Barry came to Nepal in February 2011 on a mission. This was his first Nepal trip when he led a team of Rotarians from RI District 1040. The mission of the project then was to facilitate Information Technology (IT) in Shree Bir Lower secondary school, Rithepani in Kaski and in Tri Shahid High school, in Syangja. Both schools, then had no IT education. Electricity was available only on a selected hamlet.
The time between late February to the first week of March 2011 was an historic period for Panchamul valley and for Shree Bir Lower secondary school, Rithepani. It is during this period the first installation of IT suits was successfully completed in Syangja and in Kaski. Thereafter, 6 more schools were all equipped with IT suits and are connected to internet. Everyone in the valley agree, Barry as project leader played an important part in ushering remote hill village schools to 21st Century education and helped to connect the valley with the outside world. He was made an honorary member of The Himalayan Gurkhas Rotary club for his outstanding support.
Besides IT suits, Barry initiated and supported Micro Loan schemes in the valley which uplifted the living standards of hundreds of beneficiaries. He was kind and genuinely wanted to help those who were less well off than others.
Late Barry has had memorable time in Nepal, both at work and in play. Hiking to a hilltop, riding on a roof top of a local bus on bumpy seasonal road and social events in the evening with the locals is something we will always cherish. His efforts to sing Nepali songs in the evening, with the help of local ROXI (brew) brought immense laughter. More than once, the singing and dancing lasted until the wee hours! Late Barry will be remembered by many as a true friend of Nepal and the Nepalese people.
Coming to terms with the death of a dear friend is the most difficult for his friends in Nepal, which he considered as his second home. Barry will be happy, looking down from Heaven for what he has helped to achieve in the remote hills of Nepal. His legacy will live on! REST IN PEACE BARRY!
