So touching. What a wonderful, kind, generous and loving man Barry was.
LOOKING THROUGH THE MIRROR
Your dad, a lifetime career in the Navy, and your mother, often left alone as wives in the military are to raised their children. Often left with an uncle and aunt due to your dad being relocated by the Navy. A most difficult hardship that many endure to this day. Our lives parallel in many ways. I, lived with my grandparents because my mother, a single mother worked.You and I both so loved by our parents, yet yours could never accept you unless you did what made them feel proud. Mine, always wanted me to be happy. You strived your entire life to be what your parents desired. You were successful in your achievements, and they rejoiced in your success. Their plans for you were to be a successful and accomplishment lifetime Navy Officer, marry and have children. But, you came to reality and at a crossroad and left the Navy. With your Dad’s assistance, the state of Tennessee provided resources for you to attend George Washington University where you obtained a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration. Afterwards, you were appointed hospital administrator for Tennessee Eastern State Hospital, a mental health long term care institution near Knoxville, TN. After meeting your obligation to the TN Department of Mental Health, you secured a position with the TN Hospital Association in Nashville, TN. During this period you came to realization you were gay, and started relationships with men both as friends and sometimes romantic. On one occasion, both you and Donald were invited by a mutual friend to a Christmas party. Neither of you attended, but both of you later that evening just happened to visit the same Nashville nightclub, and were introduced to each other by the mutual friend. Immediately, both were attracted to each other and bonded like “love at first sight”. That night was magical for you both, and it was the beginning of our life journey together.
Denied love by your mom for who you were, you marched forward with your life and all the challenges of family acceptance, professional life, self acceptance being gay and living a life as a married man. Never being accepted by your parents for being gay, the strain caused great emotional stress and often no relationship with your parents. The hurt was continuous, sparkling out of control at times, and finally to the point of no communication with you mother. The damaged relationship ended unrepairable, and your heart was deeply hurt to the end.
Your journey continued with Donald for forty two years, and ended with in Donald’s arm that December 29th night 2010. Both of you were fortunate to adopt Harlen, and you had your family so desired. You always maintained such dignity, love, and grace for all. Admired and loved by many, and dearly loved by Donald and Harlen. You are so missed and loved eleven years since your passing. The forty two years was a blink of an eye, and the laughter, love, can still be heard and felt today. An everlasting love and journey.
BIRTHDAYS
BIRTHDAY STORY AT 60 YEARS
But. the story is of YOU, when you chose to ask the hand of a wonderful and beautiful 90 year old lady. She was so delighted and admired you so, but who didn't. Most of us all sit down at our tables to enjoy the dance you were about to engage in with such an elegant dress woman.
You two had the eyes of all one hundred guest on you two. Yes, you two stole the night, and how exciting it was, but at the end of the dance you did something I never expected, and most likely others. You took her tightly toward you, and as the music ended, you gently dipped her like a pro and as you positioned her back upright, your feet got tangle, and both of you fell to the floor with you landing on top of this absolutely loving lady.
We all gasp, hoping she was not hurt, and you being the gentleman you are, you attempted to pull her to her feet, and then quicker than the eye can blink, she pulled you back down on her, and everyone laughed so hard. We realized she was not injured, and after getting you both up off the floor, she announced to the entire room of guest, "that was the best lay she had in thirty years", and gave you a sweet kiss on your cheek. What an evening????
The next day we saw her, and she said to you, should we do it again? So many memories to reflect about on your SPECIAL DAY....
TEN YEARS
TODAY, I remember, the preparation of Thanksgiving dinner many years ago. We were enjoying ourselves in our beautiful new kitchen after our house was destroyed in the Laguna Beach fire, sharing hugs, kisses, and stories preparing for our guests. Yes, we had champagne that morning, and then the fun begin. You told me, the “bird is done”, and I smiled at you, and asked for you to do the honor of removing our blessings from the oven. Well, as i turned toward the refrigerator, I saw the largest eyes staring and frozen on my eyes. I looked down, and there it was, the bird had flown out of your hands, laying looking up at us. In disbelief, we started laughing, and you said, “damn that bird is determined to fly”. I responded with, “honey it did fly, it missed the bridge” (Navy joke). You just picked it up, and with a little touch up that you were so good at, we had the bird back on the bridge. What a morning, and I remember this wonderful event every year. You were so cute, and you poured us another beautiful glass of champagne. We had so many laughs over the years after crying so much that year losing our house. We rejoiced with so many other events and experiences that GOD gave us. So thankful and blessed. How do I love thee, let me count the ways.........Donald
Love to you always,
Helen
Vacuum Cleaner of the Universe
DECEMBER 12 2019
Happy Birthday Barry
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE MAY 27 2019
Barry died (December 2010) almost 9 years ago (December 29, 2019).
