Barry DEMPSTER

Barry Dempster passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 73, while living in Owen Sound. Born in Toronto on January 17, 1952, Barry was formerly of Holland Landing. He was the adored husband of Karen Ruttan-Dempster, who predeceased him. Barry is survived by his brother-in-law Art, Lea and her husband Brant, and Kathleen and her husband Paul. He was a dear uncle to Elora and her husband Josh, Fritz and his husband Ryan, and Nick, as well as godfather to Nathan and adopted uncle to Kora and Lukas. Barry will also be remembered by his loving cousins and many wonderful friends. A poet, novelist, short-story writer, editor, reviewer, reader, workshop leader, teacher, mentor, social worker, community builder, gardener, traveller, and collagist, Barry brought his gifts of attention and response to all his roles. He was passionate about art, film, and literature, and served with the East Gwillimbury Public Library and founded Southlake Cinemania. Barry was a writer in residence at the Richmond Hill Public Library, an instructor with the Banff Writing Studio and Wired Workshop, and led workshops and poets' walks in Chile, at literary festivals across the country, and in his own neighbourhood. A private gathering honouring Barry's life will take place at the Arts & Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson's Canada or the League of Canadian Poets would be appreciated.