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It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a wonderful son, brother, husband, cousin, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Barry Michael Popoff passed away suddenly, in Edmonton, Alberta on July 21,2016 at the age of 56 years. Barry was born in Penticton, B.C. on October 9, 1959. He attended grade school in Grand Forks and graduated in 1977.

Throughout his youth Barry loved and excelled in athletics. He was a big man who had a incredibly strong pitching arm in baseball and basketball skills which often saw him as a scoring leader in high school. While attending the University of British Columbia, Barry had the opportunity to play football for the UBC Thunderbirds for 2 seasons.

Barry had a very successful career in the fire protection industry. He persevered with patience and rose through the ranks from being a tradesman in fire sprinkler installation to becoming a national manager for his company. Barry’s career also led to meeting the love of his life Debbie Demers. Barry and Debbie were married on October 8, 1988.

His main priority in life has always been taking care of his wife and family. Always there to provide whatever was needed with an unparalleled generosity. He was also a big kid at heart, and made sure that fun was a part of every day. He loved his music and instruments, his motorcycles and ATV riding. Every visit with Barry was an unknown adventure in play that has kept all who knew him young in heart as well.

Barry was predeceased by his Uncle, John Chernoff and many other relatives. Barry is survived by Debbie, his loving wife of 28 years, his parents Bill and Anne Popoff, his brother Ron, and also close to the family was his Aunt Ann and Roy Bader and cousin Dena and her husband Steve Adams. Also, cousins Polly Popoff, Florence Kalmakoff, Paul Semenoff, Alex Semenoff, Margaret Langston and John Tomilin. Also left to cherish his memory are his parents-in-law Edith and Allan Demers, brothers- and sisters-in-law Lorne and Judi Watson, Gil and Janet Marshall, Phil Roy and Diane Demers and many nieces, nephews and friends. Always holding a special place in Barry’s heart was his beloved dog, Charlie.

A celebration of Barry’s life was held in Edmonton, Alberta on Thursday, July 28. A private family celebration of Barry’s life will be held in Grand Forks at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the B.C.S.P.C.A. to celebrate Barry’s love of animals.


A golden heart stopped beating,

hard working hands at rest.

God took him home,

It was His will.

But in our hearts he liveth still.



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