Ray Fraser Barrows

SHARON — Roy Fraser Barrows died peacefully at Hillcrest Commons Nursing Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Oct. 18, 2024. He was 76 years old. Roy was born on March 31, 1948, in Philadelphia to Fredrick Barrows and Margaret Adams Barrows.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret Degnan Barrows, his son Scott Barrows, daughter-in-law Kate Kubarek Barrows, and grandson Samuel Barrows, all of Colrain, Massachusetts. He also leaves a niece, Elizabeth Barrows and nephews James Barrows and Kevin Chapko.

Roy grew up in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, and attended Rutgers University. He married Peg in 1970, and they moved to Sharon two years later. They lived there on Sharon Mountain in the same house for the next 48 years. Roy spent some of the early years working with Vance Jones on the East Street Farm haying and splitting firewood. Later he coached youth baseball.

Roy was a fisherman and a poet. He spent many hours fly fishing the Housatonic River and Mudge Pond, and many hours writing poetry and novels in his studio above the garage. His other interests included computer programing, chemistry experiments, and tesla coils. Roy’s favorite genre was science fiction comedy, and he styled himself a reclusive mad scientist. He loved his Old English Sheepdogs and Maine Coon cats. He claimed to be a genius, and we believed him when it came to Tetris and Legend of Zelda.

Roy was not interested in money or success. He was concerned with seeking the truth, speaking it well, and teaching his son about baseball and life. He had much to teach and led a most interesting life. Goodbye Roy. Thanks for everything and godspeed to you.