Barry R. Pry, 80

Barry R. Pry, age 80, passed away May 20, 2020, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, from complications of metastatic melanoma.

He was born March 27, 1940, in Chewelah, Wash., to Forrest and Ethel (Williams) Pry. Barry graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1958. He attended North Idaho Junior College in Coeur d’Alene, and graduated from the University of Idaho in Moscow with a Bachelor of Science degree.

He returned to Coeur d’Alene after attending graduate school at the University of Idaho. He briefly worked for the highway department as a surveyor, and then began his long career with Kootenai Electric as a field engineer, retiring in 2002.

Barry married Linda Burkhartsmeier on June 11, 1966, in Moscow.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, traveling and watersports. He loved meeting people and had the ability to befriend a stranger. Family, and those he considered family, were the most important part of his life.

Barry was quick-witted and was known to “have a quiz for you.” He enjoyed nurturing and mentoring those he loved.

Barry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; daughter, Stacey and husband, Kevin Leech of Post Falls; sister-in-law, Louise Burkhartsmeier and Chris Kellogg of Post Falls; and brother-in-law, Dennis and wife, Brenda Burkhartsmeier of Coeur d’Alene.

“Dad, today you got to go see the angels! We already miss you! As you have always told us ‘Life is Short – Why Not?!’ You were always ready for a party, fun dinner out, traveling the world, snorkeling with the turtles, or even just going for a drive. You lived an amazing life and lived by example. Dad — it’s cocktail time! We love you!”

Memorials may be made to Kootenai Humane Society Capital Campaign Building Fund.

“Cocktail Time” and a celebration of Barry’s life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Barry’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.