Barry Breakey
Barry Breakey

Obituary of Barry Austin Breakey

Barry Austin Breakey Obituary Barry Austin Breakey of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 25th, 2016 at the age of 87. Barry was born on August 5th, 1928 in Ann Arbor and grew up in Lansing with his parents, Robert and Judith (Jenison) Breakey and his sister Patricia. He returned to Ann Arbor to the University of Michigan for his pre-medical undergraduate studies. It was there that he met Myra Louise Townsend and they found true love and were married on June 17, 1950. He was a natural leader: An Eagle Scout, the Captain of the Michigan 150 pound football team, President of his Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity, a brilliant scholar, and a respected and accomplished physician. In 1953 Barry graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School becoming the fourth generation of Breakey men to do so. As an intern, he was drafted in the doctor's draft and elected to join the Navy as a flight surgeon. By finishing first in his flight surgery class, he had the option of where he wanted to be stationed and he chose Hawaii. Upon his return from Hawaii in 1957, he followed in his father's footsteps and completed his Urology residency at the University of Michigan. This Maize and Blue tradition was "in his veins" and he was an avid Michigan fan throughout his life. He went on to serve with distinction and great pride as a caring and skilled Urologist on the staff of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for over 40 years, retiring reluctantly at age 80 in 2008. Barry loved to travel and experience life to the fullest. Hawaii, Aspen, Japan, the Caribbean, Las Vegas and London were some of his favorite destinations. However, his most cherished place in the world was a family retreat that his father purchased in 1933 known as "Flashlight Bend". This 40 acres of paradise on the North Branch of the Au Sable River was his heaven on earth. He, his father and his many friends in the 3-5 Brotherhood built several log cabins and bunkhouses, and created a culture where unbridled fun co-existed with quiet solitude. Barry was welcoming to all who came there, sharing a bounty of adventurous games and the soothing powers of the river at Flashlight Bend. Barry's legacy will live on in this amazing place for generations to come. Barry was an accomplished artist. Not only did he create hundreds of paintings for over 60 years, he also collected art and studied the great artists of our time. Many agree it could have been his alternative career. His paintings, sculptures, drawings and poetry will continue to delight, intrigue and amuse his fans long after he is gone. Barry was also a skilled card player, enjoying poker, blackjack and bridge. He became a Life Master Bridge player competing and winning in several national tournaments. Barry's deepest happiness and greatest pride came from his family. He was preceded in death by his mother (Judy), father (Bob) and sister (Pat) all of whom he loved dearly and credited with being a great part of his success in life. He is survived by his wife Myra who was his true love. Although they were divorced in 1975, they remained good friends and often celebrated holidays and family vacations together for the next 40 plus years. He is survived by his four sons, Bob (wife Kimberly), Dave, Jeff and Joe (husband Peter). His sons were cornerstones of his life. He coached their little league teams, modeled a strong work ethic and supported each of them in becoming highly successful in life. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren: Julia, Erica, Caitlin, Nicholas, Mariah, Jaclyn, David and Aliza all of whom he admired and loved. Barry took solace and pride in the knowledge that his sons and grandchildren will carry on his legacy of compassion and adventure long after he is gone. He also had a strong and enduring connection with his animals, especially the several generations of his canine companions. Please join us in both sorrow for this loss, and a celebration of a great life well lived. He was a man with a heart of gold who contributed to the lives of so many over his entire lifetime. We thank him for his compassion, his encouragement, his wisdom, his spirit of fun and adventure, his "can-do" attitude and the consistent love that he gave to our family and to the world. We will be celebrating his life on two occasions: For friends, family and colleagues: -- Reception on Monday, March 21st, 2016 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (at the Chapel) in Ypsilanti, Michigan from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. This will include light refreshments and select memories presented by family and friends from 5:00 to 5:35 pm. For friends and family: -- Memorial Weekend at Flashlight Bend with a special ceremony on Sunday, May 29th at 3:05 pm when we will spread his ashes in and along the North Branch of the Au Sable River as his final resting place beside his father. This was his heartfelt request and this event will truly be a memorable and fitting tribute to his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation or a charity of your choice, and pause for a moment of silent celebration of his life and his contributions to the world.
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