BARRY ROBERT THOMPSON

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The family, friends and colleagues of the late, great, legendary, though characteristically very humble Kiwi marine journalist, father, husband and world powerboat racing champion, Barry Thompson have been left shocked and saddened at his recent passing, on Friday 8 September 2023.

Husband to Soraja, father to Carl, Mitchell and Travis – long-time business partner of Doug Dukeson and mentor to so many, Barry left this world far too soon and the tributes and celebrations of his life, both in NZ and Australia, are testament of the lives he touched.

Barry, until recently, the co-publisher and editor of Powerboat and Alloy Boat magazines, was a familiar sight at boat shows, factories, and international marine industry events. His relaxed persona, wit and good humour, was a testament to his humble nature, even though many would say that his industry and product knowledge surpassed that of most others in the marine industry.

Barry first entered the marine industry working under the great John Malitte at

May 1951 – 8 September 2023

the New Zealand Herald. Since then, the magazines he has worked on read like a history of marine publishing over many decades: Seaspray, Powerboat, Nautical News, Boating World, NZ Fisherman, and more recently, with his good mate Doug Dukeson, Propeller, Alloy Boat and Pacific Powerboat Magazines.

Barry had also been a keen participant in and supporter of powerboat racing in New Zealand, and it would probably be fair to say that no one has done more to promote the sport than Barry. Barry and his good mate Glen Urquhart were the only Kiwis to have won a UIM World Powerboat Championship, achieving the title in Guernsey in 1986.

Barry’s early years saw him confront some significant challenges with an offshore accident in 1986, where Barry sustained serious injuries. The strength and fortitude of the man were evident when, within a month, he was back to writing, and within a year, he was back behind the wheel of another race boat. As a result of this accident, measures were taken to make the sport safer for participants.

In 2009, Barry was inducted into the New Zealand Boat Show Hall of Fame by the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show for his services to the industry, where he had been helping to promote the event and the marine industry for almost 40 years. In receiving the award, it was said that “In that time, he has probably spent more time afloat, in boats of all sizes, than any other member of the industry.” Without a doubt, Barry has written more boat tests and done more to promote powerboating than anyone else in NZ. Locally, he was revered for his promotion of New Zealand overseas, introduced engine shoot-outs, and was instrumental in making offshore powerboat racing a safer sport.

Late 2022 Barry with over 50 years of marine publishing, had negotiated a semiretirement package with 26 year business partner Doug Dukeson, to enable him to kick back and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, which he had been doing in more recent times.

Barry is a loss to our industry, and his absence will be deeply felt.

I have just heard about Barry’s passing through the Riviera newsletter. I am deeply shocked by his untimely passing. He had so much to live for to follow his passions, spend time with family and his huge network of friends.

- Rod Jenden, War Paint / Wet And Forget

Barry has been a Stalwart of all forms of Powerboat racing and the Marine Industry and will be fondly remembered for being one of the Organisers of the Offshore

12 lunches at Swashbucklers Seafood restaurant - great times. Soraja, Carl, Travis and Mitch

- you have lost an incredible husband and father who gave you his all, supported you in everything you did. Barry, your final chequered flag has fallen but your memory will live on. We will grieve for you , raise a glass and you will always have a place in both mine & Johns “Hall of memories and hearts”. Race on great friend. Bon Appetit.

-

Derek

the Chef/John Garrity

It is with deep sadness I learned this morning of the passing of Barry. Our deepest condolences to Soraja and his family.

- Blair McLay, FatCat Boats

RIP Barry.... one of the good guys gone too soon.

- Bob Carter

So sorry to hear this news.

- Erica Rae, Horizon Yachts Australia

I have always admired Barry and Doug for many reasons and what they had accomplished together.

- Murray, Yachting Developments

A truly wonderful man whom will be missed by so many. - Glynis Ryder, Motor Yacht Service Centre

A very sad day indeed.

- Pete Dick, Yamaha NZ

He was one of the true boaties who had such a passion for the NZ Marine industry. - Andrew George, Hutchwilco

Very sorry to hear the sad news, Barry was a good man. - Gareth Hodson, ENL

A true legend in the industry and will be greatly missed. - Mandy, ENL

Doug, utmost condolences mate, to have the friendship and working relationship you both had in what I can imagine is a very hard industry to survive and prosper in, is a huge testament to both of you - folks can go their whole lives and not have a bond like that.

