GILFORD ---- Barry Crane Blixt, 68, passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Gilford, on Sunday, September 24, 2023, with family by his side.
Barry was born January 19, 1955, in Manchester, NH. His parents Carol Smith and William Blixt were residents of Laconia where Barry and his two sisters attended school. He grew up at Smitholm Cottages which sits on the line between Gilford and Laconia right on Lake Winnipesaukee. Naturally, he was a great skier on both snow and water.
Since the beginning Barry had always been into cars, and, as the family was told, “car” was among his first words. Barry was self-employed doing auto body and car restoration work since 1980. Over the years he had a few body shops in New Hampshire, with the most notable being D&B Autobody in Gilmanton, NH.
In 2004, Barry moved to Golden Valley, AZ, and started BCB Customs. He ultimately landed in Kingman, AZ, and was very happy there. He loved that Arizona sunshine and over the years amassed an incredible group of friends. Even though he was in Arizona, he made time to come home every summer for bike week, Father’s Day, and to visit his friends and family in New Hampshire. The man loved his cross-country road trips!
Barry was the “Corvette Guy” to many and had built a strong name for himself which was rooted in quality and hard work. He loved his big blocks, Harleys, and boats. His son, Barry II, remembers tuning into Home Improvement with him every week as a child and thinking that the “more power” mantra from Tim the Toolman Taylor was his dad in a nutshell. The main difference between them though was that his dad was actually great at fixing things, unlike Tim.
Barry was a wonderful son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a great friend to many. During his final months it was a revolving door of loved ones coming over to visit with him and to remember all the good times. He will be forever missed.
Barry leaves behind his son, Barry C. Blixt II and granddaughter Ellie Lana Blixt; his sisters, Sharon (Blixt) and husband Mike Morin and Caren (Blixt) and husband Scott Brouse; and his nieces, Jen Morin, Leslie Morin and Maddie Brouse. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews from his prior in-law’s side of the family who were still close to him until the end.
A Graveside Services will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:00am, at Smith Meeting House Cemetery, Smith Meeting House Road, Gilmanton, NH 03837.
The family asks that you dress casual, Barry loved his blue jeans and boots.
A Celebration of Barry’s Life will follow the burial from 12:00pm-3:30pm, at the Laconia Elks Lodge, 17 Sugarbush Lane, Laconia, NH 03246. Please join us for refreshments and to share some of your favorite memories.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.