Condolence From: Ian Trott
Condolence: To those who knew and loved Barry McLellan:
It's been 41 years since I last saw Barry and about 11 years since we briefly reconnected via letter/phone (a one-time event). Best of friends from grade 6 on through our tumultuous teen years (quite a bit more tumultuous for me than Barry, I do believe).
Recently, I heard a bit of news about Continental Airlines on CNN and it reminded me of the fact Barry and I still hadn't kept in touch. So, like many internet surfers would do, I googled his name, and to my complete and utter surprise/shock, the first hit from Google was this obituary.
Many people might not appreciate how someone who has been so out of touch with a friend, from so long ago, could still feel such a strong bond as I do. But Barry was one of my truest friends, early on along this rocky road we call life. I have never forgotten him or our friendship.
He honestly left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. A rare thing indeed! His sense of humour, his smile, his laugh, his wisdom, his surprising abilities at such a youthful age.
The condolences written tell me that Barry never really changed. He stayed true to the confident, caring and wise young man I knew those many long years ago.
He was a great friend, and from what I've read above, he surely was a gifted and exceptional pilot. I always knew he would be!
Right now, I'm feeling more than a twinge of sadness as I compose these thoughts, remembering the fun times we spent together in school, Boy Scouts, a few VERY memorable flying experiences, and the parties at Haynes cabin. Some really cherished boyhood memories!
As hard as this may be for some to understand ... he will be sorely missed by this old friend.
Glod bless you, Barry! God bless you!
Your once and always friend, Ian.
Saturday September 08, 2012
Condolence From: Jeff Litz
Condolence: To the Family of Barry:
My very deep condolences. As a brand new FO with BHA, summer of 1980, I had the pleasure of sharing a cockpit with this truly professional pilot. As the accolades above decribe the man, so too must I. The consumate pro, he was one of the gifted ones, a person who could teach with little effort. Never one to critique, always positive in everything he did.
It has been a long time since we crossed paths Barry, but the lessons you instilled so long ago remain, a truly lasting legacy anyone would be proud of. You will be missed my friend.
Godspeed.
Tuesday March 29, 2011
Condolence From: Randy Comber
Condolence: "Boomer" was a close friend and fellow pilot at BHA. We shared lots of good times together as our boys were growing up. Hadn't seen each other in a while, but we will meet again. Hold a spot for the rest of us!! Fair skies and tailwinds....Randy
Saturday March 26, 2011
Condolence From: Jack and Mary Kern
Condolence: Dear Carole and Bud, We are so sad to hear of Barry's death. Please know that our thoughts and wishes are with you during this difficult time. We didn't know your son, but we surely know that he had two wonderful, loving, caring parents. With deepent sympathy, Jack and Mary Kern
Saturday March 26, 2011
Condolence From: Peder Hamilton
Condolence: One of the joys of working for Bar Harbor Airlines was feeling you were part of a big extended family. I was reminded of that yesterday when I attended the service for Barry and saw so many from the BHA family joining with his real and immediate family to give condolences and remembrances for a truly deserving person.
I saw Barry as a quiet dignified individual, who worked very hard for the betterment of his fellow pilots, whether it was work in the BHA pilots association or passing on his knowledge in the training department. I learned a lot from Barry during my aviation career. He will be missed. I keep among my many aviation mementos a copy of my ATR Type certificate, signed by the designated examiner: Barry Mclellan.
Thursday March 24, 2011
Condolence From: Dick Armstrong
Condolence: Carole, Bud and family:
Penny and I are so sorry for your loss. I first met Barry sometime in 1973 when working at the airport in Presque Isle. Over the ensuing years I've met many a pilot who knew Barry well and there was never anyone who didn't admire him to the fullest. There are many aviators out there today plying the skies of the world who owe and freely offer him great respect for all that he passed on to them; both personally and professionally.
Regrets,
Dick Armstrong
Thursday March 24, 2011
Condolence From: Dawn Adams Carey
Condolence: Incredible fond memories of Bar Harbor Airlines and the family we once were!! I remember Barry as one of the Captains I loved to fly with. A gentleman, family- man and a great pilot!; the copilots and we flight attendants were always happy to know that Barry was flying "right seat"!! God Bless You, Barry and blessed those who are grieving the loss of such a fine man.
Wednesday March 23, 2011
Condolence From: Mary Hallman
Condolence: On June 15, 1978 Bar Harbor Airlines Flight#51 lifted off from Bangor en-route to Portland and Boston. The Captain was Barry McClellan and the anxious, stressed out First Officer was me. Five flight hours later we landed back in Bangor and my first day of line flying ended. I was so far behind the airplane that day I thought I'd never catch up.
Barry never flinched, no harsh words were spoken and I finally settled down and remembered how to fly an airplane again. Later that day I realized how very, very fortunate I was to have spent those first hours of my professional airline career sharing the cockpit with this man.
He stood tall; he was the consummate professional aviator; he was the one many of us compared, and still compare, to every pilot we flew with or observed over our aviation careers. He understood and treated us with respect and understanding; he taught us quietly and with dignity. He influenced the lives of the young, the old, the inexperienced, the experienced, in a time of airline growth and technical advancement as well as the "good old days".
In the last years I renewed contact with him and we spent time reminiscing about our flights, training, and check rides together. We laughed over the funny events that occurred working for a commuter airline, flying in harsh environments. And Barry, always the teacher, expressed his concerns about the airline industry today and offered ideas to make it better in the future. He will be missed so much by all the family and friends who had the high honor of calling him son, husband, father, colleague, friend.
Barry, may the days be long and sunny, the "could not duplicate on the ground" list short, and the coffee pot always full.
Mary
Wednesday March 23, 2011
Condolence From: Jay Jarboe
Condolence: Very sad news
I will always remember how welcomed he made me feel when we came to BHA from PBA ( there were a few that weren't too happy to see us ) He was such a good man he will be very much missed but always remembered.
Jay
Wednesday March 23, 2011
Condolence From: Anthony Hardesty
Condolence: Truly sad news. I had the pleasure of flying with Barry many times. He was a wonderful pilot and person. He gave me IOE as a new Captain and the confidence that I needed. Godspeed Barry.
Wednesday March 23, 2011
