Drury, Barry
Posted on November 1, 2016 by Maple Creek
DRURY – Barry
Written by Granddaughter Courtney Ellise Elderkin Benz
Barry Allan Drury, known affectionately to his children as “Dad”, to his grandkids as “Papa” and “Great Papa” and to his nephews as “Unc” or “Bowser”. Throughout the years he gained son-in-laws and was given other fitting namessuch as “King Cowboy” and “Nine Mile”. Barry’s life started on Oct, 15, 1933 in Maple Creek, the youngest child of Joseph Stanley Drury and Grace Helen Briggs Drury and brother to Bunny, Babe, Manny, Bill and Betty. Historical weather data tells us the day was calm with a temperature of 40 and for all his life, Papa took great interest in the weather, always studying the sky and clouds.
Papa loved the ranch life and worked hard all the way into his 70’s. Most everything was done the old fashioned way by the sweat of his brow and the help of his old horse Rex. He has passed his love of work and ranch life onto the next generations of his family.
Barry married Phyllis Mae Hoffman and they were blessed with three children: Cindy Lee Drury (Howard Eiserman), William James Drury (Malinda Rud) and Johanna Grace Drury (Harvey Koch). Grandchildren: Jennie Mae Drury Knight (Donald Knight), Rayna Lee Drury (deceased), Courtney Ellise Elderkin Benz (Shaun Benz) and Erinn Callie Shaw Baber (Jason Baber). Great grandchildren: William Lawrence Knight, Mathew James Knight, Ty Allan Knight, Ray-Anna Sylvia Marie Knight, Hannah Iris Grace Benz and Charlie Kai Baber.
I always looked forward to late spring and irrigation season as it meant extra visits from Papa as he worked on the irrigation plots west of Maple Creek. He never came to visit empty handed; always a pail of ice cream or bag of ruffle chips to sweeten the deal. He would always greet us with a “Howdy Pal” and a handshake or in Erinn’s case “Howdy Magee”.
Grandma Phyllis passed away in 1983. Papa began looking forward to coming to town for a meal at a local restaurant. He was always wanting us to dine out with him for veal cutlets. He loved pie, especially saskatoon with a big scoop of ice cream. Even though he liked to eat out, it didn’t mean he was a slouch in the kitchen. He could cook a mean pot of stew, baked beans and bake a 100 dozen cookies! He faithfully made his mother’s Christmas cake recipe and jars of mincemeat. We don’t have to worry about missing the Christmas cake … mom still has a piece in her freezer from 1986.
Papa met Gwen McGregor. It was said Gwen came to the ranch looking to buy a horse! They developed a long, loving partnership. Papa wasn’t the most adventurous on his own, however with Gwen he actually left the ranch, did a little bit of travelling and enjoyed life with Gwen and her family, Ryan and Cindy, Garth, Regan and Jason and their families.
Papa had other talents; he could build, model and repair anything. He especially liked to build scale models of wagons and buildings, working with metal and wood. He enjoyed sketching, oil painting and even learned to play a few songs on the organ. He was a great skater and baseball player. His children loved skating with him on the dam; he’d speed around the ice without even doing his skates up. We played games of baseball after family dinners. So much fun!
Papa loved to watch birds; he found company in a moose that stared through the window while he ate his breakfast. Papa usually had a pet bush bunny; if they hung around long enough he would name them … usually Roscoe.
Papa loved to collect…almost anything. He was very passionate about his collections and took great pride in showing you his latest finds.
Papa lived a very honest, down to earth life. He left us wonderful memories and a few pieces of advice:
1. Eat porridge everyday for breakfast; it will stick with you.
2. Wear long, wool underwear in winter to keep you warm and in summer to keep you cool.
3. Greet people with a handshake.
4. Wash your hands before every meal … you don’t know where they’ve been during the night!
5. Never hold a nail when someone else is operating the hammer.
6. If you weren’t there holding the light, it’s none of your business.
7. Always end a meal with coffee, pie and ice cream.
Finally, my favourite:
8. Always take along a plunger for emergencies when travelling. Plumbing isn’t the same in the city.
Burial took place Sat., Oct. 29, 2016 at the Maple Creek Cemetery
Pallbearers were John Drury, Howard Eiserman, Donald Knight, Harvey Koch, Peter O’Hare and Gregg Shaw.
ReaderLynn Needham, Jason Baber
Eulogist was Courtney Ellise Elderkin Benz
Those who wish to may remeber Barry with a gift to the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility in care of the Credit Union, Maple Creek.
Binkley’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 306-662-2292.
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