Stephen Barry

Stephen Barry (71), a Gig Harbor resident of 37 years, was called home to the Lord on November 1, 2021. Steve was committed to the Catholic faith and is a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Steve is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cindy, and children Shauna (Chris) Henry, Raphael (Kate) Barry, Eric (Jennifer) Barry, Peter Barry, Ian Barry and Ryan Barry, as well as grandchildren, Isabella, Kieran, Kaia, Tristan, and Lola.

Steve was born on February 4, 1950 in Tenby, Wales to his father Eric Barry, and mother Collete. It was here that he and his older brother Chris immersed in the British culture, played soccer, explored local beaches, and developed a love for the outdoors. After his Father retired from the Royal Navy, Steve moved to California with his parents. The journey by ship was a fond memory as Steve recalled wearing his father’s Royal Navy Commander hat aboard each day and being saluted daily as they journeyed to their new home land.

As a young man, Steve accepted Christ and carried this love with him on all of the paths his life endured. With higher education in the Arts and Sciences and a deep passion for good food and wine, Steve engaged life with an entrepreneurial spirit. From owning a restaurant, building boats and homes, developing real estate, to discovering innovative mineral technologies, he was always demonstrating the utmost passion, motivation, and determination. At home he showed this same passion in his garden, cooking, winemaking, cheese-making and his voluminous library. With a tremendous love for the game of soccer, Steve not only played with many members of the Harbor community, but he also coached youth soccer for many years with Peninsula Athletic Association and Harbor FC. He was a key contributor to the first Harbor Cup soccer tournament in the early 90’s.

While Steve invested deeply across the broader community and youth soccer, the anchor of Steve’s life was God and family. With all of the trials a life can have, he never wavered in leading his family toward peace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Critical to Steve’s journey with Christ has been St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor. Over the years he was involved in the parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, Parish council member and Youth Group assistant. St. Nicholas has not only served as the spiritual home of his faith, but also holds many of the best sacramental memories a father and grandfather can experience; baptism, first communion, confirmation, and marriage. 

Steve was a man of boundless conviction and integrity, who adored Christ and His Mother, and strived to sow unconditional love every day. He will forever be cherished and loved. 

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to St. Nicholas Catholic Church: https://pushpay.com/g/stnicholasgigharbor?src=hpp

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