Ryly Barnes-Lang

Ryly Dorothy Barnes-Lang, born September 9, 1942, passed away peacefully in her home amongst her

family on Sunday March 10, 2024. For the past decade, Ryly battled a variety of health issues and

conquered Cancer three times. The name Ryly, in the Gaelic language, means “courageous”.

Throughout her life, Ryly was the epitome of courage. On a daily basis she demonstrated grace, love,

generosity, kindness, hope and optimism and was a valiant warrior to the end. Ryly’s unwavering faith,

hope, and determination to live her life to the fullest is a legacy she leaves behind that will continue to

inspire all who were lucky enough to know her.

For over 30 years, Ryly worked as an Administrative Assistant at various companies throughout Thunder

Bay. Her last 15 years of employment were spent at Lakehead University in both the Faculty of Forestry

and the Faculty of Education. She also worked part-time for Michael Gravelle M.P.P and often served as

a poll officer for Elections Canada.

Family, and friends meant everything to Ryly. She loved to spread kindness and joy to everyone she

encountered. She had a passion for travelling, gardening, and spending time at Oliver and

Shebandowan Lake fishing, birdwatching and entertaining. Ryly’s grand passion, however, centered

around her beloved grandchildren, and her daughter, Andrea. Affectionately known as “Grandma”, Ryly

was a constant source of kindness, generosity, wisdom, love and encouragement to Jesse, Dustin, Jenna

and Jayda. Ryly was so proud and supportive of each of them and always did her best to attend dance

recitals, hockey games and special events whenever possible. Even if she could only participate by

watching videos or photo highlights, she never missed the opportunity to cheer on her grandkids. Jayda

and Jenna had the honour and privilege to have precious daily time with their grandma before she

passed away and Jesse and Dustin shared a similar honour and privilege by celebrating this past

Christmas with her; a gift that will be treasured forever in their hearts.

Ryly will also be deeply missed and forever remembered by her large group of devoted and supportive

friends throughout Thunder Bay, especially Norm and Jasmine Oullette, Karen Costa, Susie and

Lorenzo Veltri, Steve Abbott, Casey Rowlinson, Tuula Kilgour, Sheila Wilson, Larry and Helen Grace,

Joni Halonen, Christina Vanbarneveld and Faye Wen. They were fondly known as the

“Sunshine Team”. Her family will be forever grateful for their help driving Ryly to medical appointments

and house/pet-sitting while she was travelling. Ryly also leaves behind her precious and loyal

dog, Mia, who provided her with love and companionship for the past 10 years.

Ryly was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Helen Barnes, and Husband Karl Lang. She will be

deeply missed by her daughter, Andrea, stepsons Chris Lang (Andrea) and Greg Lang (Kim),

grandchildren Jesse and Dustin Lang (Burlington), and Jenna and Jayda Lang, (Thunder Bay) and Cousin

Susan Wall (Minesing).

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the caring, dedicated and attentive Bayshore Nurses, Amanda, Kyle,

Sheila, and Donna and to Nurse Practitioner, Troy Myers and the staff of the Dilico Family Health Team

who treated Ryly with the utmost care and kindness.

Cremation has already taken place at Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay and a private gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Thunder Bay and District

Humane Society.