Barry Winfield Sine, 97, peacefully passed away of natural causes in his Salt Lake City home on March 10, 2023. He fought valiantly and courageously against a variety of ailments. Although bittersweet, we rejoice in the reunion for him and his loved ones who have preceded him in death.
Barry was born in Salt Lake City on June 30, 1925, to Ira ‘Jerry’ and Dorothea ‘Dora’ Sine, the oldest of three children, better known as the three musketeers (Wesley Sine & Betty Lou Stewart). Barry attended East High School and then the University of Utah where he studied and earned a PhD in nuclear physics.
At the young age of 17, Barry courageously enlisted in the Navy and was later transferred to the Marines as a medic. He fought for 37 days on Iwo Jima, where he saved countless lives and was even wounded himself 3 days before the end of the battle. Each time Barry wearily carried a soldier back to cover, he would tell himself, “Just 3 more steps, everything will be different in 3 more steps.” It was this motto by which Barry continued to live until his last days. Because of his valor, he was awarded two Purple Hearts. Dad/Grandpa, thank you for being willing to pay the great price for our freedoms. We are grateful for your courage to fight and for what you have given us today. Because of you, we have been taught “we can do hard things,” and we will “keep taking three more steps.”
At the end of the battle, Barry was transferred to the Naval hospital in San Diego, where he spent 9 months learning how to walk and use his hands again. He continued to serve his country by working for the government through its varied nuclear physics projects, including NASA. At 65 years old, Barry decided to go back to the University of Utah to earn just a few more degrees. Throughout his life, Barry valued a high work ethic and continued to work until the age of 91 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devout member of the LDS Church and held many consecutive positions for 30 years.
Barry loved skiing, ballroom dancing, Lake Powell, Bear Lake, Diet Coke, bowling, football, any dessert, and he was a lifelong learner. Barry lived his life with a code of ethics of honesty, integrity, faithfulness and humility. In fact, many of his accomplishments were never known by his closest family and friends until much later in his life. Barry was famous in his neighborhood for his beautiful garden and his generosity. Every summer he grew the best tomatoes, and every Halloween the biggest pumpkins for his grandchildren. Barry was preceded in death by his loving, devout wife, Sandra (Sandy), his son (Glorn), and his grandson (Michael). Barry is survived by his siblings Wesley and Betty Lou, and his four living children, Michelle (Lyman), Scott, Steven, and RaeAnn (Cory). Barry loved his 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His quiet strength will be profoundly missed and will forever be in our hearts.
Barry’s viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 15, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 am to 11:15 am on Thursday, March 16, at Hilltop Ward, 589 East 18th Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 prior to graveside services at 12:00 pm at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Barry will be laid to rest at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Floral arrangements can be received in the care of Larkin Mortuary.
