Barry Tweedie

Barry Barker Tweedie passed peacefully from this life on January 4, 2021 while being comforted by his loving wife, Paula, and devoted sister, Cindy. He was 68. Barry was born and raised in northern Maine in the town of Mars Hill in Aroostook County. As the eldest of seven children, he was instrumental in assisting his parents, Walt and Sonya, in raising and guiding his siblings through their developmental years. Barry spoke lovingly of his childhood in rural Maine, and his close relationships with his siblings as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. He held especially fond memories of his special relationship with his beloved Uncle John. Barry spoke affectionately and frequently of the times each Fall when he, his siblings, and his young friends would be released from school for several weeks to help pick the Maine potato crop before it spoiled. Barry was sure to explain that contrary to popular belief, the finest potatoes on the planet came from northern Maine. As Barry came of age, he had numerous jobs along the way. One of his favorites was that of long distance trucker. Barry enjoyed telling stories of his exploits driving 18 wheelers from Maine to Florida and back. Many of his Navy friends later in life found this occupation interesting, since it seemed to some that Barry had difficulty remaining awake for more than two hours at a time without a nap. Barry was a proud military veteran and Vietnam vet. Initially, he served as an enlisted soldier in the Army as a paratrooper and Helicopter armament repairman assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. After being honorably discharged, Barry continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of West Florida, all the while, continuing to serve his country as a Marksmanship Instructor in the National Guard. With degree in hand, Barry applied to and was accepted for Navy flight training. He began that training at NAS Pensacola by successfully completing Aviation Officer Candidate School and being designated an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Following his commissioning, he entered and successfully completed Navy flight school, eventually earning his designation as a Naval Flight Officer and being awarded his Wings of Gold. In April of 1983, Barry reported to Patrol Squadron Forty-Four (VP-44) in Brunswick, Maine to fly the Lockheed P-3C, Update II aircraft. It was here that Barry met and became close with many squadron mates who would become lifelong friends. Some of Barry’s closest Navy friends were Joe Virgilio and his wife Nancy, as well as Gary Thompson and his wife Charlene. While attached to Patrol Squadron Forty-Four, Barry earned a reputation as a highly competent aviator. Initially receiving his qualification as Navigator and Communicator aboard the P-3 Orion, he continued his professional development by earning the highly coveted designation of Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) and P-3 Mission Commander. Barry completed three overseas deployments while attached to VP-44. His first was an arduous deployment to Bermuda where he mastered the art of driving a moped on the wrong side of the road, and where he met his bride- to-be. Barry’s second deployment was to Sigonella, Sicily and his third and final deployment was split between Rota, Spain and the Azores. Barry’s somewhat unorthodox methods for tracking Soviet submarines raised a few eyebrows, but his success in that endeavor could not be denied. Barry had the opinion that if he landed while still carrying sonobuoys in the belly of the aircraft, he had not done his job. The oceans of the world are a little higher today than they would have been otherwise due to the amount of sonobuoys Barry dropped during his illustrious career. Barry also had an irresistible charm which made him a favorite at VP-44. No squadron function or party was complete until Barry arrived. Just the mention of the name Barry Tweedie would bring a smile to the face of anyone who had the pleasure to serve alongside him. He truly was one of a kind. While on deployment to Bermuda in the Spring of 1983, Barry met the woman who would become the love of his life, Paula Leary, while she was on vacation with friends. Due to his quick wit, wry sense of humor, and persistence in pursuing her around the island, she ultimately gave in to his charms. This was the beginning of their 38 wonderful years together. In the Spring of 1986, Barry received orders to the elite staff of the Navy’s renowned Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school, affectionately known as SERE School. While serving in this capacity and in early 1987, Barry was involved in a serious life-changing auto accident which left him paralyzed for the rest of his life. This injury also resulted in Barry being medically retired from his Naval Service at the rank of Lieutenant. After long periods of hospitalization following the accident, Barry was released from his rehabilitation. He and Paula packed up everything they owned and moved from Durham, Maine to Pensacola where Barry lived out the remainder of his life. Pensacola offered a more gentle climate, and was also where his father, Walter, lived. After purchasing their forever home on a few acres on Old Dairy Lane, where neighbors are more family than friends, Barry found a passion for collecting and restoring antique farm tractors. Barry became actively involved in the Pensacola ECUA (Emerald Coast Utility Authority), where he attended meetings, served on the Citizen Advisory Committee, and provided his valuable insights into water and waste management systems issues. Over the years, Barry and Paula opened their home at Phantom Farms by rescuing many animals while adding family members including Monkey Grass, Rascal, Bianca (aka “Pack a Lunch”), Annie, Tucker, and presently, Bama and Spud. Precious friendships have been cultivated with their neighbors, Jeff and Kim Cadenhead, Cheryl Ray and Doug Lassiter, Herb and Terri Harris, Dee Rowlings and Alice Bennett, all of whom have provided endless hours of laughter, kindness, and support, for which Paula will forever be grateful. She is also counting her blessings to have the love and support of her dear friends, Nancy Virgilio, Julie Stewart, Donna Reeves, Kathy Moriarty, Lisa Quinlan, Renee Fontenot, Julie Berry, Mary Dillon, and all of her beloved Hellen Caro family. Barry always took the time to provide his unique brand of guidance and sincere friendship. Being proud of his northern Maine roots, he took great pleasure in supporting the educational pursuits of his home town High School graduating Seniors with several Scholarship contributions every year. Barry was generous to a fault and had a soft spot for those in need. On countless occasions, he was a friend to someone who thought they had lost their last friend. At other times, he lent a hand to those who were down and needed help getting back on their feet. Over the years, these acts of kindness were many and had profound impacts on the lives of those who desperately needed help at vulnerable times in their lives. Barry made a difference. For those who had the pleasure to get to know Barry Barker Tweedie, they’ve found the world is a better place because of him. Barry is preceded in death by his father, Walter, and his brothers, Bruce and Scott. Barry is survived by his beloved wife, Paula, his mother, Sonya, brother, Steven (Susan Prevatte), sisters, Cynthia (Didi Salmon), Daintry (Ken) Zarzynski, Allyson (Brian) McQuade, and sisters-in-law, Susan (Ben) Duguay, Carol Leary (Peter Hoffman), Beth Leary (Jay Thurber), brother-in-law, Michael (Ginger) Leary, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on January 8th, 2021 at Faith Chapel North. The family will receive friends and visitors at 5 PM and the Memorial Service will begin promptly at 6 PM. *** Face Masks are required *** In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local Ronald McDonald House Charity or the Fisher House Foundation. Special thanks to the staff at the Select Specialty Hospital for their compassionate care during the last months of Barry’s life.

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Barry Tweedie

July 18, 1952 - January 4, 2021