Barry SOUTHAM Obituary

Sadly, Goodbye Barry. You've been on my mind, and now I find that our travelling days are no more.
In the summer of 1962 we met as interns at Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital, Auckland, and you said, Jim come to Christchurch. So a few months later I took my trusty motorbike down to 464 St Asaph Street and became part of your kind and supportive house and home. You encouraged me to write, and I completed my long poem Way of Life. You loaned me your alto sax, and I
began making music again. What great times we had as "our pad" became Beat Party Central for actors, writers, orators, musicians, and lovers, in Christchurch!
You were a brother and mentor to me.
If they asked us, we could write a book!
Sadly, but gratefully remembered,
Jim Langabeer

RIP pain free beloved Cuzzie - you put up such a good fight and we were truly humbled by your efforts. Your vibrant family presence and rolling tide of fine literary works is already sorely missed. Critiquing random poetry pieces for you over the years was SUCH a delight; becoming 'our thing' to keep in touch and help stem the tyranny of distance. Despite our 'Ditch' divide however your occasional Queensland venturings with Pat, to enjoy the seclusion of our mid north coast 'paradise', reaped such enormous joys - unbridled family warmth, TOTALLY unreserved 'plain speak', and endless layers of rawcuss laughter. Although fleeting these precious moments won't EVER be forgotten - nor those of our early adulthood either. While I'm pretty sure bro' Michael will want to proffer his own words of farewell; it has to be said that bringing the two of you together at our abode as aged adults was indeed a priceless experience - somewhat akin to observing the birth of some sort of Monty Python brotherhood! Your studious note taking (intended for future subject matter reference ...while Michael breathlessly gave account of copius interesting exploits) was rapidly set aside as you enthusiastically shared a stream of hilarious parallels in life experience. While your 'in person' footprint had to fade somewhat (through necessity) in recent times your truly unique and much loved 'spiritual' presence NEVER did or will. May everlasting peace go with you and this knowledge serve to help comfort ALL family and friends. Eternal gratitude also to Pat for such steadfast dedication to duty; and undeniable fortitude in lovingly nursing you through to the bitter end.
Fly strong and high until our paths cross again dearest man.