Celebrating Barry White

While out for a bike ride on the beautiful morning of August 28th, Barry suffered a major heart attack. He was without medical attention for an extended period of time which led him to be placed on life support. After several long and emotional days, it became clear that Barry would not be returning to his family. Through profound grief and sadness, Christine and his girls, Daphne, 12, and Camille, 17, honored Barry’s wishes of becoming an organ donor to help save the lives of others. Barry fought hard his last few days as he developed pneumonia and suffered physical setbacks, but in the end, he was able to donate tissue and both kidneys. On Saturday, September 3rd, Barry was given the Honor Walk at Good Samaritan Hospital on his journey to become an organ donor. The walk was a beautiful yet emotional tribute to him. Barry was surrounded by his family and felt their love as he left this world. Christine and his daughters take comfort in knowing that he positively changed the lives of a 4-year-old and a 44-year-old, allowing each the possibility to live a normal and healthy life. Barry’s family continues to be proud of him for selflessly living every moment of his life.

Barry was an amazing father, a loving husband, and a dear friend to so many and will be profoundly missed. Barry’s time on earth can be summed up in two words; selfless and loyal. There wasn't a person that he wasn't willing to help with his time, talents, resources, and life lessons. Barry was fiercely loyal to his wife, children, and family. They were the purpose of his life as well as his greatest joy.

Barry’s second love in life was cycling. He was obsessed with all things related to the sport; the comradery of a group ride, the energy felt at a bike race, the rich history of professional events, and just about everything related to cycling drove him to become a better rider. It was his absolute passion and the sport that led him to meet his wife Christine. Barry and Christine were both competitive cyclists who trained endless hours together before marrying and starting their family. He gave back to the cycling community by helping build the Tour of Lake Ellyn, annual professional races hosted in his town of Glen Ellyn, IL. If there is any comfort in Barry’s passing, it is that he was cycling back to his home after a weekly ride with friends when his life ended.

Barry touched the lives of so many and now it is our turn to give back to his family in their time of need. People come together in times of sadness and loss to help one another make it through their darkest days. Any support you can provide to Barry’s family would be greatly appreciated. Fundraising is to help with the financial burden of medical, end-of-life, and memorial expenses as well as to give Christine and the girls some much-needed support for the tough road ahead.

Please keep Barry’s family and children in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you in advance for your loving kindness.

There will be a Celebration of Life to remember Barry on Wednesday, September 28th, from 4-9:30 PM at Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove. Please join us at any time throughout the evening. Along with Barry’s life, we will be celebrating all of his favorite things: bikes, beers, and most of all, his family. Alter Brewing Company is located at 2300 Wisconsin Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, 60515.