Obituary of Barry Robert Phalen

Barry Robert Phalen, 74, New Glasgow, formerly of Merigiomish, passed away peacefully, February 6, 2024, in the Aberdeen Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late John Herbert and Myrtle Nina (Munroe) Phalen. Barry enjoyed a varied career, beginning as a fisherman, then with the Halifax Dock Yards, returning home to fish lobsters and scallops for several years and then he was employed as a meat cutter with the Pictou County Co-op prior retirement. He was most grateful to his late sister, Elaine, for helping him find faith in Jesus Christ, who promises eternal life to those who believe in him. Barry was a faithful member of Freedom Bible Church, Sutherland’s River.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing hockey and rugby in his younger years.  Through out his sickness, Barry displayed great patience, gratitude, and love of family. He looked forward to meeting his yet to be born grandson, Grayson Barry Robert. For Barry, “life has changed; not ended!”

Surviving are his wife, Shirley (Wilson) Phalen; daughters, Trinda Lee Phalen, London, Ont.; Angela DeWolfe (Matt MacNeil), Dieppe, N.B.; Alicia  DeWolfe (Eric Lavoie), Halifax; stepdaughter, Deenie (Don) Webster, Port Williams; stepson, Robert (Dawn) Walsh, Antigonish; grandchildren, Fantasy, Cassandra, Jacob, Jackson, Ayla, Charlotte, Harper, Ayden,  and Addison; step-grandchildren,  several great-grandchildren; sisters, Glenda MacIntosh (Eldie Ross), Colleen (Lux) MacDonald,  Isabel Asprey and Lillian (Mick) O’Hearn; step-grandchildren, Adam, Aaron, Leah, Samantha, Kerri Ann; brothers, Fred (Carol) Phalen and Cyril (Jill) Phalen; sister-in-law, Priscilla Phalen; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by daughters, Heather Lynn, and Nicole in infancy; sisters, Nora MacGrath, Florence Chisholm, Jean Carver, and Elaine Smith; brothers, Russell, and Jack; brothers-in-law, Buddy Smith, Jim Asprey, Fred MacGrath, Jim Chisholm, and Maurice Carver.

The family will receive visitors 10-10:50 a.m. Monday, February 12 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home Chapel where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Alan Klein officiating.  Spring interment will be in Murray’s Point Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Barry’s memory to Freedom Bible Church.

For funeral service livestream, please click HERE