Birth date: May 24, 1941 Death date: Dec 28, 2021
Barry L. Harbison died on Dec. 28, at age 80. Barry was born on May 24, 1941, in Cleveland, to William and Elizabeth Harbison. As a child Barry was stricken with juvenile polio, which partially paralyzed his right leg. He was able Read Obituary
I was Barry's secretary in the Guidance Department at Berea High
I always remember the great times we had. My condolences to your family
Barry was a valued colleague at Berea High School for many years. He came to Berea as a member of the Social Studies Department and later became a very effective Guidance Counselor. He was not only highly regarded by his fellow staff members, but by the students he advised as well. I also had the privilege of working with Barry as a fellow counselor at Cleveland Scholarship Programs after we both retired. As a more experienced counselor, Barry mentored me through the process of advising students on college admission and the scholarship and financial aid process.
Gary Croy
Chris and family please accept my sympathy at your loss. Barry, as I remember him, always had a smile on his face. We all first met at Muskingum. I believe Barry always saw the best in life and people. He gave much to many....a Christian legacy. Judy Kastelan
Barry was the Guidance Counselor at Berea High when our three kids were students there. Our youngest son needed help because he used a wheelchair to get around. Barry was very much appreciated by our family with his smiling disposition and always willing to go the extra mile to help in any situation that Steven needed. I too remember his wonderful laugh when I was in meetings with him at the High School. The students and faculty of Berea High were truly fortunate to have Barry as a co-worker, friend and mentor.
He and Chris were at an ILR luncheon a couple years ago and sat at our table. We enjoyed getting reacquainted with him.
Prayers to his family.
Judy and Bill Luff
My deepest sympathies go to the Harbison family. Barry was my guidance counselor at Berea High School and also a fellow church member at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He helped to guide me in high school to Ashland College where I became an education major. Love and prayers to his family.
Cynthia Ross Kettler
Barry was my cooperating teacher and remained a good friend and mentor for many years. He was a smart, caring, dedicated educator who was just a wonderful person. Nothing but fond memories that those of us who knew him will always have.
I so enjoyed talking to Barry, especially at Mark and Jeanne's, house where we could sit on the high chairs and rest our bad legs! Love and prayers, Mary Walsh
One of the many fond memories I have of Barry is how much he liked to laugh. Throughout our long relationship, especially when I was younger and more unfiltered, I never shied away from telling Barry a joke or what I thought to be an amusing story or anecdote. Unlike others in the family who might respond to some of my admittedly lame or otherwise unfortunate attempts at humor with a scowl, blank stare, or forced bemusement, I always got the feeling that Barry at least "got" the joke and even if he didn't find it particularly funny, was polite enough to genuinely appreciate the attempt. I think this was just another reflection of his authentically warm and welcoming nature and I will miss that from our interactions.
We are thinking about all the years we spent together as neighbors. So many times we were each other’s support systems. For that we are grateful. Barry was always so proud of Chris, Robin, Brad, and Mark. Each of them brought him joy! We will always remember Barry’s contagious laugh when he was delighted with something. You just had to join in.
Know that we send each of you our love and will be keeping you in our thoughts.
Love,
Bonnie and Marty Matus