Why did he die? His death certificate indicates heart failure which it was, however, the secondary caused of death was a factor that goes back many years to his Naval service. Barry served our country for nine years as a Lt. Commander in the Navy. Approximately eight of those years were served in Vietnam, known as the Vietnam Conflict. Congress never declared war on North Vietnam nor China who actually paid North Vietnam to conduct the war. Barry served on 3 ships during this terrible destructive, divided, and emotional war. All of his ships were exposed to a chemical known as AGENT ORANGE, used to kill the forest extreme foliage so ground troops and air could see the enemy and bomb accurately.
This was an extreme harsh chemical and at the time the government supposedly did not know the long term affect of using it and the risk soldiers were exposed too on the ground or air. Time would tell ! The effect would become known several years after use, however, the government would deny one of its horrific outcomes. Unfortunately, those soldiers exposed to this chemical were dying of cancer at a unbelievable rate. They made it through the so call conflict only to find themselves dying from the effects of the “war” and from its own nation usage of a known chemical to cause cancer, yet would deny for many years.
Barry died of melanoma brain cancer. Agent Orange remains dormant for many years and then rages throughout the body without any notice and destroys the organs of the body through the blood. Barry was always healthy, no family history of cancer, a strong individual, but once this agent showed its ugly face, he died in less than 75 days, even with treatment that eventually destroyed his immune system. The deadly orange agent circulated throughout his body into the brain, and Barry’s inoperative tumors suffocated his body. Barry gave his life for our wonderful and beautiful country like so many others who fought in all of our wars, so please remember their sacrifice to them and their families. I lost everything as others who gave themselves for us. I will always remember his sacrifice. I hope you will. He was a terrific soldier and an unbelievable gentleman.
JUST A MOMENT IN TIME
I have no new stories; just memories. Everyday is a story memory. I miss you and never can't get you out of mind nor do I want too. You were the best, and still the best. Sometimes, I don't understand why I am here without you. You were my everything, and gave so much to so many. I hope they know how fortunate they were for the gift you gave. I know I am. Harlen and I try to celebrate moments, but they will never be the same, and though he says nothing, he misses you. He hungs me so much more now and looks at me. I think he is realizing our love for him, and how much I miss you. He is learning what love is, finally.
LIFE TIME OF LOVE
You were my first and every lasting love. Till this day, some six years plus, you are my valentine. There are no other stories better than my entire life with you. Now, life is just life without you, but at the same time you are so near. I awake knowing you waked me. It makes me smile. Thank you. I love you and so miss you. I often think of you, Misty, and me in that hospital looking at you, tears running down my cheeks, and Misty moaning at night; we were so helpless, knowing you were so sick. You know I was there, right? We never left you until they made me that night you were no longer there. How did our lives live such love, and happiness and go so quickly? I don't know, but for me we still exist. I love you so Barry.
Feburary 14, 2017
Tanya and her Mom Sue
Barry had a special relationship with his neice Tanya and her mom Sue.
BARRY'S BROTHER AND NIECES
Denny, his brother and daughters, Amy and Tanya.
Tanya often called Barry and actually visited us when she was a teenager. She loved her Uncle Barry a great deal.
MISTY, THE BOSTON TERRIER
Misty, a Boston Terrier lived with us for 30 days in the hospital, always giving Barry kisses every night till the night he passed.She gave passes to the nurses to care for Barry. She loved them for what they did to make him comfortable.
HELEN & JOHANNA
On the right, Helen, our dear neighbor in Piedmont, CA., and next to her Johanna, our lifetime friend and who Barry enjoyed cleaning(vacuuming) her place of business on Saturday afternoons.
LAST TRIP ON EAGLE 24
LONE PINE, CALIFORNIA
Barry enjoyed visiting Lone Pine, CA. We made so many trips enjoying the western atmosphere, and visiting our restaurant owner friend. I made several trips there after Barry's death trying to find him I guess. Visting Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contenintal United States and remembering the biggest pancake I ever saw eaten by Barry made me feel closer to him after his death.
The photo shows the impact treatment was having on Barry's physical body. He wanted to go to Lone Pine after one of his treatments. Here he took my hand and told he wasn't going to overcome this and he wanted me to know I should come here often afterwards. I tried at first, but it is to difficult, but I will work on it.
BARRY'S MOTORHOME DAYS
BARRY'S LOVE NOTE TO ALL OF US
Barry sent this note each year to me on our anniversary and birthday. I read it often when my pain gets so bad I feel like why can't I just die. I guess he knew there would be hard days after our lives ended. He was right. But, reading his love, the depth of his love, brings me back from the brink of not wanting to live. And, if you are reading this note, remembered he loved you for you and your friendship. I hope it makes you feel stronger to face the day.
Love,
Donald Trisdale
BROTHER DENNY VISIT
Barry's brother, Denny, visiting Barry in the hospital, and offering his support.
NAVY OFFICER GRADUATION PHOTO
SOLEMN NAVY MOMENT
BARRY'S BABY PHOTOGRAPH
FAMILY TIME
MOTORHOME TRIP
MISTY AND BARRY
BARRY HAVING A FUN MOMENT
MOTORHOME DAYS
Barry enjoyed every moment in his motorhome. He and Donald traveled extensively in the motorhome. This photograph taken the day Barry had washed, and polished the unit, and the day that would end up the start of the end of his life due to melonoma brain cancer.
