TRIBUTE TO BARRY LEE

Barry's funeral will take place at Basingstoke Crematorium at 1.15 pm on 18th August

Barry was a founder member of the Club and over many years he was instrumental in making Oakley BC one of the most highly regarded Clubs in the County. Barry was involved in Club activities from the very beginning and in 1994 his services to the Club were first recognised when he became President, taking the Club on a memorable tour, based in Cirencester. The following year he became Vice Captain and in 1997 the Club Captain, a position he held until 2004. Becoming Vice Captain again in 2009. Barry continued in that role until 2012 when he became only the third person to be honoured twice as President. That year he took the Club on tour to St Austell, the wettest ever tour. Captaincy was, however, never far away and in 2013 he again took on the role, holding the post until 2020 when ill health meant he decided to retire.

Barry’s importance to the Club was recognised by him being elected as a Life Vice President of the Club but that honour came about not because of the length of time he held office but because he supported the Club in so many ways. He was a member of the greens’ team. He was always on hand to solve the practical and electrical issues about which some of us had no clue and he was heavily involved with the organisation of our social events. The Club will also, always be grateful to him for being the Project Manager, when in 2013, we completed the construction of the new pavilion, a project which might not have happened without his enthusiasm and expertise.

Sometimes too Barry found the time to play bowls. In 1982 he was runner up in the Novice Singles to Frank Tuffs, who was to become his pairs partner for many years and then in 1985 he won the Open Singles Cup. In 1993 he skipped Ursula Morgan in winning the Pairs Cup and the following year he was runner up in the Triples. He won the Pairs again in 1996 and in 2017. He also lifted the Fours title in 1998, 2011, 2013 and 2019. His first outside success came in 2000 when he finished runner up in the Basingstoke and District Triples, a feat he repeated in 2003. Then in 2019, Barry at last lifted a District title partnering Jim Dixon to the BDBA Over 60s title, a crown that sadly they were unable to defend. What characterised Barry’s approach to bowls was, however, not so much his desire to win but his obvious intent to enjoy himself.

Barry will be missed by all in the bowling community but particularly by Oakley BC. Our sympathy and thoughts go to Margaret and her family.