17 October 1930 – 3 February 2026
17 October 1930 – 3 February 2026
SLYFIELD, Barrie John:
Peacefully at Rhapsody Rest Home on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, aged 95.
Much loved husband of the late Geraldine. Loved father and father-in-law of Judie & Barry Keane, Peter & Silvi, David & Jenny, and Andrew & Jacinta. Cherished grandpa of Rosie, Michael, Lucy Ann, Rachel, Luis, Jemma, Holly, Joshua, and Oliver.
A huge thank you to all the staff of Rhapsody who cared for Barrie in his final years
Messages to the Slyfield Family may be left on Barrie’s tribute page at eagars.co.nz/barrie.
A service to celebrate Barrie’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 46 Watson Street, New Plymouth on Monday 9 February 2026 at 10.30am, followed by a private cremation.
For those unable to attend, Barrie’s funeral will be livestreamed via his tribute page.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
Barry was one of my most preferred relieving teachers during my time of arranging the relief teachers for Devon Intermediate during the 90's. Such a respectable but fun loving gentleman, almost a by gone era. A dad and grandad you will all be proud to call your own. Condolences to each of you.
Our condolences to Barrie's family. Barrie generously shared so many fun and interesting stories of growing up in New Plymouth on our scenic tours in the Rhapsody bus. His shared memories help all of us to feel much more connected to the place we call home. We are fortunate for the time we had with you and we will miss you very much, Barrie. Steve
On behalf of our father Bill Thomson (Edenvale Home, Auckland) we would like to send his condolences and best wishes to Barrie and Geraldine's family. Barrie was Dad's oldest and greatest friend, and that bond lasted all their lives. Our best wishes also to you all from Kate, Sara and Hugh Thomson
What a terrific man and a terrific lot of memories Barrie has left us with. The teaching in such far-flung places like Kennedy Bay; sailing, of course, with two NZ titles and the breeder of a distinguished America’s Cup contributor; rugby, senior status, student of the game, and an astute touch line writer, who saw Danie Craven’s ‘37ers play in NP; Guardian of our community - “one foot of breakwater equals for feet of lost sandy beaches; scouts; bowls, with Rangatorian titles; NP Operatic performer; Daily News where he started his working life. As I write this, I do so smiling, for the so many times he made me, like so many others, laugh. What a man.
Condolences to family with the passing of my first year tutor teacher 1975 at Okato. Glad I was able to catch up with him again many years later. Ted Normanton
Barrie was always a breath of fresh air. He had a formidable intellect, a mischevious sense of humour and a natural eloquence. I knew Barrie for many years through my time as a sports reporter at the Taranaki daily News when he would share a perceptive critique of what I missed or got wrong when reviewing aTaranaki rugby match. But it was always done in good humour with no malice. We became friends and through bowls carried on for many more years. You were one of a kind Barrie and you will be missed.
Barrie was a true gentleman. Very fond memories of him staying with our family during Frostbite Yachting Contests. A friend for many years. Judy Salthouse (nee Brooke)
Barrie Slyfield-- A great man A great friend through yachting, the frostbite, Sunburst and Education He has been a real positive influence on so many families and friends A Wonderful sense of humour. I will miss him Robert Brooke
Condolences from the Reeves family A lovely helpful man. Have great memories from our days racing Sunbusts at NPYC

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

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