Barry died on January 4 aged 78 after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Pat, and their three children Karen Ruwoldt, Tanya Sleep and Al Brooksby; his sisters Gay and Elaine; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Barry was born on December 31, 1940 in Horsham to Roy and Coral Brooksby. He grew up on a cropping farm at St Helens Plains, and attended school at St Helens Plains Primary School and Horsham Technical School.

Pat (nee Eastwell) and Barry married in 1964, and the couple raised their children at the family farm.

Barry’s son Al said his father always had a passion for farming.

“He always wanted to be a farmer; he was still farming with me up until his passing,” Al said.

“Dad just loved country life and he worked really hard. He didn’t have any enemies and got along with everyone; he was a very easygoing sort of person who tried to please everyone.

“Everyone really loved him – I think that’s why his funeral was so big. The response from the community has been huge.”

Al said his father also loved his sport, playing for Taylors Lake Football Club.

“He was a very good footballer; he played on the wing and was a very skillful player. Dad also played a lot of bowls and tennis too,” he said.

Barry was a member of the Green Lake Rural Fire Brigade, a long-time player and supporter of Drung South Tennis Club, a Life Member of Taylors Lake Football Club, and a member of Sunnyside Bowls Club.

Barry also loved harness racing.

Recently Barry and Pat enjoyed travelling to different places around Australia in their caravan.

Barry’s grandson Ben Brooksby said farming was his grandfather’s whole life.

“He grew up the farm that I still live on today. Grandpa really took pride in his farming to get the best crops and sheep he could,” Ben said.

“He was a very respected man and we are forever grateful for what he did to set up our family. He would still come out to the farm everyday even when he was sick.

“Grandpa was also so proud of us grandkids, he supported all of us and was proud of the Brooksby name.”

Barry’s funeral was held on Monday, January 14.