Barry Oates

Barry Oates passed away on Wed Mar 05 2025, at the age of 87. Please add your stories, reflections and photos by clicking on "Add Memory" below right.. The family of Barry Oates would like to express our sincere gratitude for your kind expressions of sympathy and support during this difficult time. Your comforting words, thoughtful gestures, and shared memories have been a source of great strength and comfort to us all. Jan, Liza & Denise Barry William Oates May 17, 1937: Born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, to Francis and Hilda Oates. Early 1940s: Family moves to North Perth. Around Age 10: Sent to live with family on a dairy and orchard farm in Denmark for about a year. Age 14: Leaves school and begins working at a "case factory" (making wooden slat boxes). Shortly After 14: Begins a 5-year carpentry apprenticeship with WT Robinson, working on various projects across Western Australia. Mid-1950s: Completes National Service training at Swanbourne and Rottnest Island. Late 1950s/Early 1960s: Spends time in dance halls, teaches jive, and enjoys drive-in movies. October 20, 1962: Marries Janet Long. 1963: Begins traveling around Australia with Jan in a Plymouth. 1968: Daughter Liza is born in Derby. 1969: Daughter Denise is born in Perth. Early 1970s: Starts Babjan Construction with Jan and builds a house in Dianella. 1977/1978: Family trip across the Nullarbor. 1986: Quits smoking. Early 1990s: Quits drinking. Age 63: Retires from Babjan Construction. Post-Retirement: Travels extensively with Jan, both within Australia and overseas. Moves to Mandurah. 2009: Moves to the RAAFA Village. March 5, 2025: Passes away peacefully. May 2025: Would have turned 88. Barry's memory will forever live on in the hearts of family and friends.