Obituary of Barry W. Banks, M.Div

Banks, Barry William M.Div.:  62, Halifax, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the VG Site, QEII, Halifax, NS.  Born in Halifax, Barry is the son of John and the late Geraldine "Gerri" (Huntley) Banks.  Throughout his life, Barry had numerous accomplishments professionally.  He had served as a Core Officer with The Salvation Army for 15 years, where he ministered to communities in Chatham, Welland, Parrie Sound, Montreal and Halifax, and he was an active bandsman.  More recently, Barry had been made an Associate of the Atlantic School of Theology.  He was a teaching supervisor with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care and was a Clinical Specialist in Spiritual Care at the East CoastForensicHospital.    Barry’s passion was music.  He will be remembered for being involved with various professional and private musical groups, where he often served as a mentor to many.  His musical passion was often shared with his son, Matt, as they were known to jam together quite frequently.  Barry will fondly be remembered by those who knew and loved him for always putting others first, his compassion and his dedication.    Barry is survived by his wife, Paige (Mason) Banks, his father, John, his children, Matt, Halifax, and Tiffany, Ottawa, ON, and their mother, Dorothy Archer.  He is also survived by numerous colleagues, many friends, and fellow musicians.  He was predeceased by his mother, Gerri Banks.   Cremation has taken place under the care of JA Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 2-5 PM at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 5639 Highway #2, Fall River, NS.  A funeral service, in memory of Barry, will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 11AM from Christ Church, 50 Wentworth Street, Dartmouth, NS (at the corner of Ochterloney and Wentworth Streets), with The Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke, The Rev. Carl Fraser, and The Rev. Bruce Murray as officiating clergy.  A reception will follow in the adjoining church hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donation to The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, 300 Pleasant St, Dartmouth, NSB2Y 3Z9.  Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com    Words from Matt Last night my father, Barry Banks passed away after a tough battle with cancer. He was 62.  When I was growing up he was a pastor, it wasn't a job or a career for him, but a way of life and a calling. He always put everyone else's needs ahead of his own and was an amazing leader. In his  later years he worked at the forensic hospital and touched the lives of so many people. The support that my family has received in recent times is a testament of the man that he was.    Dad actually ran a day long workshop on suicide prevention just 5 weeks ago and it was a huge success. He insisted on following his calling right to the end.    He was a wonderful, caring and compassionate man. I was never told that I had to do something or couldn't do something because he was father and he said so. I was always given an explanation as to his logic and reasoning. I might not have always understood or agreed, but it was always explained. I consider myself just so lucky to have had him as my Dad. By the time I was an adult, we were not only father and son but best friends as well.    He is by far the biggest influence on my musical life. As a kid, not only did I always have his full support, but he religiously practiced 2 hours every night - so I did too. It wasn't until I was older that I realized just what an impact that would have on my life. Together we played in many different groups over the years. It was something very special that we shared. I always enjoyed our car rides to and from and he often used them as an opportunity to make me a better person.    I told my Dad a week ago that I would be the very best man that I could be in his honour and he told me that I already was and that he was beyond proud of the man that I have become.    I hope that one day I can be half the father that he was to me.    Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support. I am just so blessed to have so many friends and family that care the way they do.    Visitation will be Sunday at St Thomas in Fall River and the funeral is on Monday at Christ Church in Dartmouth. Details will be in tomorrow Chronicle Herald.