Barry Thomas Plouse, age 51, resident of Edinboro, PA, died at his home on Saturday, February 1, 2014. Born in Spangler, PA on July 1, 1962, he was a son of the late Wade P. and Alberta B. Patty Plouse.
Barry was a dedicated father, husband, brother, and friend who was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. Despite being confined to a wheelchair for the past 30 years, Barry overcame many obstacles and lived his life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, kayaking, and boating. He was the co-owner of Trans 58, a transportation logistics company located in Edinboro.
Barry’s family includes his wife, Tanis Boden Plouse and their daughter, Ramey E. Plouse; four brothers– Samuel Pelchar (Karen) of Oakridge, TN, Wade “Rusty” Plouse of York, PA, Edward Plouse of Dover, PA, and Cecil “Scott” Plouse of Edinboro, PA; one sister– Margaret “Bunny” Bracken (Dave) of Mineral Point, PA; his nieces– Taylor Pelchar, Shawna Bracken, Amber Bracken, Whitney Plouse, Morgan Plouse, and Talyn Boden; and his nephew Tyler Boden.
In addition to his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Taylor Cunningham.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to be held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 12:00 noon at McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, PA. Pastor Brian Kelly will officiate.
Memorials may be given to the Regional Cancer Foundation, 2500 West 12th St., Erie, PA 16505, or to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501.
You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
My deepest sympathies to Barry’s family and friends as you grieve the loss of a wonderful person. I met Barry while he was at Edinboro Univiersity. Barry was always upbeat and friendly to everyone, a quality that was admired by many.
My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Barry was so much fun and fun loving. He forever had a smile on his face. Andrea and I had so much fun with him and Cecil during our college years! He will forever be remembered for being so very kind with a huge heart and zest for life.
Michelle
Cecil; My sincere sympathy to you and your family. May happy memories help ease your pain. I understand how hard it is to lose a brother. Peace.
Barry’s family – you are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Barry while I was going to Edinboro (20 some years ago). Such a great, optimistic, outgoing, friendly, caring, happy man. I will always remember him. I am grateful that I could call him my friend. Thinking of you all and remembering that smile of his. Peace and love, Michelle
To all Barry’s family & friends,
Prior to meeting Barry in College, I had never met or knew someone in a Wheel Chair. I was weirded out and nervous with all sorts of preconceived prejudices. I originally saw the Handicap and NOT the man. Barry didn’t like nor want my sympathy. It didn’t take long for him to teach me so many valuable life lessons.
I soon overcome my prejudices’ and completely forgot his chair.
Barry lived a fuller life than most men who could walk. He didn’t back down from any challenge, rather took it head on. He completed more of his bucket list than did I. Not possible was never an option. With that frame of mind, he was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to meet him.
Many of my fondest lifetime memories and predicaments happened in Barry’s presence. Barry is responsible for introducing me to my wife & soul mate “Tina”. We will greatly miss the laughter and love he brought to us all of these years!
I’m not sure of much, but there is probably one hell of a party going on in heaven!
Cecil,my condolences go out to you and your family. May god watch over him and guide you all through this difficult time. God Bless!
To all of Barry’s family and friends,
We are all heartbroken over the loss of this amazing man. He truly was an inspiration to everyone that met him. I remember when I worked at HealthSouth and asked him to mentor my spinal cord injured patients, he did not even hesitate. He gave his heart and soul to all that knew him. Tanis and Ramey will be at the top of my prayers, along with the rest of his family and friends. Too many to count. Take comfort in your memories, and knowing that he is finally at peace and able to WALK through Heaven’s gates.
Much love,
Toni, Mike and Joli
I am so sorry for your loss , I knew Barry from high school at central cambric what I can remember was his humor and how anytime he would walk into a room everyone new it he was all so full of life and always willing to help when ever he could . I was so blessed that I knew him and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you . And now we have a angel looking down on all of us he will not be forgotten .
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Barry professionally for approx. 20 years. He was such a positive person and so full of life. I believe he encouraged the people he touched to live life to the fullest. He was such a blessing to others. I will miss him. My prayers are for all his friends & family. Sincerely.
I had the pleasure of meeting Barry through work and from talking to him on the phone to the annual Christmas dinner I soon saw that he was a caring person with a heart of gold. He always seemed to focus on the positive and the possibilties of tomorrow and the importance of life and love. The poem at the end is so touching and truly reminds me of Barry. My heart goes out to you on the loss of Barry.
Our sincerest sympathies to your family. Barry will be missed by the OSD staff that knew him especially during his college days at Edinboro University. He was a great guy and an inspiration to others throughout his life.