Donald "Barry" McLachlan

Barry McLachlan of Neepawa, MB, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021 in Country Meadows, with family at his side.

Barry was born and grew up in Neepawa the son of Frank and Dolly McLachlan with younger brothers Glen and Doug. He married his high school sweetheart Barbara Sinclair to whom he was married 59 years.

Barry was a teacher and coach. He was educated at Brandon University and taught his early years in Dauphin, Ochre River, Brandon, Carberry, and Neepawa. He took a break from teaching to run Neepawa Florists and then moved the family to Mesa, AZ where he owned a T-shirt business. He returned to complete his teaching career at ACC-Brandon, Sioux Valley, Neepawa, and Sprucewood colony. Students referred to Barry as their favorite teacher, appreciating his creative approach with hands-on projects and his specific attention to their individual needs.

Along with the classroom, Barry loved sports. He ran track and field and played football in high school, enjoyed golfing, curling, bowling, and baseball. He also loved coaching young people in baseball, hockey and soccer. In 1970 he led Neepawa’s age-13 boys’ baseball team to a silver medal in western Canada with the whole town cheering them on.

Barry’s quick wit and trademark sense of humor were enjoyed by family, friends, and caregivers. His fun-loving manner endeared him to many. Over the years, he and Barb enjoyed entertaining at their home. For twenty-eight years they lived on acreage seven miles south of town where Barry enjoyed country living walking with a trusted dog at his side. He loved Apollo, Lady, Cody, and Autumn.

Barry is survived by his loving wife Barb, daughters Shelaine (Bill) Strom of Abbotsford, BC, Jaydene (Al) Hefferland of Surrey, BC, brothers Doug (Ann) of Cranbrook, BC, Glen (Brenda) of Calgary, AB, sisters-in-law Edna (Rod) Kleckner and Madeline Clark, grandsons Jesse, Taylor, Clark, Eric and Kaden, three great-grandsons Grayson, Theo, and Austin, and nieces and nephews. Barry was predeceased by his parents Frank and Dolly, parents-in-law Jim and Ann Sinclair, and brother-in-law Maurice Clark.

The family expresses their thanks for the staff at Country Meadows Personal Care Home, Neepawa, who cared for Barry in his last years.

At Barry’s request there will be no service. Donations may be given in Barry’s memory to Country Meadows or another charity of their choice.

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