Barry Ellis Verney

Barry Verney, of Freedom, died Dec. 23, 2007 at Memorial Hospital. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 54 years, children Scott, Susan, and Craig Verney, daughters-in-law Peg Verney and Natalie Van Dorn, grandchildren Michael and his wife Gina, Jason, Sarah, Douglas, and Christina, and great-grandson Peter. Barry was born Aug. 13, 1932 in Orange, Mass. A graduate of Springfield College, he also held advanced and professional degrees from New York University. He began his career as a teacher and track coach in Cheshire, Conn., and spent most of his professional life as a teacher, counselor, and high school administrator in Sayville, N.Y., until his retirement in 1988. His impact on his students lives was reflected in their dedication of the high school yearbook to him. He served as teachers association president and was a founding member and officer of the Long Island Counselors annual conference steering committee.Barry first came to the Mount Washington Valley in 1939 as a camper at his uncles Camp Wonalancet for Boys in Eaton, and continued as a camper, counselor, and long-time head counselor. Barry and Marilyn became part-time Freedom residents in 1967, full-time upon their retirements, and have been active members of the community for many years. Barry coordinated transportation for nine years of the Volvo Tournament and subsequently at the Equine Classic at Attitash, and served as treasurer of the South Eaton White Meeting House. Most recently, his association with the rental shop at King Pine, where he was assistant manager, provided an opportunity for service to the guests, camaraderie with his fellow workers, and continued participation in outdoor recreation in the area. His love for the valley was reflected in all that he did. Barrys family was the object of his abiding love and the source of his greatest happiness. He shared his enthusiasm for life with everyone he met. His contagious good humor, positive attitude, and encouragement, support, and acceptance of his family, friends, students, and colleagues made him loved and respected in his work and his life. He found the best in everyone, and all whose lives he touched were better for having known him.A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2007, at 5 p.m., at Tecumseh Lodge in Purity Spring Resort. Memorial gifts may be made to Memorial Hospital, PO Box 5001, North Conway, NH 03860, or to Jens Friends Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1842, North Conway, NH 03860.