- Nic deMay, De May Yachts

Barry’s unwavering support of boat shows was unlike any other in the industry. He often spoke of his love for boat shows and he always went out of his way to catch up with us during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, a true testament to the incredible man he was. - Kara and the Mulpha Events team

I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. Devastating at his age and for his wider family. I liked Barry very much and we had a great working relationship over so many years. Very big shoes to fill on many fronts.

- Stephen Milne, Riviera

Sorry to hear the devastating news. Our thoughts are with you.

- Greg Haines, Princess Yachts Australia

Barry was always so supportive - I have a lot of respect for the man! A very sad day indeed.

-

Leigh Q-Speed Marine

Barry was a great writer and reviewer and he’ll be sorely missed in the industry. Condolences from Maritimo.

- Simon Stewart

As a family we have been shocked with the news of Barry’s passing. We had an incredible amount of respect for Barry, particularly Lance, who this morning was very upset and reminiscing on four-decades of stories. With an extremely heavy heart, we send our condolences to you and your team.

- Tristram & Team, Tristram Marine

We absolutely loved Barry to bits, we love both of you guys and our bond and friendship went well beyond business many years ago I believe.

- Geoff, CSB Hunstman Boats

Very sorry to hear that unexpected news. - Andy Stephens, Vetus Maxwell

Terrible news. - Nick Herd, Herley Boats

Barry was such a great guy and so well respected by the whole marine industry, he will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.

- Dave & Mitch, Voodoo Yachts

Barry was an icon of the NZ marine industry. His stories, accomplishments, and overall passion towards boating was absolute world class. We are so grateful to have known him and shared stories throughout our careers.

- Nona Pedersen, YESSSS

Very sad news about Barry. We are all very shocked and thinking about you and your team.

- Hillary Buckman, Ocean Media

I’m very sorry to hear that news. Condolences to his family and colleagues.

- Duncan Cowie, Fleming Yachts

Barry and I had a few beers during his last trip over and we’ve done a good few boat tests together. I can’t believe it.

- Kevin Green, Yachting Journalist/editor

Very Sad news, I really enjoyed his honest boat reviews. - Stephen Campbell, Composite Constructions

Barry was always available and a keen boating enthusiast - what a loss for the industry and all who cared for him. - Lachlan

Trembath, OVLOV

Barry was always a pleasure and his dedication and commitment to his craft a credit to all who crossed his wake. Fair winds and following seas Barry. - Jed

Elderkin, E-Yachts

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Barry. He will be missed by many.

- Tom Barry-Cotter, Maritimo

Wow, that's a shock. Always enjoyed Barry’s company. - Steve McLay

Barry is truly a loss to the yachting industry, the Horizon team enjoyed working with him.

- Lily Li, Horizon Yachts

He will be extremely missed—such an asset to the boating industry in NZ.

- Jack Ludemann, Sports Marine

A sad day for all, our condolences to everyone. Such a respected voice in our Industry.

-

Ric and Graeme, Seaforce Marine

My thoughts are with you. I can remember at my first SCIBS 24 years ago when I first met Barry! Time flies, at least he had a great life.

- Mark Richards, Grand Banks

Great guy and heart of this industry.

- Tim, Hutchwilco

Barry was an absolute industry legend and he will be hugely missed by all of us. I always enjoyed catching up him at boat shows - let’s hope he’s found a beer and a great fishing spot on the other side.

-

Caroline, NZ Marine Industry Association

Barry will be sadly missed, he was a good mate to me and an excellent sounding board. I personally will miss our candid discussions and Barry’s advice on maritime matters outside the commercial world.

- Keith, Professional Skipper

Totally shocked. Deepest regards to his family.

- Wayne Patten, Volpower NZ

Sorry for your loss Doug, I know you guys spent many years as close work colleagues and friends.

- Ross & Max, FC Boats

On behalf of the BIA Ltd, for sincere condolences, regarding Barry’s passing. Personally, we go back to early 2000’s, from the Sunrunner days. Barry was such a nice person, a leader in the journalism world.

- Andrew Scott, BIA Ltd

Just saw a post on the Boating News site talking about Barry’s passing. So sorry, that must be a shock. I know that both Mel and I were just talking with Barry last week.

- Mike, Navico

We are very sad to hear the news about Barry, and our condolences to his family and to you and the rest of the team.

