & Ivan Lemcke ( Denver grandcats) – also questionable beloved ones but all cats and dog survivors of The Great One nonetheless.
Tributes
Leave a tributeAs each year passes I feel even more blessed to have share so many of life's experiences with him, but do wish we could have traveled down the trail of life together for a few more years. There are moments of immense emptiness for me knowing he won't be involved with our annual outdoor adventures or I can't give him a call. Somehow I press on by recalling the good times and retaining the belief that someday we will be together again.
Gordy
Gordy, thank you for your kind words and memories of Barry. Your thoughtfulness means more than you know.
This quote says it all, "Grief never ends but it changes. Grief is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith, it's the price of love".
Thank you for your tribute to Barry, which means so much to all of us!
my Condolences to Janice who was so sweet to me, to Cheri and her Family, Chaille and Craig and their daughter. I know you have suffered a tremendous loss. I am so sorry.
The pictures are so moving...
Barry, fly high out there in the Afterlife, the real life. We shall see each other again.
Please know you are in prayers and thoughts.
rry, The Greatest Love story of all time. Love you big brother, you will be missed.
It was in 2009 that I first became aware of another side of Barry, the compassionate caring person hiding behind the intellect and impish grin. Shortly after having been diagnosed with blood cancer, I received a card from Barry encouraging and challenging me. This from a friend I had seen but a dozen times over 50 years. I suspect Barry would be the first to recognize the irony of that situation, me surviving my encounter with the evil malady and him succumbing. Here's to Barry,
a true friend and as fine a person as I have had the privilege to know.
Time cannot erase what memories have made with this man.
Leave a Tribute
Please be patient.
Barry’s b/d was always on the opening day of waterfowl season, one of our hunting passions.
We miss you buddy, but never forget you.
Call my name
Should You Go First
by Albert Kennedy "Rosey" Rowswell
Should you go first and I remain,
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In Spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early Fall when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.
Should you go first and I remain,
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first and I remain,
To finish with the scroll,
No length 'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.
Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take
That I may walk the same,
For some day down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.
This poem was sent to me by hospice I hope you will find great comfort from it as I did :Love Laurie and family
Barry's dream
When Jan found out that Barry's dream was to fly. She put all her efforts into helping him to realize his dream. I think she then became the wind beneath his wings. What a partnership.