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Friday 12 September 2014

A young uncle had a short but loving life

This blogpost is dedicated to my Uncle Barry. He was a big part of our family during his 31 years on this earth.

Gregory William ‘Barry’ Northcote (1935-1967)






 Gregory William ‘Barry’ Northcote was born on 12 October 1935 to Leo Bertie Bede NORTHCOTE and Ellen 'Nellie' Maria KENEALLY. He was their much loved son and a much loved brother of my father, Carew Joseph Trevor NORTHCOTE.


  



Barry was born with Down Syndrome which sometimes made his life a challenge but he still found plenty of enjoyment and his family adored him.












One of my favourite stories about Uncle Barry is about the night he first met my Mum, Margaret, who became his sister-in-law. Mum told me this story recently. Apparently, one of the first things he said to her was, "Come with me. I want to show you the moon"


He was two years older than Mum and was immensely proud of that! Here they are together on a day out.




With the whole family: Barry, his Dad (Leo), his Mum (Nellie) and brother (Carew).



My memories of Uncle Barry are from a child's eyes because he died when I was about 4 years of age. I remember him taking me for a walk up the road from his house in Five Dock, where he lived with his parents. I also remember his hugs.

Our Uncle Barry died on 5 January 1967 at the age of 31.  He had a short life but he had a big impact on those around him.






He was buried on 10 January 1967 at the Field of Mars Catholic cemetery where he lies alongside his parents and his grandmother, Margaret Ann NORTHCOTE (nee RILEY).











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