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sticky blue · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:58 pm Post subject: Bugler Barry Witts

I have just been looking at Dickie Valentines site and have discovered, via Colin (Rasher) Bacon, that Bugler Barry Witts has crossed the Bar in Plymouth - RIP Barry - my condolances to his family - The funeral will be at Plymouth Weston Mill Chapel, 14:00 Wednesday 27th. February
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admin · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

If anyone who knew him, or a member of the family would like to write an Obit for the Blue Band please do so. Post it here or email or PM it to me.

RIP Barry
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lesbryan · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject:

My condolencies to his family !
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Taff S · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:34 am Post subject:

Sorry to hear of Barry's passing. Had some good runs ashore with him during massed band get togethers.
my condolences to his family

styx · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:01 am Post subject: Bugler Barry Witts

I had the great pleasure of knowing Barry in J.Wing and also meeting up with him on massed Band Jobs and also when I was at HMS Raleigh back in the 60's and also when I was on HMS Fearless, we had some great p.ups during Navy days in Plymouth.
Rest in peace Bro. Condolences to all his Family.

Styx
Ian (Sam) Sandell
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townsergeant · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 2:18 pm Post subject:

Lovely guy Barry....Very, very funny!

Met him during my days in Guzz.

RIP pal.
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Nick B · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject:

Rest in Peace Barry, a sad loss.
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Dan A · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:47 pm Post subject:

Barry was in Buglers House with me in 1963, skinny guy with a broad janner accent..he was before joining... a member of the Stonehouse RMVCC..which during 1963 produced many buglers, the Bounsalls Keith and Brian, Jan Babington, Barry Witts, Charlie Rowe, Ginge Bailey. I last saw Barry out in the Far East in 67/68 when he was on the Albion and we were all off to Aden with 42 Cdo..for the withdrawal.

Apparently Barry had been ill for a few years with a bone wasting disease which finally took his life.

Barry was a real funny guy and always up for a run ashore, he had a sharp sense of humour and was well named Witts!!..Know as Barr Witts..rarely barry

RIP Buddy...
Dan
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Wee Mac · M2 Passed Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 186 Location: Guzz

I was able to attend the Funeral for Barry. I put an entry in the Blue Band but I submitted it too late and it was not included until the latest edition.
Forgive me for omitting previous ranks, for those who may like to know those attending, they were, in no particular order. Pete Pritchard, Chris Brookbank, Jack Kennedy, Keith Pullen, John Tansey. Jan Bettinson Colin Bacon, Eddie Gasser. Last but not least, was George Hayes. He was a great friend of Barry, along with Barry's sister Brenda, her husband Tom and their children, who adored their "Uncle Barry".

For those who do not know, Barry passed away on the same day as the Pompey Buglers reunion. He would have liked the irony, i'm sure!
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admin · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject:

Sadly, Barry Witts passed away on the 16th February at Derriford Hospital Plymouth, the same day as this year's Buglers reunion.The irony, I’m sure, would not have been lost on Barry. His service was well attended, with several former buglers & musicians, including Drum & Bugle Majors.
Along with Topsy Turner, Barry was the last Bugler to serve on the Cruiser HMS Blake as part of a RM detachment.
Due to ill health, Barry was discharged in the mid 70’s and became a cabinet maker and later on, he worked for the postal service.
After meeting with his family, it became very clear to me, that Barry was much loved as a brother and also a much adored father and uncle. He will be missed by all that knew him!
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Wee Mac · M2 Passed Joined: 13 Aug 2008 Posts: 186 Location: Guzz

Bugler Barry Witts

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Once a Bugler, always a Turtle