Barry’s back on Main Street
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A granite and stone bench honoring long-time resident Barry Webb was dedicated on July 8 at about 3:30 p.m.
Barry passed away on Feb. 23, 2010, and he is sorely missed.
A fixture in Polson, Barry had a route beginning at the Polson Senior Citizens Center and then circling through the downtown area to visit his friends at the library, Beacon Tire, Pier 93, the barbershop, Jackie M’s Footwear, 1st Citizen’s Bank and other stops along the way.
The inscription on Barry’s bench reads “For 50 years he walked Main Street gathering friends. Now at last he rests here.” Barry’s ashes are buried under his bench and footprints from a pair of his boots grace the concrete. Dave Anson, pastor of the Polson Presbyterian Church, which Barry attended, conducted the informal dedication. A handbell ringing 10 times alerted community members and visitors the ceremony was beginning. A bell was chosen, Anson said, because Barry’s job at Sunday services was to ring the bell 10 times, although sometimes he sneaked in a few extra pulls on the rope.
Charlotte Skofstad, Barry’s sister, and her husband Dennis both spoke at the dedication. Pictures of Barry were available. Charlotte passed out packets of rosemary for remembrance. She urged attendees to sprinkle some to remember Barry and take the rest home and remember him there.
Charlotte also thanks all the folks who donated to Barry’s bench.
Barry’s legion of friends and visitors can stop at his bench, sit awhile and enjoy some people watching, visit with passersby, just rest or maybe direct traffic if Barry whispers in their ear.
