He was born on September 9, 1954, to Abbey Bernard and Edna Barry, the second youngest sibling of four brothers and three sisters – George, Yvonne, Dawn, Bernie, Brian, Mervyn and Meryl, who grew up on a plot in Lilyvale, Putfontein.
He attended Laerskool Putfontein and spent his high school years at Benoni High School.
It was in his primary school years that he first met Selma Mertch, whom he enjoyed teasing at school, later she was to become his wife of 41 years.
Mickey went to the army and served in the Rhodesian war. Upon his return, his youngest sister brought a close friend to a family braai – none other than Selma, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Mickey worked for his dad in his electrical business at AB Barry Electrical then, at a later stage, started his own company, a well known name in Benoni: Barry’s Electrical.
Mickey and Selma, as a young married couple, enjoyed the company of biking friends. Mickey also enjoyed hot rods and would take part in the racing.
Mickey and Selma had their first daughter, Vanessa, who sadly passed away at a very young age.
Three years later Bronwen was born and a further three years later Shaun.
Ouma Koekie was a big part of all their lives. She looked after Bonnie and Shaunie as young babies and later on, remaining very good friends and “a parent” to the family.
As a young family they enjoyed many holidays at Leisure Bay, where Mickey enjoyed taking out his fishing rods and also playing many rounds of golf.
Later on they also built many good memories at their game farm in Northam. Mickey was famous for his potjie skills on the farm. He was also an avid hunter and thoroughly enjoyed cooking alongside Selma, especially lamb shanks and oxtail.
Apart from Bonnie and Duane, Shaun and Gen, Mickey is survived by one and a half grandchildren, Tristan (5) and Amber (soon to be born).
Mickey’s beloved Selma died in June, last year, and he had been terribly heartbroken ever since.
A memorial service for Mickey was held in the Northfield Methodist Church on Friday, April 8.
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