How a funeral talk differs from a GB to a regular pub... or you can talk about the comments made about l. barry.
Memorial Talk for W. Lloyd Barry
John Barr
Tied in with US complexes, Branch
It touches our hearts to see so many gathered for this memorial. It is an evidence of how many loved and respected Brother and Sister Barry. It reminds me of the words of Peter at 1Peter to "have love for the whole association of brothers.” What a comfort it is to Melba and Lloyd’s sister Janet, here from , to feel your warm love and affection.
Three months ago Lloyd wrote a touching letter to a dear friend who had lost his wife. He quoted two scriptures that were his favorite in times of bereavement. I will quote the first now. Romans 14:8 tells us "for both if we live, we live to Jehovah, and if we die, we die to Jehovah. Therefore both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah." How those words reflect Bro. Barry’s strong love for his brothers. It shows the strong faith and conviction he had for God’s Word. He knew he belonged to Jehovah. When he died on Friday July 2, at 82 years of age he had “lived to Jehovah” for over 70 years.
In his life’s story that was printed in the WT it tells us that he was born in , and added “I grew up to love the Bible, and with it the Watchtower magazine, which made a great impression on my youthful mind. Even at ten years of age, I could get a lot out of The Watchtower.” Little did he know how closely in the future he would be working with that magazine. In 1936 he was baptized, went to Australia Bethel in 1939, and in 1942 he married “a lassie as Australian as her name Melba .” She served alongside him for 57 years. She no doubt played a tremendous part in helping him to have such an energetic share in leading a vigorous theocratic life. He treasured having Melba by his side and phoned her each morning and afternoon to see if she was all right.
He has also left two sisters, Janet and Ramala, and two nephews in . These two sisters were very faithful, and cared for their aging parents, allowing Lloyd and Melba to continue in full time service. As was stated, that service started in the Australia Bethel in 1939. Under ban during WWII, he played a vital part in the fight for true worship. He was a real fighter, and could tell stories about that time. Many were serious, but some were hilarious! In 1948 the Barrys graduated from the 11 th class of , in the same class as my wife [Mildred]. While waiting for his visa for his foreign assignment, he served in the circuit work in with Bro. Barber as D.O. On they landed in . Their first assignment in that country was in . At just about every home a Bible study was accepted. Some people were just interested in learning Western culture, but the real sheep were sorted out. In 1952 he was appointed as Branch Overseer, and served there until he was invited to serve on the Governing Body in . Since then, Bro. Barry was instrumental in starting the 1 st Japanese congregation in NYC. Now there are 3 congregations. Until his death, Bro. Barry served as an elder and WT study conductor in the Manhattan Japanese congregation.
Bro. Barry’s most recent assignments here have been with Publishing and Writing Committees. From sitting around the table with him, I can say he added tremendously to the discussions because of his understanding of the missionary field, and experience in the Zone and Branch work. Especially in Writing he will be missed. Solomon’s words at Ecclesiastes 7:1 tells us that "a name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born." This was very true of Bro. Barry.
Those who worked closely with Bro. Barry had these things to say about him: “He had a kind, loving heart, deep devotion to Jehovah, as well as a deep affection for God’s people. He had a readiness to consider scriptural issues, was open minded, and was eager to analyze issues from different perspectives. He had good judgement, was a decisive man, yet approachable. Whoever came to his office, he would greet them, “Come in, dear brother.” He expressed confidence in those who assisted him. It was a privilege to serve under him. He was a fine combination of compassion and firmness. He was approachable. In 74 years, he was the best overseer I ever had. He will be sorely missed.”
What a fine name he left behind! It is good to spend time thinking of the qualities he displayed, and to learn from them. The daily text for last Sunday referred to Hebrews 13:7 which says, "Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith." This makes us think of our brother we loved so much.
As he spent more years in his Japanese assignment than any other, I will quote from a letter from that Branch to the Governing Body: “Brother Lloyd Barry has meant so much to us. Even after leaving , we felt close to Lloyd and Melba because of the love they felt for the brothers in . He was hard working, loyal and full of faith. He was a wonderful example to follow, and loved his assignment. We are all sad that we no longer will work and live together. But, he has now received a marvelous reward for his conquering spirit.”
What reward is that? In his life story he spoke of the “treasures of Bible understanding have been brought forth through The Watchtower”. One treasure is the Truth, and the provision of the ransom. Jesus stated this at Matt 20:28, "Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many." Primarily the Son of Man provided the ransom for the little flock. They are begotten by God’s spirit, and they know in themselves that they are Sons of God. As Paul put it at 1Co ,23 "For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive. But each one in his own rank: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who belong to the Christ during his presence." Jesus spoke about this reward at John 14:1-3 when he said, “In the house of my Father there are many abodes. Otherwise, I would have told YOU, because I am going my way to prepare a place for YOU. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for YOU, I am coming again and will receive YOU home to myself, that where I am YOU also may be." Our dear Lloyd Barry had that firm hope in his heart, of one day being in that heavenly home. We often spoke of it together. Imagine living with Christ, along with 144,000 immortal humans bought from the earth! Rev 20:6 tells us that "Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years." It does us good to think of this aspect. Just think: During the 1,000 year reign, to be able to share in the wonderful work of resurrecting millions and to share in overseeing education in the truth that leads to everlasting life. And to experience it from the heavenly perspective! All of this is bound up in this marvelous reward spoken about in . "And I heard a voice out of heaven say: "Write: Happy are the dead who die in union with [the] Lord from this time onward. Yes, says the spirit, let them rest from their labors, for the things they did go right with them." Yes, the works of righteousness continue right on. We are grateful that Bro. Barry proved his loyalty up to his last talk in , entitled “Fighters Against God Will Not Prevail.” This was appropriate due to his nature and what he often talked about.
We are happy to think that a large number are listening in , including many faithful old-time missionaries. Because of Bro. Barry’s love for the Japanese brothers, Sister Barry thought it would be good to have a few words directed to them in the Japanese language. Br. James Mantz will do so at this time. (gives short talk in Japanese)
I mentioned earlier that in the letter of comfort Lloyd wrote he had two favorite scriptures. The second is 2Corinthians1:3,4. Here Paul wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." Our loving God has given us so much comfort. At a time like this, we know what a tremendous comfort it is. It is fitting to mention Bro. Barry’s last words in his life story, “What a wonderful heritage is the pioneer service! There are lots of ups and downs, but how kindly does Jehovah help us “up” again from the “downs.” Oh, that all of us may continue this service faithfully forever, by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness as expressed through his Son, Christ Jesus!”
May we each prove faithful, as did our dear brother.
Viv Mouritz, who has known and worked with Bro. Barry for many years, will offer prayer.