Tributes

It is with a heavy heart that GRRA says goodbye to our dear friend and longtime volunteer, Barry Levine. Barry passed away after a brief illness on June 10th with his wife, Carol Shipley, by his side.  There are no services planned at this time.

Barry has been involved with GRRA since 2004 when he lost his beloved black lab, Suzy.  He decided he wasn’t ready for another “replacement” dog but wanted a dog in the household.  GRRA fit the bill by offering him and his wife the opportunity to foster dogs in-need until they found their forever home. He continued to foster until late 2023. He also undertook a number of other tasks over the years including intake, retriever taxi/transport, microchipping, participation at Meet and Greets, emceeing the annual holiday party auction and doing numerous home checks.  He "foster failed" only twice for Shirley, the black lab, and for Bailey, the golden.

Before retiring, Barry was in insurance sales and served in the army as a radio repairman in Vietnam.  His avid music interests included playing bluegrass and rock guitar as well as volunteering for a classical music group.

We will miss Barry's contagious smile and quick wit.  His passing will create a giant void at GRRA in ways too numerous to mention. GRRA is truly blessed to have had Barry as part of our organization for so many years.

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