A larger than life character, devoted husband, father and grandfather, an avid sports fan and a giant in the AA community, Barry K. “Bear” Wilkes passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 surrounded by his family in Roseville, California. He was 80 years old.

Born and raised in Kansas, Barry was the older of two children of Curtis and Clio (née Kelley) Wilkes. Barry received his bachelor's degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, CA.

In 1965, while in the management trainee program for the JC Penney Company in Billings, Montana, Barry met a beautiful nurse named Margaret (Penny). Barry asked Penny to marry him on their third date and they were married on January 15, 1966. Nine months and nine days later, Barry and Penny welcomed twins, Stephanie and Steven, who became the center of their lives.

Many moves brought the family to New York City, Seattle, Modesto and finally to Fresno where they settled in 1978. The family’s life centered around the kids and their school communities of Our Lady of Victory and San Joaquin Memorial High School. The Wilkes’ house on Browning was well known for many lively gatherings where everyone was always welcome for some of Bear’s chilli and stiff drinks.

In 1991 Barry got sober with the support and encouragement of his family. Alcoholics Anonymous became a new focus for him and he made many lifelong friends. He was a huge contributor to AA and loved making coffee for his home group. He thrived on welcoming the newcomers and encouraging those who were struggling, singing the praises of AA to anyone who would listen. His advice was straightforward: “don’t drink, attend meetings, and help someone everyday.” In addition to AA, he enjoyed many mornings with his friends at Harry’s Bagels and Starbucks in Fig Garden Village.

Family, friends, AA and sports were the things Barry loved most. He took pride in his four grandchildren, supporting them in their various endeavors. He was in frequent contact with his family even if it was just a brief call to check in or a reminder to “get the game on!” He was a loud and enthusiastic member of the Red Wave, enjoying countless tailgates and games throughout the years at Fresno State. He also loved Notre Dame football and the San Francisco Giants.

In 2015, Barry moved to Roseville to live with his daughter Stephanie and her family. He continued to be very active in AA and made new friends. He changed his routine a bit, adding water aerobics, carpool and Chief Recycler of Roseville to his resume.

Barry was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Penny, and his parents Curtis and Clio. He is survived by his children Stephanie (Marc) and Steven (Elizabeth) and his grandchildren; Conor (Jessica), Christina, David and Julia and his sister, Nan Peele.

Please join us to celebrate Barry’s life at a Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 615 Vine Avenue, Roseville, at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 30th. A lunch reception will immediately follow. An additional reception will be held in Fresno, date to be determined.

Please click link below for Livestream of the Funeral Mass (Friday, October 30 at 1:00 pm):

https://www.youtube.com/saintroseoflimaroseville