A doyen of journalism, Barry was instrumental in putting together coverage of Cowra sport in the pages of the Cowra Guardian over many decades.

He covered every sport from lawn bowls, croquet, netball, league, soccer, rugby and tennis and even an Olympic Games in 2000.

He was a driving force, along with Don Kibbler, in establishing the Cowra Sportsperson of the Year awards, thought to be the longest running awards of their kind in NSW.

In 2009 Barry was honoured to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Cowra through support for sporting events and organisations.

Alongside his contribution to Cowra sport Barry also left an enduring mark in the workplace, imparting his knowledge to a long line of aspiring young journalists.

To all who worked with Barry, he was a great workmate and a just as importantly a great mate.

Barry passed away on January 21, aged 82 years.

He is survived by his wife Carole, a daughter Deidre, son and daughter in law Michael and Tanya and their children Lily, Archie and Jasper.

Barry's funeral service will be held at St Raphael's Catholic Church, Cowra commencing at 11am on Tuesday January 29, 2019.

The family have requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made at the church to The Cowra Parkinson's Support Group.

Tributes flowed freely on social media for Barry this week including:

“Very sad news, a lovely gentle and inspiring man to know and work with, he taught me so much during my time working at the Guardian many years ago” - Kaye Ford.

“He was a very kind person and a true gentleman “ – Christine Shearer.

“Always a gentleman, a wealth of sporting knowledge, a true friend to many and he will be missed” – Lou Bryant.