Barry R. MacKenzie Upon Graduation from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, with the Degree of Bachelor of Arts Summa Cum Laude
Barry Richard MacKenzie was born in Miramichi Hospital, 30 May 1985, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert MacKenzie, Centre Napan. Raised in Napan on the original Samuel MacKnight Sr. grant(his great-great-great-gandfather), Barry aquired a love of history at an early age. He spent much time with his paternal grandparents, and their residence three houses away from his own became Barry's second home.
Barry's grandfather, the late Byron R. MacKenzie, was a mentor of the highest degree. He had an impecable memory, and a great zest for telling stories. So too did all of Byron's siblings, to whom the young man was/is very close. John MacKenzie, the eldest son of William and Elmira (Loggie) MacKenzie, was a great favourites of Barry's to visit. Barry continues to enjoy his frequent visits with the youngest of his great-uncles, James, as well. Unfortunately, the two surviving sisters of Byron reside in Ontario, but over the years Barry has kept a firm contact with them - and the fourth brother, Gordon - through visits and frequent correspondence. They remain, however far away, some of his closest relations.
Lorna (Watling) MacKenzie and Byron R. MacKenzie
The family of Barry's grandmother, the late Lorna (Watling) MacKenzie, the Watlings of Black River Bridge, were also very instrumental in his development of genealogical interests. Lorna's eldest brother, Harry, had a great passion for the past, and provided Barry with much invaluable information and stories regarding the family's past.
Although it may have been the paternal side that helped to facilitate Barry's interest in genealogy, the maternal side has helped foster it greatly. His grandmother, Emma (Myers) Barry, was born and raised in Prince Edward Isalnd, the eldest daughter of Narcis and Lenore (Poirier/Perry) Maillet/Myers. Her family had come to Chatham, NB, just after the close of the First World War, and although her father and siblings returned to the Isalnd, Emma married Barry's grandfather, Richard Barry, son of James and Mary Clancy Barry, in 1927.
Emma (Myers) Barry
Emma, or "Big Mama," as she is affectionately known, raised sixteen children.
Born on 9 April 1907, she died in 2006 in her 100th year. She remained an inspiration to all, with a great zest for life. Her memory was absolutely amazing, and she instilled in Barry a desire to research more into his maternal genealogy, that of the Myers' and Barrys.
Barry is currently completeting requirements for his Master of Arts degree in Canadian History at the University of New Brunswick at Fredericton, under the generous auspices of a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantship. He is Secretary and Communications Officer of Fredericton Branch No. 81 of the Monarchist League of Canada, as well as a member of The New Brunswick Scottish Cultural Association, the Irish Canadian Cultural Association, and the Knights of Columbus.
Outside of these organisations, Barry is a long-time story teller and entertainer, having performed throughout New Brunswick as one of Canada's youngest Irish/Scottish Comedians. It has been a great pleasure for Barry to participate in these activities, ranging from benefit concerts to cultural festivals. It brings him great satisfaction to bring laughter to the hearts of others.
Barry's Home at Centre Napan. Built for Merle Coltart in 1917, it was purchased by R. Byron MacKenzie in 1947.
