Barry Abell (OW 1943)

MCS was informed that Barry had passed away on 13 January 2011.

After MCS and Keble College where he read Chemistry, Barry joined the Anglo Iranian Co, later BP, and worked in the oil industry for the whole of his career. His work took him abroad, first to the Middle-East at Abadan, then, in France, at Dunkerque refinery. Barry, later on arrived at BP Kent refinery, and the family settled down in Wigmore, near Gillingham. While in Dunkerque, Barry acquired a French wife, Lily. It was love at first sight, and they were happily married for 58 years, until his death. They have a son, Anthony, who is a London barrister and also a Recorder.

Barry was passionate about classical music. For many years he and his wife were friends of ENO and went very frequently to see their operas. Barry was also a great supporter of Finchcocks Musical Museum at Goudhurst, a project dedicated to rediscover the music and instruments of the past. Barry supported their concerts and sponsored their Autumn Festival.

Barry was a keen sportsman. He would always choose sports involving his family. In the late fifties/early sixties they were involved in equestrian activities. Barry had two horses, was a member of the local hunt, the Tickham, did some eventing and rode in point to point. In 1963, Barry bought a dinghy. This was the start of a love affair with the sea that was to last for more than 30 years. Dinghy racing became a passion for father and son, they won many trophies locally and had a wonderful time. In 1968, the family upgraded to a brand new yacht. Every minute of spare time was spent on board. Their cruising ground was across the Channel: France, Belgium and Holland. Barry was an adventurous skipper, firmly believing in his luck and always delivering both yacht and crew, in that order, safely at the chosen destination.

Barry’s mild eccentricity, sense of fun and joie de vivre will be sorely missed by all. His passing has left a great void in the lives of his widow and his family. We all mourn him.