In Loving Memory of
James “Barrey” Learning
1936-2024
Obituary of James “Barrey” Learning
It is with profound sadness that in his 88th year and surrounded by his loving family, Barrey passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024. We take great comfort in knowing he was guided to his next chapter by his mom Anne Kathleen Learning, his father Benjamin Learning, his brother and sisters Bill, Jean and Joan.Barrey was the devoted husband of more than 62 years to Joan Learning (née Bowman) and loving father to Tim Learning, Tammy Loch (John), Glen Learning (Tammy) and Cindy MacLean (Tim). Cherished Grampa to Michael, Jessica, Brittany, Josh, James, Nicholas, Laurissa, and Great Grampa to his many great grandchildren: Harley, Cooper, Dominic, Maisie, Adley, Emma, Sawyer, Maverick, Levi, Mackenzie, Hunter, Brooklyn, Cameron, Raelynn and Karsyn. He was survived by his brother John “Jack” Learning (Kim), and will be greatly missed by all his family, friends, and people he met every day.
Anyone who knew Barrey, knew he lived for his wife and kids. They were his world. He will be remembered for his humour, off the cuff joking in any situation, and for having the ability to even make strangers laugh wherever he was with his quick-witted comments. His determination to make sure his wife was taken care of was always his main priority in life and something for all of us to aspire to.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Welland Hospital for their compassionate care and support that was given to Barrey.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A celebration of Barrey's life will take place at St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre in the Lockview Lounge (2nd floor), 1932 Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A gathering will begin at 11:00am, followed by a service at 12pm and a time of fellowship between 1pm and 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are appreciated.
Final word from Dad.... "Love ya back.”
Service Information
Visitation
Date: April 11, 2024Start Time: 11:00 am
End Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre in the Lockview Lounge (2nd floor)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rE1WhfApxCwuXYeP7
Memorial Service
Date: April 11, 2024Start Time: 12:00 pm
End Time: 1:00 pm
Venue: St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre in the Lockview Lounge (2nd floor)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rE1WhfApxCwuXYeP7
A Celebration of Life
Date: April 11, 2024Start Time: 1:00 pm
End Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre in the Lockview Lounge (2nd floor)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rE1WhfApxCwuXYeP7
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Donations
The family of James “Barrey” Learning would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:
Alzheimer SocietyVisit Site
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Visit Site
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family became very special to me in such a short period of time knowing you. What a wonderful testament to your dad and grandfather.
Our condolences to Joan; and the entire family.
Cindy, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this time.
Cindy and the entire Learning clan we are so sorry to here of your loss.Barrey was the absolute nicest man ever! You are in our thoughts and prayers
Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your father rest in peace.
Glen, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sending you lots of love.
My deepest condolences to you and your family with the loss of your father.
Dearest Aunt Joan, Tim, Tammy, Glen & Cindy. Please know that I am thinking of all of you and your families. I have so many wonderful memories of birthdays, picnics, Christmases & just growing up together. Uncle Barrey was a wonderful man, always with a quick wit, joke and a big smile on his face. Sending all our sincerest heartfelt condolences. ❤️🌹
Our thoughts are with you and your family.. Deepest condolences.
Cindy my family and I offer our sincere condolences for your loss
Barrey was a delight. I imagine the crew, all of them wisecracking, as they did. All of my memories of Barrey are fond – from him licking blueberry ice cream off Robert’s dripping ice cream cone saying ‘I hate blueberry’ over 60 years ago to pushing a cream puff in his face when he bugged me and bugged me. If he didn’t make you laugh he made you smile. Just knowing he existed made me feel good
I am so sorry for your loss. The time I was recently able to spend with Uncle Barrey and Aunt Joan was so special to me. Being able to get to talk to him, listen to his stories, values and how important his family was to him were conversations I will always hold close to my heart. Uncle Barrey was a light in this world and will be deeply missed by so many.
Olivia <3
my dearest friend Tim and family, we are so sorry for you lost. You dad was one of the good guys, I know it is a tremendous blow to you and your family, and we you send you our deepest sympathy.
With our love Ellie & Tony
Aunt Joan, Timmy, Tammy, Glen, Cindy, and rhe rest of the family,
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Barrey’s passing. He was a wonderful man, always ready with a funny comment. I always had fun when we visited you guys. I still have the beautiful curio cabinet he surprised me with.
Love all of you
Joann
I shed a tear for a man I have known for 34 years. He was kind, genuine, witty, knowledgeable, full of wisdom and had one heck of a sense of humour…our thoughts are with you…he will be missed.
My dearest Tammy,Tim, Glen, Cindy & “Momma Joan”. My sincere & deepest condolences of the loss of your Dad. I had the pleasure of meeting him several years ago when I met Tammy.. I often referred to him of as “Dad Barrey” I was always welcomed into their home & felt like family. Your Dad was such a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa & Great Grandpa. Family was the most important thing to him..He will be greatly missed by all who knew him..Cherish the wonderful memories & keep them close to your heart.Sending my love & prayers to the family. You will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Barrey..All my love Cassandra ❤️❤️
Cindy and Tammy- Luigi and I send our most sincere condolences for your loss.
I was very sorry to hear of Barrey’s passing. In all the years I’ve known him, he was never without a smile or a funny remark. I know he’ll be truly missed by his wife, Joan, and his wonderful kids (my nieces and nephews), and I’m sending them my deepest sympathy with love.
Dear Learning Family, so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad/ Grampa was one of the ‘greats’! Always made me feel welcome and always a smile on his face and a laugh. Such a kind soul. Hope all your wonderful memories help to comfort each of you. Sending you love and hugs.