Obituary of Barry Thies
In Loving (and Laughing) Memory of Barry Orest Thies
Heaven just got a little louder, a lot more mischievous, and way better at lighting campfires.
It is with bittersweet hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Orest Thies of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Barry grew up in Yorkton and attended Burke Elementary School and the Yorkton Regional High School. Upon graduating from high school, Barry worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Midwest Drilling. While living on the farm in Calder/MacNutt district, he played hockey with the MacNutt Kings. Barry also enjoyed playing baseball, shooting archery, and playing a great game of golf.
On July 20th, 1991 Barry began his career with the Yorkton Fire Department and never looked back.
Barry was such an honourable father, Gido, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and community member.
He has officially hung up his fire helmet after 30 years of service as a firefighter—and about 67 years of keeping everyone on their toes.
Whether he was racing to a fire or rigging some outrageous prank on his fellow firefighters (who are probably still finding whoopee cushions and plastic bugs in their gear), Barry lived life with a spark.
Born with the heart of a workhorse and the humor of a comedian, Barry was a “jack of all trades and master of none”—a title he wore with pride and a toolbox full of duct tape. He could fix anything, as long as you didn’t mind a bit of creative interpretation and a lot of very enthusiastic commentary.
Barry loved the outdoors. The cabin at Parr Hill Lake was Barry’s happy place; hunting, fishing, trapping, or just standing in nature with a Tim Horton’s cup in hand, pretending he wasn’t getting misty-eyed at the sunrise.
His diet was an inspiration to nutritionists everywhere - sustained almost entirely by kubasa, nachos, avocados, sriracha, and enough black coffee to fill a swimming pool.
Barry may have puffed up like a tough guy, but anyone who knew him saw through that faster than he could say “Grab me that hammer.” He was as soft as a teddy bear and twice as caring—always the first to lend a hand, haul your cattle, fix your fence, dig a septic tank, or shovel your walk before you even knew it needed doing.
Nothing made him prouder than his daughter Brittany, who inherited his heart, grit, and sense of humor. When his grandchildren, Scout and Fritz, were born they became the lights of his life. There was no Gido more proud than Barry.
Barry had an untold spot in his heart for his son-in-law Matt—or at least he did between all the times he shamelessly roped him into every odd job, heavy lifting, and prank setup, treating him less like family and more like a very loyal (and unpaid) apprentice. Matt would accompany Barry on his many trips to Cabela’s where Barry often outsmarted the employees.
Barry had a deep love for music and Hockey Night in Canada. He watched America’s Got Talent, which he watched religiously, usually while yelling, “That guy’s got no talent!” at the screen and then cheering anyway.
Barry is predeceased by his mother, Olga Thies; and his grandparents, Molly & Otto Thies and Mary & William Protzak. Barry leaves behind his only daughter and son-in-law Brittany & Matthew McGeough of Lumsden, SK; grandchildren Scout & Fritz McGeough of Lumsden, SK, father Leslie Thies or Yorkton, SK; loving sister Kimberley Thies of Kamsack, SK; as well as aunts, uncles, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, special friends, and friends alike.
Barry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and care staff who have helped him throughout these past four years. We would also like to thank the Yorkton Fire Department, which has always aimed to include Barry in everything they did following his stroke. A very special thank you goes out to Barry’s friend, Bev, who visited him often & provided Barry with many days of sunshine.
Barry leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, and love (and probably some leftover hotdogs in the freezer). He was a legend in boots, a prankster in plaid, and one of the good ones.
We’ll miss you, Barry. Save us a seat by the campfire—and maybe hide a rubber snake under our chairs just for old time’s sake.
Rest easy, you old bear. You've earned it.
The Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, and was led by Karen Fatteicher and Colleen Sulatyski. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from Zion Lutheran Church, Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Pastor Kai Buck officiating. The Yorkton Fire Department presented an Honor Guard. A family interment followed the luncheon reception in the Garden of St. John, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Brian Belitsky, Luke Berezny, Harold Berezny, Terry Berezny, James Kluk and Trent Holland serving as casket bearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Firefighter Burn Fund, Yorkton Wildlife Federation or to the First Steps Wellness Centre, as gifts of remembrance.
