Edward Barry Smythe, P.Eng, M.B.A., CMC, PMP

Despite a remarkable and awe-inspiring recovery from a spinal cord injury in 2021, Barry passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family.  Predeceased by his parents, Rolsa and Edith Smythe, brother Eric Smythe (Shirley) and step-son Scott Selley (Jocelyn) . Most beloved and cherished husband of Jane Smythe; beloved and treasured father of Michael (Lisa), Kathy (Barry), Robert, and James (Sue); much-loved step-father of Andrew Selley (Shannon). Grandfather and Papa Barry to Lara Lever (Alan), Vanessa Smythe (Jake), Jeffrey Lever (Hayley), Sarah Lever (Jordan), Cole Lever, Megan Smythe, Alisha Smythe, Melinda Smythe, Wesley Smythe, Chelsea Spencer, Jace Selley, and Anna Selley. Great grandfather to Tristan, Bentley and Blayne Lever, Dylan Zakkai and Jack Lever. Lovingly remembered by his brother-in law David Fulford (Susan) and his nieces and nephews.

Barry had a rich life, and distinguished career as a Civil Engineer and Management Consultant. He graduated with distinction from University of Toronto Schools, and University of Toronto School of Engineering. Among his many accomplishments: Junior Fellow at U of T’s Massey College, founding member of Project Management Institute; Partner Woods Gordon; Project Director Major Postal Plants Canada Post; Sr. V.P. UTDC, Vancouver Skytrain; and Chairman of the Board, St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts.   In 1986 he formed E. B. Smythe and Associates and taught and consulted in Project Management for the Executive Programs at UBC, McGill, University of Alberta and York University as well as a long list of large corporations in Canada and around the world, including the Three Gorges Project in China. After retiring at the age of 75, he continued to contribute to his community in Port Perry, on the library expansion and the Canterbury Common development by Geranium Homes where he was affectionately known as the “Engineer in Residence”. 

Barry’s passion in life, besides his beloved family, Haliburton home and his dog Lucy, was flying, which evolved from championship model airplanes to his own float plane, PMN.  He was a humble giant of a man, with a towering intellect, who was deeply loved by many. He was a true prince of the earth for whose life we will be eternally grateful.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the Low and Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry (905-985-7331) from 2p.m. to 4p.m. and 7p.m. to 9p.m. A service to celebrate the life of Barry will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Port Perry United Church, 294 Queen Street, Port Perry at 11a.m. At attend the service virtually please click this LINK. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at The Centre, Canterbury Common, 127 A Waterbury Cres., Port Perry. The family would appreciate donations in lieu of flowers to Sunnybrook Hospital (ICU or Orthopaedic); Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Lyndhurst Centre, or Port Perry Hospital Foundation.