Barry Haley passed away peacefully after a short, but robust fight with cancer.   Barry was always a devoted Kearsney advocate and wore his Kearsney attire with pride up to his very last day.   His admiration of the work his father carried out relocating Kearsney College from Kearsney on the north coast to its current home in Botha’s Hill was extraordinary, and he held Haley House extremely close to his heart.

While at Kearsney Barry represented the college in the 1st XV Rugby team, and he would return to Kearsney at just about every opportunity to support the 1st XV.   He was an active member of the Kearsney survivors’ group and always looked forward to the founders get togethers, the lunch served up in the school dining halls always being the highlight of the weekend.   During my time and his grandson time at the college he would attend and support as many of the school functions as he could, founders’ days, carol services, speech days to mention but a few. Grandparents’ day were always a firm favourite.

The grounding Barry received at Kearsney stood him in good stead through life, and he led a life of service to others.   He immersed himself in his church life, he worked hard for the youth and served tirelessly in the maritime ministry circles, co-ordinating global support for those at sea, those who were not fortunate enough to see their families each and every day.

His family could not have been more important to him, and he worked hard through life to ensure we all had what we needed, and when it came to a high school for myself, Kearsney was not even a point of negotiation.   He ensured I was given the Kearsney advantage as he was.   He was instrumental in the Kearsney legacy continuing to the third generation, with his beloved grandson attending Kearsney.

Barry, Dad, Granddad we will forever miss you, your dry humour, your listening ear, bountiful advice and your wise council.   However, it was your time to leave us, to move on to higher places and start a whole new adventure, your spirit will live on in all the people you touched through your rich and rewarding life.   May you go in peace.

Written by Craig Haley (Finningley, 1989) and Stuart Patterson (Finningley, 2013)