Barry David Kromm

Barry Kromm, much beloved husband of Karen Kromm passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully while working in his shop on Thursday, July 11, 2024.  Barry was born in Stettler, the eldest of two sons of Wilfred and Isabel (nee Larkin) Kromm.  The family moved to the farm from the Red Willow area when Barry was two years old.  Barry lived at the farm until his passing.  He attended Satinwood School near Haynes and then Alix for high school.  After graduation he attended SAIT in Calgary and worked and apprenticed at Bill’s Farm Supplies in Stettler to obtain his Heavy Duty Mechanic journeyman certificate.  He loved to fix things and make machinery run smoothly.  He and his brother Dale formed a small trucking company in 1978 and hauled petroleum products.  Later Barry switched to running an oilfield maintenance business with crew trucks equipped with pickers.   He had the Arrow Pump Jack Engine Company on speed dial.  He enjoyed troubleshooting a variety of problems encountered at well sites and batteries and coming up with solutions.  Barry was a lifelong learner, was very inventive, striving for excellence until a job was done well and well done.  Over the years we had great helpers and foremen and were very fortunate to work from home base within a 30 mile radius.   Barry was once offered to go overseas to set up Rotaflex pump jacks,  but said he wouldn’t go without his truck.  He was surprised the company would consider shipping his truck and men but he declined their offer nonetheless.  Many of his helpers entered into apprenticeship for their Heavy Equipment mechanic ticket and Barry taught to a high standard both work and work ethic.  Barry & David (his son) also obtained their Boom Truck Crane Operator tickets.   David worked alongside Barry until he ran a crew truck himself.  Julie swamped for six summers when home from university affectionately called “Little Pipes”.  Blowing out the cabs, washing windows, and wiping tools were a daily ritual when Dad’s trucks would roll in.  Barry was quick to help or lend a hand and would  stop his work to help a neighbor with farm equipment or a grandchild with a dirt bike chain.  Farming stayed engrained in Barry and over the years he did it all, from working the earth to bringing in harvest, fencing, and later lending a hand to Paul and Jackie as they took on more responsibilities with the farm.  Barry and Karen really enjoyed haying for their farming venture for nearly 20 years. 

Barry met Karen in 1979 when she was in first year at the University of Calgary and he was staying with relatives in Calgary.  Barry’s cousin was dating Karen’s sister, and they introduced Barry to Karen.   Barry later said to Karen, he knew at first sight she would be his wife.   After a year of dating (mainly by phone because he worked in Swan Hills, AB and she lived in Calgary), another year engaged, they wed on June 6, 1981.  Their first daughter Jackie-Lynne Marie was born Oct. 20, 1981, followed by their son David Michael Sept. 08, 1982 and daughter Julie Anne on Dec. 28, 1984.  

They built a home site on the farm and brought in a mobile home to live in.  Karen’s mom and dad helped build an addition over a small basement and there was plenty of room.  Many years of hard work followed and much blessing.  Happy times, challenges and trials, a lot of wonderful memorable times.  After 38 years, they moved into a newly built home in March of 2019 built on the same site of his mother and father’s home. 

Barry’s favorite hobby was polishing rocks.   He was a rock hound, often walking with his eyes to the ground keeping a sharp eye for any interesting rocks.  A few went through the laundry if he forgot to take them out of his coverall pockets.  He recently enjoyed flying drones and aerial photography.  He loved family dinners and could build an epic ice cream cone.

Barry came to faith in God, through Jesus Christ and began attending church with Karen for the past two years.  He was planning to be baptized this summer.

Barry is survived by his wife Karen of 43 years.  Children:  Daughter Jackie (Paul) Dobinson,   Son David (Christina) Kromm, Daughter Julie Kromm.  Grandchildren:  Jake, Grace, Dane and Frankie Dobinson, Conner and Elise Kromm.  Brother Dale (Colleen) Kromm.  Mother-in-law Betty West, Sisters-in-law Shannon West, Tracey West, and Brother-in-law Guy (Cecelia) West.  Neice Amanda O-Donoghue and Nephews Daniel West, Lee Kromm and Cody Kromm.

Barry was pre-deceased by his parents Isabel and Wilfred Kromm, Father-in-law Roger West, niece Kimberly West, and Cody’s wife Ashley Kromm.

The family would like to acknowledge the kindness of the first responders for their exceptional care and compassion.

Barry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend to many.  Forever in our hearts and always our inspiration.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Clive Baptist Church located in Clive, Alberta.  Lunch to follow. 

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