[From all of us...To be posted soon in the Sierra Star and other Bay Area Papers]:
Barry Frederick Ferris, born August 8, 1939, died Christmas morning due to complications from Alzheimer's Disease. He was 72 years old. Barry was a strong father, coach and teacher. He was charismatic and always cared about the eductaion and future of his students and athletes. Barry spent more than 30 years of his life teaching and coaching in Oakland, CA. Most of these years were spent enriching the lives of his many students at Oakland High School. He taught classes in American History, Social Sciences and Wood Shop. During his career, he coached varsity basketball, football, baseball and golf.After retiring to Oakhurst, CA., in 1995, he managed the Wawona Golf Course and enjoyed the natural beauty of this Sierra course.
Barry also worked as a Sports Reporter at the Sierra Star. He reported on as many games as he could attend and wrote a sports editorial entitled "View From the Grand Stand". He received many favorable comments from parents, grandparents and athletes about his articles.There will be a burial and gathering in the Oak Hill Chapel in Oakhurst, CA. on Friday, Jan 13 at 2pm. Barry was as vibrant and involved with his family and friends as could be expected during his illness.
Barry and his wife Pam celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September, during which time he danced with his grandaughter, daughter and wife. He loved to dance. Barry is survived by his wife Pam, his sons Ryan, Scott and Mitch, their wives Carol, Kerry and Laurie and his daughter Rebecca. He is also survived by his four grand-children Joseph, Sydney, Isabel and Rory.
[my addition]
The captain of our souls and the mentor of our minds has now left this Earth forever. Although his death was not a surprise, we grieve heavily. Yet,the charismatic father and husband we all knew would have us be proud, courageous, and joyous in spite of his passing. He would ask us to be strong and to think about that which is important now: the health of our children and our families.
One of Dad's favorite poems was "Eternity' by the english poet William Blake (1757 - 1827):
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the winged life destroy
He who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sunrise
Dad: May you live in eternity's sunrise forever. You will always live as such in my heart.