- Dave, ZeroJet

I’ll have a rum or two for him on Saturday night. RIP Barry.

- Paul Powney, TAKACAT

I had immense respect for Barry, not only for his knowledge of powerboats, his balls in setting up various magazines and changing with the market, his survival of a major powerboat crash, but because he was a stand-out in terms of being a competitor in the market. He will leave a big gap in many lives.

- Rebecca Hayter

Very sorry to hear, from those days water testing at journalist days at Telwater, to the banter at the recent Hutchwilco boat show, I had a lot of time for Barry. In all he was a good guy and will be sadly missed.

- Graham, Suzuki NZ

Stunned..! and so sad for you all!

- Phil Gilbert

He was truly one of the good guys in our industry. I’ll miss his friendly grin.

- Kevin Dibley

We are so sad that Barry is gone, he has always been a part of our lives since we moved to NZ and got into the marine industry here

- Jane & Andy, Dixon Manufacturing

Condolences and sympathies to the family. It was shocking news and a real shake upand he will be greatly missed. Doug and Barry were tremendous supporters of our business efforts over the years and truly respected.

- Don Salthouse

Barry was always a straight up & proficient reporter & very respected within the marine industry & he’ll be sadly missed.

- Bruce Scott, Whitehaven Motor Yachts

I am truly gutted...

- Danny Bassi, Tenob

Barry was always a straight up & proficient reporter & very respected within the marine industry & he’ll be sadly missed.

- Bruce Scott, Whitehaven Motor Yachts

Very sorry to hear! Such a wonderful person to work with all these years.

- Jenny, Nordhavn Yachts

Damn shame to hear of Barry’s departure. Best wishes to his family both private and business.

- Rex and the White Pointer crew

Barry was a total legend of our industry. He was always very supportive of me being a kiwi in the Aussie boating industry - Always visiting my stand at shows and wrote lots of articles and boat tests over the years for Chapman Marine.

- Mark Chapman, Chapman Marine Group

Barry was held in such high regard right across the entire boating spectrum in NZ, Australia and wider afield. The world was a much better place when Barry Thompson was around and he will be sorely missed by all who knew, loved and respected him for the true gentleman he was

- Chris Beattie, Marine Journalist, Publisher & Author

Our thoughts are with you all and with Barry’s family. -

Lina Leks, Propspeed

He was a good bugger and will be missed by many.

- Tom Kane

Barry was not only a great friend for the last 7-8 years to us but such a great help promoting the Grady-White Brand. He was one of the real good buggers in the NZ marine industry and a great pleasure to work with.

- Stuart & Rosie Arnold

It’s been such a pleasure to work with Barry over the last 10 years, boat shows won’t be the same.

- Melissa Rewi

I enjoyed working with Barry on stories, talking about the marine industry and new technology, definitely a huge loss.

- Duncan Stirling

Barry was a top man – he will be missed and remembered for his character, knowledge and friendship.

-

I can’t imagine how painful this must be, considering the relationship over so many years. We are sincerely so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all of us!

- Natalie King, Alexander Marine

There will never be another Barry, his knowledge of powerboating in this country will never be replicated. We were apparently competitors but I never ever felt like that once.

- Tim Porter, Boating NZ

Just a note to say how sorry I was to hear about BT. BT wasn’t just a boss to me early on in my career, he was also a mentor - even continuing to help me with advice and guidance 22 years later, but most importantly, he was a friend. I’ll miss our lengthy chats about all things boating, motoring and life. I remember my first day on the job with him, he took me along to observe doing a test on a Reflex Chianti – that’s the day I learnt what chine walk was! “Barry, is that normal? Yeah mate, just finding where the limit is.”

From there we had loads of adventures mostly on boats and more than a few trips to Swashies.

I know these are just a few words, but he made a big impact on a lot of people. I will truly miss him.

- Freddy Foote, colleague and friend.

Boat City Barry was truly one of the ‘good buggers’.

Ian Coutts,

- John Chambers

Life throws a curve ball every now and then and it’s hard to handle. He was a tremendous asset to the marine industry.

- Peter Jacobs, OVLOV

Thank you to all those people who showed kindness and support to the Thompson family. Whether it was an email, phone call, card, a louise slice or flowers, in our time of great sorrow, it was much appreciated.

From the Thompson family