Remembering Our Fellow volunteer: A Tribute to Barry "Baz" Jones

In the close-knit world of the Kincardine Scottish Festival, we are often reminded that it is not just the pipes, the games, or the location that makes our event special—it is the people. Today, we must share the heartbreaking news that one of our long-standing, dedicated, and deeply respected volunteers, Barry Jones, has passed away at the age of 74.

Barry was known to many as "Baz." His journey in our town began in late 1977, when he moved his young family from Birkenhead, England, arriving just in time to face the epic December snowstorm. This early test set the tone for a man who didn't back down. After a 32-year career at Bruce Power, retirement gave Barry the opportunity to share his time and energy with us.

As a dedicated board member and an organizer for the Scottish Festival, Barry was a champion for our work. While a private man at heart, when it came to his volunteering, he was all-in. His legacy on our team is a powerful combination of meticulous dedication and a witty one-liner.

If you ever shared a setup meeting or a busy festival weekend with Barry, you knew two things. First, he was often the "ultimate supervisor of tasks"—a title his family also remembers fondly! He had a gift for logistics and organization. If something broke, Barry was famously one of the first people we called, arriving ready to fix anything.

Second, his dedication was always paired with a dry, sharp wit. He knew exactly how to use a well-timed joke to break the tension of a long day. Barry’s personality was as balanced as his perfectly poured pints and the many Tetley tea bags he famously curated.

While the festival board was lucky to have his dedication, we knew that his heart belonged elsewhere. His obituary says it perfectly: "His love for his family was rivaled only by his love and dedication for Liverpool Football Club."

It is rare to find a man who could dedicate himself so fully to his loved ones, his football club, and his community service. We were fortunate that we, as a volunteer board, got to witness and benefit from that immense dedication.

We will miss his logic, his support, his "fixes," and his unique perspective (which, delightfully, included a love for electronic dance music!). The Kincardine Scottish Festival is stronger because he chose to lend us his hands and his head.

Thank you, Baz.

You’ll Never Walk Alone.

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Barry was a very dear and loyal friend who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Over many years, his contribution to the festival was truly invaluable…something that will be incredibly difficult to replace.

He was thoughtful, intelligent, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. That generosity and quiet strength defined who he was. His passing has left a real sense of loss and heartbreak.

Barry left a lasting mark on our community, and he will not be forgotten.

You’ll never walk alone, Baz.

Rest easy.

~Paddy Doherty