A man of inspiration
The funeral service will be on Tuesday, at noon at St Thomas Anglican Church, Durban.
Obituary of the late David Stretton Barry
THE much loved and well-known David Stretton Barry, who was born on 23 September 1930, sadly passed away on Sunday, 10 March after struggling with numerous medical challenges for decades.
His positive attitude, mental strength and determination have been an inspiration to his family, friends, the community at large and medical professionals with whom he had consulted with over the many years.
David was born in Durban and schooled at Cordwalles Preparatory School and then Michaelhouse. After a brief period in the army, he joined Natal Estates under the mentorship of ‘Squeaker’ Garland where he gained invaluable experience as a young farmer.
On 4 October 1953, he married the love of his life, Sylvia Rattray, who he had known from the age of 12.
The couple then moved to Heatonville to manage the farm Dube Ridge.
David was an outstanding farmer who produced wonderful crops of cotton, sugar cane and pineapples in addition to running a very fine herd of beef cattle.
His gregarious nature and love of people led him into many community and conservation affairs. This included being warden of the Heatonville Church and chairing the local Farmers’ Association and Tennis Club.
He was also involved in the physical Rhino Capture and relocation projects undertaken by conservation bodies during the sixties. He was a great all-round sportsman (polo, tennis, cricket and fishing) with the emphasis on playing hard, but ensuring it was fun for all.
In their retirement, David and Sylvia moved to Dave Bell’s farm in Felixton where David continued to be involved in the administrative side of the local sugar industry affairs, where his strong principles, experience and knowledge proved invaluable.
David will be sorely missed by all who knew him and the community’s love and sympathy go to his wife Sylvia, their three wonderful daughters, Angie, Tessa and Cindy and their extended families.
