In Memory Of

Barry Wayne Geates

Nov 4, 1956 - Jul 20, 2024

Service

Saturday, July 27, 2024
3:00 pm
College Heights Seventh-Day Adventist Church
6910 University Dr, College Heights

Notice

Please consider a donation to Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue in appreciation of their bravery and compassion. The link is provided below. https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/m/rocky-sar/donate-now

Obituary

Barry was a husband, father, grandfather, physician, musician and outdoor enthusiast who embraced life’s adventures to the fullest.
Barry Wayne Geates was born in North Battleford, SK, to Robert and Mildred (Whipps) Geates, the oldest of two boys. He was raised on a farm until his family moved to Lacombe when he was fourteen.
Barry loved music and played the tuba in school. He learned to play the double bass at CUC, which became a lifelong passion. One musical highlight of Barry’s younger years was touring in Poland with the Walla Walla College band in 1979.
Barry completed a degree in biomedical electronics and obtained his pilot license at WWC. He continued on to study medicine at University of Alberta. While studying in Edmonton, Barry met the lovely new teacher at Coralwood Adventist Academy, who hailed from Prince Edward Island. On July 12, 1985, he and Sandra Faye Coles were married.
Following graduation from medical school in 1986, Barry and Faye moved to Lacombe, where he established a practice as a General Practitioner and Hospitalist. Dr. Geates was still a practicing physician at the time of his passing.
A son, Alexander Barry, was born to Barry and Faye in 1992. Alexander is married to Kathleen Murphy and they have a young son, Hudson. They are a farm family and will greatly miss Barry’s help and support.
The outdoor world was Barry’s playground, and he skied, cycled, climbed, hiked, paddled, flew and snowshoed almost every inch of it. Faye accompanied him on many of these trips and has been a tremendously good sport to keep up with her husband. Barry’s passion for adventure led him to the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Everest Base Camp, and the Annapurna Circuit. He made three trips to Nepal with the Wilderness Medical Association and gained his Wilderness Advanced Life Support certification. He hiked the Pacific and Appalachian trails, cycled the MS bike trip every year, camped in remote huts in the mountains, skied the slopes, and paddled lakes and rivers with his family and friends. Sadly, the kayaking trip on Clearwater River was his final stop, but our hope is sure that he will find high mountains, blue rivers, and green forests to explore for eternity. We cannot wait for that day.
Please consider a donation to Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue in appreciation of their bravery and compassion. The link is provided below. https://www.clearwatercounty.ca/m/rocky-sar/donate-now
A funeral service will be held for Dr. Barry Geates on July 27th at 3:00 pm at the College Heights Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Dr. Burles:

I worked with Barry at the Centennial Centre. He was often staying in one of the on call houses while I stayed in one of the others for my locums. He was often outside snowshoeing and I could always count on him for breaking tracks in the winter. A few Christmases ago I worked through the holiday and I saw him trapsing through the snow in almost minus 40! He was such an interesting and adventurous guy. I just learned of his passing. My condolences to your family. I am sure his memory will live on in many exciting stories and adventures.

Karla Phillips:

I always appreciated Barry's sense of humor. Years ago our paths crossed often but many memories will fondly remain. My sincere condolences, and hugs to Faye.

Esther Yaceyko:

Dear Mildred, Faye, Terry,
So saddened to hear of the sudden unexpected death of Dr. Barry Geates. After the resurrection morning, he'll enjoy exploring the universe with his family and friends. Until then, may God grant you comfort and strength for each day.
With our prayers and hugs,
Esther (and Marlin)

Temple and Gail Stewart:

Sincere Sympathy Fay and Family,

James Anderson:

So sorry to hear of Dr. Barry's passing. I was so blessed to have him as one of the singers in the Men of Faith Chorus (2003/4). My personal condolences to Faye and Alexander and the extended family. I know Dr. Barry will be sorely missed. We take comfort in the Blessed Hope of that day when we see our loved ones again and rejoice in the ressurection power of our Savior, Jesus.
with love,
James Anderson

Jeanette Coles-Lazaric:

Deepest heartfelt condolences on the passing for your Barry.

Norman and Diane Pearson:

Dear Faye and family,

We were sorry to hear about Barry’s death. May God give you comfort, strength and peace at this time. What a wonderful promise we have of the resurrection!

Love and prayers, Norman and Diane

Doreen Craswell:

My sincerest condolences to you Faye, Alex and Kathleen on the passing of Barry. He certainly lived life to the fullest.
Sincerely Doreen

Don and Mary Roberts:

Dear Faye and family
We offer our deepest condolences at this time of great loss. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and love.

Gayle Roberts/Gary Moore:

Dear Faye and Family,

Please accept our deepest condolences on Barry’s sudden passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Much love dear friend,

Gayle and Gary

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