KITCHEN REMOLDED
Barry enjoying some new appliances from a kitchen remolded. Actually, Barry was more happy the dust was gone, and the disruption in the household during the construction than what this photograph indicates. He said, "never" again. Of course that would come true sooner than we both thought. Barry enjoyed his new kitchen for about six months before his illness begin.
SAN FRANCISCO GAY TENNIS FEDERATION PARTY
TODD SAND
A photograph taken during a party. Todd was a dear friend of Barry and Donald. Donald and Todd worked together for years at NWA. Todd's death came as a surprise to all of us, and Barry being a trooper like he was, found enough strength to get out of bed and go with Donald to Todd's memorial. Unfortunately, Barry health grew worse on that particular day and remained in his motorhome during Todd's memorial tribute. It saddened and depressed Barry that he could not attend with Donald. A difficult day for all.
TODD SAND
A photograph taken during a party. Todd was a dear friend of Barry and Donald. Donald and Todd worked together for years at NWA. Todd's death came as a surprise to all of us, and Barry being a trooper like he was, found enough strength to get out of bed and go with Donald to Todd's memorial. Unfortunately, Barry health grew worse on that particular day and remained in his motorhome during Todd's memorial tribute. It saddened and depressed Barry that he could not attend with Donald. A difficult day for all.
VISITING DENNY & JO
After Barry's passing, Donald and Misty visited Barry's brother Denny and his wife Jo. Denny had visited Barry in the hospital prior to his death.
BARRY'S NIECE AND MOM
Barry's niece, Tanya and his mom. A photograph shared after Barry's passing.
BARRY'S MOM AND BROTHER
Barry's brother Denny, and his mom Sybil. This photograph was taken after Barry's death. Sybil would pass a year after Barry's death. Denny was the younger brother and lives in South Carolina. The photo was taken on one of my visits to see Barry's mom after his death.
MISTY, THE BOSTON TERRIER
Misty would be the last dog that Barry, Donald and Harlen would have together. Barry received so much joy and happiness with Misty. She often went to work with him, running up and down the hall playing ball. She was near his side even the four weeks in the hospital by his side often sleeping at the end of his bed.
Misty died January 19, 2016. Like Barry's, her passing was difficult as well.
Trip to Catalina Island
Barry in the back seat of a car enroute to the ship for Catalina Island with Donald, Scott, and Sammy. This would be Barry's last outdoor trip. It was a day filled with laughter, food, and stories that remain as wonderful memories. This day almost did not happen due to Barry's treatments that made him extremely ill days afterwards, but Barry was determined to have fun with two friends who had traveled from South Carolina to visit and lend support to him and Donald
BARRY'S HUSBAND, DONALD
Donald shared 42 years of life together with Barry. Their life together raised one son, Harlen, and the three loved each other dearly with various four legged cainnes who were the center pieces of their life.
PROFESIONAL PHOTOGRAPH
REUNION OF NWA Flight Attendents
Two Dearest Life Friends
Helen (on right), and Johanna on (left) were life long friends of Barry and Donald.
Johanna and her family were the closet individual who could be a sister. She was everything to both Barry and Donald. Barry would often vacuum her store front on a Saturday visit. We would share so many memories, some good, some very funny, and some not so good, but her love and support continues still to this day. She lives in nothern CA.
Helen and family lived behind Barry's and Donald first purchased house in Piedmont, CA. Helen and husband Jim would be wonderful neighbors and share many happy memories together. Helen remains a dear and close friend. Unfortunatly, Jim passed a few months before Barry. Barry and Jim shared many military stories over the years.
A Navy Friend
Irwin and Barry shared military experiences together, and a special friendship with both Barry and Donald.
ONE MUST READ iRWIN'S STORY OF HIS FRIENDSHIP IMAGE OF BARRY
A Light Moment DEC 2010
A dear friend who gave us laughter when laughter did not seem possible during the darkness of days in Barry's life.
HOLDING THE SHIP TOGETHER - PAM
Pam, a lifetime friend who was with both Barry and Donald throughout the nightmare, and continues to hold Donald's hand. She was at Barry's bedside with Donald when Barry passed as she had been for over four weeks.
The lifetime FRIEND of Barry and Donald. Pam is her name, and she lived every moment with us till the end giving up her Christmas with her family, and wonderful grandchildren. We will always love you Pam. You and Bob are angels. Thank you!
An Officer and a True Gentleman
Barry often wore this unofficial Navy cap indicating his gift to his country, his life. Barry was exposed to agent orange on four different ships during his tenure in the Navy. He was very proud of his contributions to the military. This scene is taken at one of his favorite places, near Santa Barbara, CA.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Flowers of Love
Barry from his Bed
Today, was another difficult day. Barry begin having light brain strokes. From this day forward, we continued to hope and Barry continued to fight for his life. Barry died December 29, 2010, twenty-six days after this photo.