Barry grew his hair long and took up smoking out of pure contrariness, his sister Sue said.
He was brash, sometimes rude, and didn't tolerate stupidity or pretension.
In his Computercare Wanganui business he often gave free help to groups such as the Tupoho iwi and the nuns of St Dominic's, and he was sought after for his "no bullshit" IT advice.
He was "well known on the water" - a keen sailor, member of Wanganui Sailing Club and winner of many races.
Barry's parents were Pat and Joyce Leahy. He was brought up in Totara St, where his father made furniture in a workshop out the back.
Pat encouraged his children to get into sailing. Barry really took to it, first in a P Class and later in larger boats, most of them self-built.
He went to Tawhero School and Wanganui Technical College, then worked for the Post Office, first delivering telegrams and then in the Post Office Savings Bank.
He was sent to Palmerston North to work as a bank supervisor. While there he met Noeline Slater, just 18 at the time. She remembers him as a typical young bloke who liked cars, especially Fords. The two married in 1976.
The bank sent Barry to Wellington, where the pair lived for 13 years and their three children were born. Barry was often seconded to Auckland, and he got familiar with computers.
He left the bank and returned to Whanganui to join his dad's business - but it didn't last long.
After that he worked for a fibreglass business, did repairs for Tisco and was on the dole for a while. Finally he started his own computer business. He was completely self-taught.
He and friend Terry Coles sailed together. They won a lot of races in trailer yachts.
During the past few years Barry's business was based in the garage of his Ingestre St house. He worked only on home computers, didn't sell computers and didn't charge unless he actually did something.
He hosted many websites and printed many newsletters, for organisations such as Probus.
About eight years ago his lungs began to be affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It got worse, to the point he only had one-third of lung capacity. He used an oxygen machine and had many trips to hospital by ambulance.
He spent his final week in hospital, and St John is to name its next ambulance after him.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
