In Memoriam

17th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

'A GIANT OF A MAN'

Seventeen years dad, is a long time back

Your guidance and loving, We surely do lack

Our hearts they cry out, and no shame that all know

Our hearts remain broken since you had to go..

A father of wisdom, so much you did know

A father so supportive, that extra mile you did go

A father of love, like a river it flowed

Our family pillar, and that we did know.

We have no doubt, and this I must say

Your hard work on earth, is admired to this day

The accolades, the stories, just what people say

Will carry us proudly until our chosen day....

Rest In Eternal Peace Dad xxxx

16th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Sixteen years since you left us and it is as sore today as it was back then.

Cherish the days, hours and minutes folks. Memories are all that we are left with.

Miss you dad xxx

15th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

 In Loving Memory of a 

TRUE GENTLEMAN

Fifteen long, hard years, dad

no answer, when your name we call

So we glance upon your picture

which hangs stately on our walls.

The man who had all the answers

no longer with us to advise

But I know your spirit guides us

when to Heaven, our eyes we rise.

No longer on those election posters

we see up on the poles

A man who fought for fairness

whether you were rich or on the dole.

Your status didn't phase him

your needs were just the same

Fairness, openness, and transparency

were embedded in his name.

So when local elections are all over

and those elected are set the task

I hope they take your lead dad

and deliver for the masses.

Their needs are even greater

the residents are on the floor

Rate hikes & price increases, dad

the town can take no more.

Beware the risen people

a song echoed through your home

Please guide the newly elected

a decent income for each home.

I think I've said enough, dad

your ears, I'll leave alone

I thank you for your love, dad

and the happiness in our home.

Terribly missed, but proudly remembered xxx

14th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Missed each and every second.

Yip, the elections are now over

Sinn Fein have maxed their seats

Jeffrey D's days maybe numbered

And wee Jamie can’t accept defeat.

The people now have spoken

Just as they did before

When Charlie, Tommy and you Dad

Were the ones knocking on their doors.

The faces may have changed Dad

On the posters up those poles

But the vision of a shared island Dad

Is closer now than ever before.

I am proud you played your part Dad

Charlie and Tommy too

And I hope that all remember

‘Council 1985’ started with you' s.

So let us have a recap Dad

A laugh if I may sneak

The Ivan Barr Bridge is still standing

However, Mervyn has lost his seat

You have Party-gate in London

Now huffing-gate on the hill

Yet families are still struggling

No money to pay their bills

So we congratulate those elected

And pled with them god speed

Put funding where its needed

Health, Education and Special Needs!

I ask the three amigos

As from heaven they now stare

Guide the direction of Stormont

Positive Outcomes! for all to share!

13th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

13th Anniversary of  Our Hero....

This tribute I write

of a man who did fight

for a shared and equal

future for all

His aim it was true

Civil rights for me and you

no more no less

was his call

He was a painter by trade

but his name it was made

through fair representation of all

A family in plight he'd have to put right

fair housing, fair employment his call

Tribunals he'd attend

working class to defend

standing up for those with

their backs against the wall

he strived to do right

for those struggling in life

he'd give any issue his all,

as Councillor or friend

he'd see it through to the end

(no bother to that man at all).

He also seen plight

for doing what's right

harassment, internment and all

but strong was his will

they just could not kill

his determination his passion to help.

Thirteen years now have gone

but your memory lives on

forever you're carved in our hearts

"A giant of a man" proudly we stand

knowing dad that you were that man!

xxxx

12th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

12th Anniversary

Twelve hard years dad

right to this day

Since the man above called you

and you went away

They say times a healer

for some that may be true

Not for me dad... 'it's painful'

living without you

Some people may laugh dad

but my words, they are true

People don't appreciate in life, dad

the things their parents do.

You're now joined by mum, dad

Liam, Karen, Ryan and Janet too

All out of sight dad

but remembered, in all that we do

You taught us to stand up, dad

not to be driven by bluffers or fools

That everyone is important, dad

may they be in Nursing homes or in schools

Take pride in community

support where one can

But to do it with integrity

not for profit nor to be grand

In doing what's right dad

can be difficult it's true

Just because it is right to me, dad

I wonder would it be right to you?

We can only do our best dad

and pray that everything we do

Would meet with your approval

as open, honest and true.

There's one thing that drives me, dad

that guides me in all that I do

That one thing no one can take away, dad

'THAT MY FATHER WAS YOU'

To say I am so proud of you dad is an understatement xxx

 11th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Eleven years it is today dad

since we said our final goodbye

I know because I have walked alone dad

just wishing you were here by my side.

If only I knew in advance dad

how short our time together, would be

I would have crammed a lot more 'me' time

Into a lot more activities with thee.

