Barry L. Deal, Died July 6, 2020

Barry L. Deal

1956 ~ 2020

OMENA - Barry Ley Deal passed peacefully in his home on July 6, after a short  but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 64.

Born in Jacksonville FL to Wayne and Margaret (Peg) Deal, Barry grew up in Vandalia and then Rockford IL.  His family spent summers at their family home in Omena and he dreamed from a young age that he would one day live on Ingalls Bay.

Barry attended Illinois State University, both as an undergrad and graduate student in school psychology.  He then worked at the University of Illinois as the resident psychologist at Col Wolfe School for 5 years before relocating to the Portland, Oregon area.

Barry was passionate about football (Chicago Bears), fishing, fine cars, fast motorcycles and good music.  He had a wealth of knowledge about anything and everything that he found interesting, and enjoyed sharing that with others.

His love of fly fishing and motorcycling took him on adventures throughout the country, including a trip to Oregon.  Once there, he was smitten with the natural beauty of the area and relocated shortly thereafter, accepting a job with the Beaverton School District.

Barry’s heart was big and he was a dedicated advocate for disadvantaged kids and families.  He was a visionary and forward thinker when it came to improving systems and providing safety for all.  He was firm, fair consistent and compassionate in how he approached his work, and his life.  After 30 years of service, he retired at 58.

Following a lifelong dream, Barry built his home on Ingalls Bay and soon met his wife Laura.  He was a loving and devoted partner and though their time together was cut short, they made a lifetime of memories in his beloved Omena.

Barry is survived and will be missed by his adoring wife Laura Hassberger Deal, his loving mother Margaret (Peg) Deal, sisters: Lisa (David) Hall, Dana Deal, and Susan (Mike) Frisoli, as well as his nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud.  In addition, he leaves many devoted friends and colleagues who loved and respected him.

He is preceded in death by his father Wayne Deal.

His family is most grateful for the generous love of friends and family and the wonderful support of Munson Hospice (Debbie Curtis).

A celebration of life will commence at a later date.

Donations may be made in Barry’s memory to the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654 or via www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate/

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