Obituary of Barry Bisson

Our lives are forever changed. David ‘Barry’ Bisson passed away suddenly on December 4th, 2024. Born in Glace Bay, beginning his life in McKay’s Corner, he was the son of Wilfred Bisson and Mary (MacLeod) Bisson. Barry, the first Bisson grandchild of Glace Bay, arrived on October 26, 1949, and proved to be an expert in passion, love, compassion, and fun throughout his life. While still a teenager, he tracked down his great love, Lynda Hill, whom he’d seen in a photo while at a friend’s house. Intrigued, he instantly struck up a friendship with her, which later became a beautiful relationship and 48-year marriage. Aside from his earliest work experience with Marshalls (men’s wear) and Curry Brothers Ambulance Service, Barry worked his way around the various Cape Breton industrial opportunities of the ‘60’s & 70’s- The Heavy Water Plant, Steel Plant, DEVCO Railway. He then began his career with Canada Post as a delivery driver in Ft. McMurray, AB, which led to a transfer home in ‘83 as a letter carrier, until his final gig as a retail clerk before retiring in 2010. A force to be reckoned with from the beginning, Barry became known for his determination, kindness, humour, love, LAUGH, and a unique voice (his daughters always knew when he was close-by because of that voice and wonderful laugh). Barry’s approach to life was simple: know who your friends are, be nice to everyone (unless they’re an arsehole), say what you mean, mean what you say, always be helpful, and don’t forget to have fun. Barry loved live music, every aspect of it- talent, passion, great people, fun atmosphere, local venues, etc. He was always attending concerts, festivals, small gigs, large gigs, and made sure to include his girls along the way. Music was the language he and his youngest daughter thrived on. He always said, ‘the only instrument I can play is the stereo, but the girls are pretty musical’. His oldest daughter was fascinated by the car knowledge and passion for Harley Davidson. No muscle car detail or Harley tidbit was ever too small for Barry to collect and disperse to his daughter and all the ‘car-guy’ friends. It was hard to know which of his passions was his favourite but whether music, cars, or Harleys, he shared all the fun-stuff with his girls. He also loved enjoying these passions with his son-in-law, Mike, who’s friendship with Barry became stronger every year since joining our family. Barry’s community meant the world to him, and it was obvious in everything he did. A known fundraiser and champion volunteer, he was involved with: Glace Bay Kinsmen, Boys & Girls Club, Glace Bay Band Parents Assoc. (20+ years), Sandlot baseball, Vince Ryan Memorial Hockey Tournament, Jason Simmons Memorial Hockey Tournament, Town House- Meals on Wheels, Fence Folks Reunion, etc. Barry was predeceased by his loving wife, Lynda (Hill) Bisson, mother, Mary Bisson, father, Wilfred Bisson, his many beloved aunts & uncles and his Papa & Nana Bisson. Left to mourn and navigate life without him are his daughters, Michelle (Mike), of Maple Ridge, BC, Nicole, of Sydney, NS; his sister Wendy & grandniece, Leora, of Glace Bay, best friend since grade four, Hughie MacEachern, cousins he adored, and so many others. The family would like to thank: Dr. Kent Cadegan & Brenda MacDonald for the many years of care and friendship; Dr. Precious Uzo & staff for great care and respect since meeting dad as a new patient; Shoppers Glace Bay team- thank you, thank you, thank you; Paramedics, Matthew E. & Lauren F. for getting Dad to where he needed to be, thank you; Marsha Gardiner, RN- you will never know how much having you there meant to him. Your familiar presence and comforting spirit made the experience a bit easier, thank you; Cape Breton Regional Hospital ER team- outstanding! It was tough for Dad to be there and he thought you were all great, thank you for going above and beyond; Dr. Paul Morrison & team- Dad was grateful for the plan and effort but his body was ready to rest, thank you; Kelsea Gillis & CCU team- your attention, kindness, experience, compassion, and care will never be forgotten, thank you for everything. Life without dad won’t make sense but he loved fiercely enough that we’ll feel it the rest of our days. He was incredibly organized and left a letter (please note- we chose not to update the details for current times) here are Barry’s last words for us all: Well, if you’re reading this, the time has come for me to be sleepin’ outside. My family will decide if my send off is the ‘full meal deal’ or ‘wake and bake’. To use my buddy Hughie’s phrase, I don’t care, I’ll be the dead guy. I say goodbye and I love you to my friends- you know who you are. To my wife, Saint Lynda- I have always loved you, all my life. So many years with me… you are a special person and a great mother. Love you! To Daddy’s Girls- can’t say enough of how proud I am or how much I love you. Michelle, don’t ever change, you are a wonderful daughter. Nicole, stay as beautiful and sweet as you are. To Mike, my best and only son-in-law, thank you for loving my Michelle. To my Mom & Sister- goodbye and I love you. So, it’s time for me to wrap it up for good. Thanks for the great line, Matt, “I’m closer to heaven than I’ve ever been”. Love Barry