Health shop founder dies

– Casey Neill.
BELGRAVE residents were saddened by the loss of a passionate community member earlier this month.
Norm Barry died on Monday 4 February at the Angliss Hospital aged 68 following complications from chemotherapy to treat a recurrence of prostrate cancer.
He and his partner of 28 years, Dianne Hayes, founded and owned Sherbrooke Health Foods for more than a decade.
In 2005 the pair retired, sold the store and set off on a trip around Australia.
When he announced his retirement, Mr Barry said he had enjoyed his involvement with the town.
More than 150 people packed St Cuthbert’s Chapel in Menzies Creek for his funeral on 8 February.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors paid tribute to Mr Barry at their meeting on 12 February.
Councillor Samantha Dunn said it was a shame the hills had lost such a tireless worker.
“He’d always been very passionate about the area and helping the community,” she said.
Cr Dunn said he seemed to have always been a part of the area and had an intense interest in the community.
“It’s tragic that we’ve lost someone who was so involved,” she said.
Mr Barry was one of the initiators of the Belgrave Regional Action Group (BRAG) and was vice-president of the association for several years.
BRAG member Donna Burgess said Mr Barry was “an amazing man”.
“Nothing was ever too much to ask of Norm,” she said.
“He was always happy to be contributing to the community.”
Liz Beaton and partner Ian Warburton became friends with Mr Barry and Ms Hayes through their involvement with BRAG.
“Norm was an absolutely magnificent friend and he will be very sadly missed by everyone,” Ms Beaton said.
She described Mr Barry as a “scallywag”.
“Norm had that cheeky aspect about him which was so endearing,” she said.
Ms Beaton fondly recalled the green elf suit he wore every Christmas as part of the Belgrave Santa Cave.
“Norm was always there in his elf costume,” she laughed.
Mr Barry was an inspiration, she said.
“He was so community minded it was unbelievable,” she said.