Barry Stewart Miles

Shall remember Barry always for his integrity, his compassion for animals, his warmth and kindness, and his unforgettable sense of humour.

Thank you Barry for all the happy days on the ASWA stand at the Cheltenham Greenbelt festivals and the many curries we all shared afterwards..

Happy memories of first meeting Barry on MasterSun Holiday 5,000 feet up a mountain in N Italy and so grateful for him introducing me to Footloose. Great sense of humour.

Since we go back 60 years to our first week in college, time has changed us. I remember Barry’s early sense of humour and love of pranks, but also later of his great seriousness on matters he thought of great importance. And both of those shone through even in the middle of all his health difficulties.

I will always remember Barry’s cheeky smile and twinkle in his eye and our many fun dinner parties in Tooting. He was always full of humour and interesting conversation; never a dull moment with Barry in our midst. He will be missed.

I first met Barry at St James church streatham  He asked to play in the newly formed rustic church cricket team With others of like mind and equal ‘rustiness’ he played and practiced with us all regularly and great was the cameraderie over the years His influence at and after matches was always of significance and as later Vice President of the club he will be sadly missed Andrew Woolley  Hon Sec St James CC

I shared a room with Barry in our first year at Uni and he was Best Man for my wedding in 1970. The night before my wedding Barry was worried. about the health of his dog and unbeknown to me drove all the way to Streatham from Luton to check the dog’s health and then returned in time to share breakfast. Barry was a person of integrity, always kind with a good sense of humour. Most people will know that Barry was an animal rights campaigner although never involved in any violent action. One weekend when he came to visit there was an injured pigeon in our garden and Barry insisted in driving into London to an RSPCA centre where the pigeon could be treated. Barry was also a competent chess player with several trophies. We will miss you Barry but take comfort in knowing you had a strong faith and will be there at the resurrection

We will miss him at South Norwood Chess Club. Great supporter and friend to us all. Barry Miles topic at English Chess Forum https://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=14067

Barry’s energy, kind words, and positive enthusiasm will always be with us. He was an admirable person who led the club chess team, which my son was a part of, with genuine intent. Even in the face of a loss, he always had a few encouraging words to share.

Gutted we (my wife (Emma) and I could not be at the funeral of a genuine man who did not have a bad bone in his body. Always keen to do “the right thing” he was a man we will remember with great affection – and will be greatful for his friendship.

Generous, kind, amusing, sincere, loyal and compassionate: how fortunate I have been to have had a friend such as Barry for over fifty years! I will always cherish my memories of our times together. One such memory, which will strike a chord with others, was driving Barry to the vet with an injured pigeon, another of regularly beating him at Cluedo until he discovered my strategy – leading to much amusement. It is farewell to a very special person but he will remain in our hearts for always.

Barry came into my life through Doris Banham Dog Rescue’s link with ASWA. He was literally one of those people who simply make the world a better place. He admired the work we do saving the lives of dogs who are due to be put to sleep and he donated to our work but he went the extra mile as well. Our work is very emotionally demanding and he said that I could ring him any time I felt in need and he would listen and help to give me strength again. I did this and he was literally amazing so kind, motivating and inspiring and I will always be grateful to him. His loss will be felt so intensely by all the people and animals his kind heart touched. Our Charity is going to call the next nameless pound dog we rescue Milesy (like his email) in dedication to this wonderful man who lit the world just by being him.

I first met Barry at one of the ASWA meetings which Sarah Dunning regularly hosted at her home. We went on to become firm friends and I recall one late evening when several of us, including Barry and John (Farebrother) had eaten at a restaurant, walking back to the car and Janet and I commenting to one another that we always felt safe in their presence. Barry had a huge heart and was such a solid, loyal friend to so many, and always great company. Our shared concerns for animals, also for unborn babies, were issues that I took particular comfort in our speaking together about on very many occasions. You touched the lives of so many, in so many ways dear Barry, and your memory will never, ever fade. You will be forever loved.

I would like to say publicly how much I appreciated Barry’s quiet care and sensitivity. I was very aware of this compassion in him towards animals and the unborn. However, after my mum died in Ireland last year, I realised how much he cared quietly for others. Barry really looked out for me. He would take the trouble to ask how I was and I really felt cared for, even though that part of my life was invisible to most people in London. I miss him a lot. I’m very grateful to have had him in my life. For you, Barry’s family as you come to terms with his loss, I pray that you will comforted in the same way that Barry comforted me.

Barry was the kindest, most generous and funny friend. He bought so much joy and laughter to my life. I can still see that funny face he would pull and we would be roaring with laughter. My life has been changed for knowing Barry – it has been enriched and blessed so much. Among many things, I loved Barry’s sense of justice and fairness – he always treated everyone with respect and kindness and stood up for when something was unjust or unfair- he had such courage and boldness and I always looked up to him. Barry made a difference to so many people and so many animals, he really cared and loved unconditionally. I am so thankful to God for Barry. My life is so much better for knowing him, he was such a loyal friend and so loved. I miss him terribly, but am so, so grateful that I knew him. I will never forget Barry – he will always hold a special place in my heart.

Just heard about his passing on a school reunion group. So this is what I shared. “Barry was a great chap. Even though I’d left school at 16 to do my A levels as Uxbridge Tech I was still allowed to join in with the school’s Christian Union events, going up into London for meetings. I think we worked it round the Inter Schools Christian Fellowship – as I represented the college… I think the last time I saw him, was when I bumped into him at Greenbelt Christian Festival one year – must have been in Cheltenham (unless it was earlier at Deene Park). A great History and RE teacher – coping with some of our classmates (C) “praising the great electron”* and nicknaming him “Slime”! Very supportive, and facilitated sharing opportunities for the Christian Union, both within the school and the borough schools. So fondly remembered. *After reading bits from the Nikki Cruise book in RE lessons, about a shaft of lightening or something like that!”