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.

Latest News

Dutchess County Mobile Health Unit returns to Millerton

The Mobile Health Unit will be returning to Millerton on April 9 to provide basic health services and guidance on insurance and addressing greater health needs.

Photo by Krista A. Briggs

MILLERTON – Dutchess County’s Mobile Health Unit is returning to Millerton. On April 9, members of the public can receive vaccinations, STI screenings and assistance with general health needs.

Public health education coordinators will be on-site to provide information on tick removal as well as hands-only CPR and Narcan training. For those in need of further care, guidance will be provided as will assistance with insurance navigation.

Keep ReadingShow less
All are welcome at The Mahaiwe

Paquito D’Rivera performs at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington on April 5.

Geandy Pavon

Natalia Bernal is the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s education and community engagement manager and is, in her own words, “the one who makes sure that Mahaiwe events are accessible to all.”

The Mahaiwe’s community engagement program is rooted in the belief that the performing arts should be for everyone. “We are committed to establishing and growing partnerships with neighboring community and arts organizations to develop pathways for overcoming social and practical barriers,” Bernal explained. “Immigrants, people of color, communities with low income, those who have traditionally been underserved in the performing arts, should feel welcomed at the Mahaiwe.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Living with the things you love:
a conversation with Mary Randolph Carter
Mary Randolph Carter teaches us to surround ourselves with what matters to live happily ever after.
Carter Berg

There is magic in a home filled with the things we love, and Mary Randolph Carter, affectionately known as “Carter,” has spent a lifetime embracing that magic. Her latest book, “Live with the Things You Love … and You’ll Live Happily Ever After,” is about storytelling, joy, and honoring life’s poetry through the objects we keep.

“This is my tenth book,” Carter said. “At the root of each is my love of collecting, the thrill of the hunt, and living surrounded by things that conjure up family, friends, and memories.”

Keep ReadingShow less