Oh now I really appreciate

the dad god allocated to me

not another this whole world over

would mean as much as you meant to me.

For you who still have your fathers

take heed and listen to me

Make time!!! no matter how busy

make sure your fathers you go see.

If I never I find ‘my genie in a bottle'

and one wish he grants to me

forget the fortunes I could aim for

my wish - another day my father to see.

So dad whilst in Melmount rest easy

At your grave I look at the stars

And stand proud as punch with the knowledge

I am the son of the Great Ivan Barr................

 10th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Cllr Ivan Charles Barr (10th Anniversary)

Sorely missed by your loving family.

(To the tune of the Lonely Banna Strand).

It was in the year of 85

an event we could not dream

Three young lads from An Strah Ban

One was just a teen

Their dreams of Irish unity

was all they wished to grasp

But hidden in ditches locally

was the brutal British SAS.

So in memory of our heroes bold

We locally did agree

We'd rise up in our numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

We take their fight to council

and their we'd leave their mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Well we took that fight on personally

our objectives we achieved

For each of our heroes dead

a councillor now we see

They now fight within the chamber

No different is their task

But to deliver 'Irish Unity'

for which our volunteers asked.

So in memory of our heroes bold

We locally did agree

We'd rise up in our numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

We take their fight to council

and their we'd leave their mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Well the lads they left their homes that night

To set dear Ireland free

Not knowing what fate lay in store

For our brave undaunted three

Cut down in their prime of life

No more their friends to see

For executed by the SAS that night

Volunteers Michael, David and Charlie.

So in memory of our heroes bold

We locally did agree

We'd rise up in our numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

We'd take their fight to council

and their we'd leave their mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Now the elections are well over

and Strabane has had its say

No more we'd lose our heroes bold

Ambushed in this way

For within our local council

And for each Volunteer who passed

Sit Cllrs Barr, McHugh and McNamee

Who now take up their task.

So in memory of our heroes bold

We locally did agree

We'd rise up in our numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

We'd take their fight to council

and their we'd leave their mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Our councillors faced a mighty foe

They were constantly attacked

By members of the RUC

The union for to back

But just like our heroes bold

Our councillors plans would be

Those dreams of Irish unity

Our three lads had yearned to see

So in memory of our heroes bold

We locally did agree

We'd rise up in our numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

We'd take their fight to council

and their we'd leave their mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Well Barr, McHugh and McNamee

have now joined our gallant three

Their commitment to our struggle

Always remembered by you and me

They have joined the ranks of heroes bold

In Strabane they've left their mark

In memory of our three young lads

Who were cut down in the dark.

So in memory of our heroes bold

History we did see

You rose up in your numbers

for our lads of 'Innisfree'

You took their fight to council

and there you left a mark

For three young lads from West Tyrone

who were cut down in the dark.

Yes in memory of our three young lads

Who were gunned down in the dark.

9th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Nine years have passed since you were called away,
Yet your spirit still walks with us each day.
Your words of wisdom, calm and clear,
Still echo softly — we feel you near.

You led with heart, you served with grace,
You left your mark in every place.
A champion for the young and old,
A voice for justice, brave and bold.

Through every storm, through joy and strife,
You gave your all to community life.
Your kindness lives where memories start,
A steady flame in every heart.

Though time moves on and seasons turn,
Your light still shines — forever we learn
That goodness, once given, never will part.
Cllr Ivan Barr — remembered with heart.

 8th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

It will be eight years on the 9th May, dad

It doesn't seem that long

The lord he had his reasons

Although I think he was wrong!

I know we don't live for ever, Dad

To that I can relate

But to take you, Liam and Mum, dad

Since the year Two thousand and eight???

I know I should not be bitter, dad

There's nothing to achieve

The lord decides who he takes, dad

We aren't the only family ever to grieve.

However its hard to accept, dad

the heartache that we've seen

Janet and Ryan at birth, dad!

And Karen (8) was just a wean!!

Enough of my tears now

Time to bring you up to speed

The assembly elections are all over

Some new faces we are to see.

Eammon McCann! That I didn't see

The SF block held on to their three.

Daniel got in despite splitting the pack

Grace she polled well, 2021 will see her back.

How just hold on a minute dad

Till I tell you this for crack!!

Auld Patsy stood independent

But the people they did not back.

I suppose the electorate dad

Just found it hard to see

"What difference that he made", dad

From any other councillor

you'd meet in the street.

Ivan

Always missed by your loving family xxx.

7th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Seven years have come and gone,
Yet still your light keeps shining on.
Your voice once led with strength and care,
A heart for people, always fair.

You walked with kindness, calm, and pride,
With honesty your constant guide.
You gave your time, your heart, your hand,
To lift the spirit of this land.

