Kathy sent Barry's obit today. She also sent some additional pictures. That will take me awhile to get those in!
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Barry E. Weeks, 58, Lake Elmo, passed away unexpectedly on December 7. Preceded in death by Sister Tracy Weeks. Survived by wife of 36 years Kathy, Father Bruce (Pat Hurd), Sister Shelley (Scott) Rische, Mother Ceridwen Sanders (Rick Bowen), and many nieces and nephews.
Barry was born February 15, 1963. He was a 1980 graduate of Stillwater Sr. High. He bragged that he lived on the same street in Lake Elmo his whole life, but enjoyed driving and traveling. We traveled to many States in search of 1940 Chevrolet trucks and parts, went to hundreds of swap meets and car shows over the years, and enjoyed as many sights and landmarks as possible along the way, always taking back roads and the roads less traveled.
Barry was a Journeyman Tool & Die Moldmaker, and machinist, and was successfully and happily self employed for over 20 years as owner of
Weeks-End Machine. He loved fishing, dogs, racing, and Chevy trucks. He was proud of his many 1940 Chevrolet trucks, and was 1940 Chevy technical advisor in several antique Chevrolet clubs.
Barry was proud his ability to figure out how to make a part for any machine, for any purpose, and make things run. He enjoyed a challenge. Many people sought Barry’s input and advice on how to make something old or worn out work again. He was highly talented and always ready to help someone in need, or connect people to what they needed. He was the answer man.
Barry valued his friendships above all, and knew so many people - locally, from many States, and even other Countries - and kept in touch with them all. He looked forward to coffee every morning with his group of friends, and welcomed new friends to the group. He had a decades-old standing date for lunch “get together” every Wednesday at Twin Point Tavern with his many friends... everyone was welcome to join the table, and add a topic for discussion.
Barry will be greatly missed by many people far and wide. His influence on people was positive, and lasting.
Thanks goes out to the nurses and doctors and staff at Lakeview Hospital, who took such good care of Barry while he was struggling with a Covid infection.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be planned for Spring 2022, and will be announced at a later date.
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Barry knew so many people that I did not want to fill a funeral home or venue with our family and friends and have someone contract Covid - I would just die if that happened - so, I talked with Barry's Dad and a few of our close friends and everyone agreed it would be better to have celebration of Barry's life in the Spring or warm weather. Barry had told me and several of our friends he wanted a big party instead of a funeral, and have everyone stand around and tell stories. One of our friends mentioned his celebration will look like an antique car show or street rod show. So, I am looking in our area for a large place to accommodate as many of our friends, family and neighbors who I think will come celebrate Barry's life, and try to have a celebration/party that he wanted.
~~ Kathy Weeks
