Barry Rivest

Barry Rivest truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. He lived life on his own terms and in the fast lane. He used to say, “You gotta go like hell cause you never know when you’re gonna croak.” An adventurous outdoorsman, Barry enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling and communing with nature, but most of all, spending time with his family and friends.

The 1960s dawned with the movement away from the conservative 50s and eventually resulted in revolutionary ways of thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life. These changes affected education, values, lifestyles, laws and entertainment. In Owosso, Michigan, Max and Norma (Lewis) Rivest were preparing for a change within the tapestry of their own family as well, as they awaited the impending arrival of their fourth child. They were indeed blessed on July 25, 1960, with the birth of their son, Barry.

Being the youngest, Barry was doted on by his older siblings, especially his sister, Patricia, who was 15 when he was born. She liked to take him for a stroller ride to the Post Office whenever she could. Barry was such an easygoing baby, but he made up for it as he got older, getting into mischief often. He liked the heavy metal music of KISS and Rush, but always showed his softer side when it came to his pet hamsters and cats. Barry didn’t much like sports, but loved the roar of the racecars at the Owosso Speedway. As a young boy, he used to collect pop cans to get spare change to get into the races. Another of Barry’s least favorite activities was school. His father, however, earned a living as the Director of Building and Grounds in the Ovid-Elsie School System. In high school, Barry participated in the co-op program so he could get out of school early to work. The money he earned he put towards his first car – a red Chevy Nova.

With racing in his blood, it was only natural that Barry started competing in the street stock series, racing a Nova. He raced for 3 years after which it became too expensive for him to compete. Although not on the racetrack himself, Barry loved to watch NASCAR, and traveled to many of the races with his close friends. At one particular race, Barry met Julie Harr, who was also a big race fan, and they began dating. The two eventually moved in together for many years before finally getting married, which ended in divorce a few years later.

Outside of racing, Barry was a big outdoorsman. He became a member of the Hiawatha Sportsman Club, through which he enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling. At one time, Barry acquired a cottage in the Upper Peninsula in Engadine, where he came to truly appreciate nature. He loved being up north and came to love the area too. One of the best parts was feeding the deer that came by the cottage; he even named one “Ernie.”

In 2006, Barry was diagnosed with cancer, and his health began to take very slow decline. But this didn’t stop Barry from living life to the fullest. He continued to enjoy parties and loved to do some gambling at the nearest casino. Barry also met a wonderful lady named Jenni Hueter in 2008, and they began dating. Together, the two enjoyed being at the cottage, riding the trails and feeding the deer. For the last month though, Barry had been in and out of the hospital. After a short stay at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, Barry passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2010, surrounded by his loving family.

All who knew and loved Barry Rivest will treasure his memory.

Barry is survived by his sisters, Patricia Rivest of Ovid, Connie Jones of Elsie; brother, Gary (Debbie) Rivest of Corunna; stepdaughter, B.J. (Ryan) Bowen; step grandchildren, Brody and Aiden Bowen; and special friend, Jenni Hueter. Preceding him in death were his parents, Max and Norma Rivest.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 29, in the Houghton Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak Street, Ovid, MI with Rev. David Hudgens officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service at 5:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Barry to the Hiawatha Sportsmans Club.