Through laughter shared and work well done,
You touched the lives of everyone.
A neighbour, leader, friend so true,
The best of what we strive to do.

Though years may pass and days drift by,
Your legacy will never die.
For in this place you gave your all,
Your memory still stands tall.

Forever missed, forever near,
Your presence felt, your voice still clear.
Ivan Barr, we speak your name,
With love, respect, and proud acclaim.

6th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

Six years have passed, yet still you stay,
In hearts and minds, not far away.
Your voice once rang through every hall,
With care and courage to serve us all.

You stood for fairness, truth, and grace,
A steady light in our community’s place.
No task too small, no soul unseen,
You worked for good in all between.

Your laughter warmed, your words inspired,
Your gentle strength was much admired.
Through every challenge, you would show,
How one kind heart can help us grow.

Though time moves on and seasons turn,
Your legacy continues to burn.
In every act of care we share,
We feel your presence, always there.

So today we pause, reflect, and say,
You’re missed in more than words convey.
Ivan Barr, your name will stay,
A beacon guiding each new day.

5th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

"Fives years, No Way"!

Well that's what they say

Each person who asks about you.

Oh how time past them by

Yet we still ask why

the lord took someone so true?

A big hearted man, united you'd stand

With those less fortunate but true

For those who faced plight you'd argue their rights

"No less better, all equal"! says you.

Well your picture still stands on a wall in Strabane

A picture among quite a few

A wall of fame! proudly bears your name

A testament so fitting and true.

Although you are gone

Your memories live on

In those who often speak your name

The stories they tell is of a man who thought well

Of his town and it's people, no shame.

Five years to the day we have struggled and prayed

Our hearts so battered and torn

For a man we miss dear

there's no shame in our tears

For a father so loving and true.

Loved and sorely missed

By his loving family.

4th Anniversary of your passing Dad.

May the 8th arrives once again

4 long years hasn't lessoned the pain.

Our father, our tower, our guiding light Taken so early, God only knows why?

Although you are absent, our memories remain

Of a proud and loving father, a Councillor, A friend.

You where concerned about many and struggled to prove.

That a land of oppression wasn't a vision for you.

You rallied, you protested, you stood with the might Of a people so willing to fight for their rights.

Our lives a lot richer though the commitment you gave.

A leader of leaders from your youth to the grave.

A visionary, A scholar, A soldier of rights.

A passionate promotor of all human rights.

Your fight now over you can rest with best.

Connolly and Tone not forgetting the rest.

All working class heroes who fought for the right To work for a crust without paying with life.

To receive fair employment a house although plain.

To be treated as equal to all living men.

So rest dear father your vision how gained.

We are working together with fellow country men.

No colour, religion need come to light an island for all just as you described.

Always loved and deeply missed.

Judy & all the Family (Bridge Street).

3rd Anniversary of your passing Dad.

May 2011

In loving Memory of

Cllr Ivan Barr

Today’s the day in the election game

We would have put an X beside your name

It’s hard to accept the reasons why

We don’t see your face on those posters high

I guess the lord decided your work here was done

And gave a true gent his number 1

A seat for you he set aside

In that heavenly chamber, up in the sky.

Always loved and deeply missed.

Judy & all the Family (Bridge Street).

2nd Anniversary of your passing Dad.

A man of the people

I often hear them say.

A leader of the working class

a James Connolly of his day.

Just some of the kind expressions

that people pass our way.

In memory of our father dear

who so sadly passed away.

The years they get no easier

"No time it does not heal!"

A father is a father for all our life

to take him early was to steal.

Now that may sound very selfish

as grief we all do share.

But I really miss my father

as I look at his empty chair.

No Fathers Day gift I can bestow

on a father so loving and true.

A gentle giant of a man who loved

not only his family, but you.

A husband, a father uppermost

a Councillor, a Worker true.

Just some of the qualities of my dad

that proudly shone straight through.

So instead of feeling weepy

that our sad parting had to be

I suppose I should be grateful

that you meant so much to me.

Missing You....... Xxxx

1st Anniversary of your passing Dad.

First anniversary of Ivan's death

We would like to thank all those who attended Dad's first anniversary mass on Saturday last, May 9.

It was sad but touching once again to see many of Dad's relatives, friends and neighbours and colleagues come together to remember him with such fondness.

A very special word of thanks is due to Fr Boland who put immense heart and warmth into the mass, thus making it the memorable occasion that it was.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Aodhan Harkin for the lovely tribute he paid to Dad attached below, and to Kevin Blakely of Studio Photography for the time and effort he put into the memorial cards.

"They are lovely, Kevin".

Sincere thanks to everyone for their kind wishes.

The Barr family.

Strabane