Roger Allen Barsy

April 14, 1949 – June 21, 2023 

Unexpectedly, on June 21, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Roger, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, passed away from us to begin life in his heavenly home.

Roger will be deeply and forever missed by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Sandra; son Paul (Deanna), daughter Diana/Dee and cherished grandsons; the “best boys in the world,” Ilija and Gabriel. He will be remembered by his siblings Sharron, Marilyn (Aaron), John (Sherri) and Pat; brothers-in-law Kelly (Sandy) and Scott; nieces, nephews, other extended family and numerous friends. His parents and his brother Rocky predeceased him.

Born April 14, 1949, in Fort Frances, Ontario, Roger grew up in Rainy River, Ontario and The Pas, Manitoba. He graduated from Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute after deep involvement in school and community life. He was student council president, participated in regional debates, Reach for the Top and organized teen dances.

Afterward, Roger earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. His work in the Consumers’ Bureau and, finally, as the Director of the Residential Tenancies Branch spanned thirty-four years of public service within the Manitoba government until his retirement in 2007. His leadership in the Director role spearheaded innovations using mediation and adjudication processes, housing courts, an online public guidebook and database technology. Roger thrived for ten years post-retirement as a sessional professor in Conflict Resolution with Menno Simons College at The University of Winnipeg, where he encouraged students to see that “there is always another side to the story.”

Roger and Sandra married in 1971, and their joy of parenthood began with the arrival of Paul in 1981, followed by Diana in 1987. Roger was a devoted, loving and proud parent. His “paradise on earth” started with the birth of his grandsons in 2014 and 2016, and Grandpa cherished adventuring with them through all sorts of mischief and mayhem. Pickups after school were a regular thrill.

Roger soaked up daily current affairs and thoroughly researched matters of local and global importance. He was always equipped for a lively conversation about his many interests, from American politics to the state of Indigenous reconciliation in Canada.

Roger and Sandra enjoyed many classic rock concerts and memorable trips, especially those shared with friends. A Winnipeg Jets super fan from 1972, Roger always believed they would return and became a season ticket holder in 2011. Attending games with his brother Pat, friend Ian and other friends and family were particular joys for Roger. He was a long-time trail walker with a sensitive eye and ear for bird watching, and “Our Big Backyard,” FortWhyte Alive, was a frequent destination over the last few years.

All who knew Roger will recall his compassion, kindness and patience. Roger was a careful listener and treated everyone with fairness and respect. These traits were enduring reflections of his deep and personal Christian faith. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19)

Roger’s Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Whyte Ridge Baptist Church, 2405 McGillivray Boulevard in Winnipeg. Interment will take place at a later date.

If you wish to honour Roger’s memory with a donation, seek an organization supporting fairness, justice, nature and reconciliation.

He appreciated the work done by the Salvation Army, FortWhyte Alive, Neighbours Helping Neighbours, Manitoba Harvest and Circles for Reconciliation, and his local church, Whyte Ridge Baptist.

No floral tributes, please.