Barry Dahl

DAHL – Barry Issac Dahl passed away on Sunday July 7, 2019 at the Maple Creek Hospital at the age of 68. 

Barry was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis and his son, Davin; early and sudden losses from which he never fully recovered. In more recent years he lost his loving parents; Ingolf and Elizabeth Dahl.

He is survived by his children Corinna Dahl-Ritco (Darren), Nicole Dahl-Carey (Rob), Lana Dahl-Backman (Tyler) and Calvin Dahl (Carri); grandchildren Ashtyn and Avery Ritco, Lily, Veda and Lev Carey; Lewis and Elliott Backman; Hadley, Esmae and Beth Dahl; his sister Diane Zoell; niece Daisy McNamara (Jason); and great niece and nephew Brooklyn McNamara and Jackson Honeysett.

Barry was born one month premature at home on the farm one cold and stormy night, February 6, 1951. To all accounts, he was not held back by this early arrival, and thrived as a youngster on the family farm. He enjoyed a childhood filled with love, music, great food, and frequent visitors.  With a musical ear and a penchant for perfection, Barry taught himself to play the saxophone starting at 9 years old. He was a natural talent. Over the years he continued to enjoy this hobby, playing with local bands in his younger years, and later with family and friends. Another of his lifelong hobbies also began as a child. Barry loved coins. His collection was small in the beginning. Over time it began to accumulate and flourish beyond the storage capacity of his top dresser drawer where he always kept them. After recently finding boxes of coins throughout the farmhouse after his passing, his family joked that The Bradford Exchange was about to experience a serious financial downturn with the loss of Barry’s coin orders. It was a source of pride and joy and he loved showing them off, even sharing some with his grandkids. 

 Barry did well in school, with his elementary years spent in Robsart, high school in Consul, and one year of Agricultural studies in Medicine Hat. After that he ventured to Trail, B.C. for work staying with his Aunt Rose and Uncle Johnny.  He soon returned home, buying land of his own and continuing as a third-generation farmer on the Dahl family farm.  Upon his return, he fell for his brown eyed beauty and one true love, Phyllis Palmer.  They married in 1974 and had five children together. Barry was a successful farmer. He took risks and made business decisions that profited over the years. Although he taught his children that there were no handouts, and you had to earn your way in life, he was a charitable man. He helped his children through secondary education and made significant donations to the community, as well as many other causes.

Three years ago, Barry was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, his family was told he was palliative. After recovering in a care home for several months in Regina, he started telling his family he was going home to the farm. Despite protests and alternative suggestions, he was determined that he was going home. It wasn’t long after, his children received individual cell phone calls from him. First, a call that he was at the Greyhound bus station. Next, a call that he was ON the Greyhound. And finally, a call for a ride home from Maple Creek. He was headed to the farm. It was where he was born. Where he lived, loved, struggled, profited, lost. It was the place he experienced the greatest highs, and the most difficult lows. But it was home, and it was the only place he ever wanted to be.

There will be a private family service held at the Dahl farm, and interment at the Robsart Cemetery with Dave Manley officiating. If anyone would like to make a donation on Barry’s behalf the family has suggested the Canadian Cancer Society, or a Consul community organization he supported, such as the Consul rink or community hall.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the kind, respectful and considerate care from Dr.’s, nurses and staff at the Maple Creek Hospital and Emergency Services. We feel very fortunate that Barry was able to spend his last days being treated with dignity and compassion. A special thank you to Maryanne Gorden, who’s professionalism and support towards Barry and his family was truly remarkable.   We would also like to thank Barry’s neighbors and friends for the visits, food and kind condolences.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barry Dahl, please visit our floral store.