Obituary of Barry Felstead

It is with profound sadness that we announce the recent passing of Dr. Earl Barry Felstead of Kanata, Ontario at the age of 83. 

Born in Medicine Hat, AB November 11th, 1940, Barry grew up in a number of prairie cities. He was a proud graduate and alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics working on early laser development. After a brief period employed at General Electric in Toronto, Barry returned to his studies, attending Queen’s University where he obtained a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Barry was passionate about his work, publishing over 100 papers, obtaining several patents, and serving on a number of international committees over his long career in satellite communications at Communications Research Centre. He taught classes at Queen’s where he was supervising prof to a number of post grad students and was also a lecturer at Carleton University.

Beloved husband to Marion for over 60 years.  Loving father to Kerry Felstead (Trish), Brent Felstead (Nina), Leanne Sullivan, and Colleen Houghton (Rob).  Grandpa to Shane, Damien, Dallyn (Sequoia), Justin, Drake, Janna, and Robbie, and honorary Grandpa to Giovanni and Luccio.  Dear son of the late Frank and Marjorie Felstead.  Dear brother to the late Rick Felstead and brother-in-law to Sharon and Bernie McCallion, Gren and Marg Smith-Windsor, Brooke Smith-Windsor, Kent and Maureen Smith-Windsor, and Ella Felstead.  He was a fun-loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews for whom he perfected his “Silly Walk”, and a father figure to Jenn Felstead and many others that crossed the Felstead threshold.

Barry embraced life.  Everything was an adventure! He marvelled at the world, an infectious gift which he shared with everyone who knew him.  He loved the outdoors -- family treks in the woods, playing soccer, windsurfing, biking, skiing, and adventures on the "yellow brick road” at the lake. An avid hockey player, Barry played until he was 81. His strong sense of community included coaching and refereeing soccer and acting as soccer field co-ordinator, teaching badminton, and volunteering with Cubs.  His love for his children and grandchildren found him cheering them on at any activity in which they participated, often learning a new skill so he could join them.  He was always cheerful, quick with a witticism or a Dad Joke, and was very adept at hollering down sewer grates. The Felstead house has been a gathering place in the neighbourhood for children of 2 Generations. There were always extra mouths to feed and lots of noise. He joyfully embraced it all. 

As Barry embarks on this newest adventure, we borrow his usual parting expression and say “Bye — for now”.

A celebration of Dr. Barry Felstead’s life will be held at Fourth Avenue Baptist Church on Saturday March 2^nd, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be available online via Facebook Live Stream for anyone unable to attend in person:  https://www.facebook.com/share/myAWg8BoqLmqdeSb/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Following the service all are welcome to join the reception at Highland Park Cemetery where refreshments will be served. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MS Society, Epilepsy Canada, or the Ottawa Heart Institute.