Obituary of Barry Ridley Howes

Mr. Barry Ridley Howes, 71, of Chapel Hill, died January 5, 2016 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Barry and Nora met in Detroit, Michigan while both were employed at the Rehabilitation Institute and were married at St. Julianna's Church on December 27, 1968. After Barry completed his education they moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1971, where Barry pursued his career at the University of North Carolina. In addition to a long history of teaching and practicing physical therapy, Barry's accomplishments include sitting on a host of committees and authoring numerous articles related to his field of practice. Early in his career he also traveled extensively as a guest speaker. In recognition of his work Barry received the following awards: Founders Award, North Carolina Heart Association, 1978, Lucy Blair Service Award, American Physical Therapy Association, 1986, Golden Certificate Award, NC Agricultural Extension Service, 1989, and the Distinguished Alumni Award. Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 1989. Barry was extremely proud of his two children. He introduced his daughter, Amy, to her first horse at age two and consequently spent many years participating in horse events as she developed into an accomplished equestrian. Her career as a physical therapist was another source of his pride. Barry enjoyed watching his son, Geoff, on the lacrosse field and later the opportunity to travel to various countries as Geoff's professional career developed. Barry enjoyed spectator sports as well as fishing, tennis in his younger years, and golf with is "Amigos" until shortly before his death. Pickled onions and Shepherd's pie were two of Barry's culinary accomplishments with which he often gifted others and was generous in extending help to anyone in need. Barry was a great story teller, sometimes a bit long winded but often lightened by his dry English humor. He was a faithful husband, proud father and grandfather, as well as a good friend to many. He was loved and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Nora Marsh Howes; daughter and son-in-law, Amy Howes Warren (Don); son and daughter-in-law, Geoffrey Howes (Sarah); grandchildren, Caleb Geoffrey Howes and Jacob Christopher Howes; brother and sister-in-law, David Howes (Deborah) and their sons Derek and Timothy; and cousin, Jennifer Clarke. The memorial service for Mr. Barry Howes will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, January 16, 2016 in the chapel of Walker Funeral Service and Cremation of Chapel Hill. Friends may visit with the family following the service. Memorials may be sent to the UNC Physical Therapy Student Fund in care of: Kyle Gray Director of Development Department of Allied Health Sciences Bondurant Hall, Room 1034, CB# 7120 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7120 Arrangements are under the care of Walker's Funeral Service and Cremation, 120 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516, (919) 942-3861.