Simply CremationMartin Harold Barclay
Martin “Marty” Harold Barclay was a kind, loving, and honorable man. A faithful husband, father, and papa. He took very good care of his family and was loved and respected by many. He left this world suddenly on August 1, 2023, at the age of 71.
He was born to Harold and Vera Barclay on August 10, 1951, in Big Rapids, Michigan. At the age of five, he and his family moved to Loves Park, IL. Once Marty graduated from high school, he joined the Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. Shortly after, Marty married the love of his life, and he and Cyndi welcomed two beautiful daughters.
Later, Marty continued his education and, with the help of the GI Bill, earned his BS in Business Management with a minor in Chemistry from Rockford College. After working for years at Warner Lambert in Rockford, IL, a corporate restructure interrupted his career. While it was hard on Marty at the time, what he didn’t know was that this event would lead him to his forever work home at Crest Foods in Ashton, IL. Marty was hired as the Director of Quality Assurance and later invited to serve on the Board of Directors, which he considered a great honor. He truly loved working there and was well-liked by many. Marty was also a lover of unique sports and muscle cars, owning and enjoying several throughout his early years.
Marty retired in 2014, and soon after, he and Cyndi moved to Surprise, AZ to be closer to their children. He would continue with his hobby for cars, owning a Mini Cooper and, more recently, a mint condition Mazda MX-5. He and Cyndi would cruise Arizona on their Sunday drives or he’d stop by to take the grandkids for a “spin”. He enjoyed many years watching his family grow. To his family, he was their protector, advice giver, and jokester. He loved his family fiercely, and his sentimental side was their favorite. Even though they know life will be difficult without him, they take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his parents and all the loved ones who have gone before him. They truly believe that God must have had bigger plans for him. They have no doubt that he will be watching over them and will continue to guide them always.
Marty is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Cyndi, daughters Kelly (DJ) Clayton and Kari (Jake) Lewellen, his wonderful grandchildren Kennedy, Hayden, Jackson, Zion, Olivia, Eastyn, and Beckett. His brother, Dennis (Rennee) Barclay, and brother-in-law, Greg (Teresa) Jensen. Along with his faithful dog, Sonny, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Marty was preceded in death by his father, Harold Barclay, his mother, Vera (McDowell) Barclay and baby sister.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life gathering to honor Marty. This will be held in Illinois at a later date.
To the Entire Barclay Family – Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Mr. Marty Barclay. We thank you for entrusting Simply Cremation to care for his final arrangements.
Marty, you were always such a friendly fun person. You and Cyndi blessed this world with great legacy of amazing family. You will be missed.
I am so very sorry. 47 years together Cyndi is very special. The memories and legacy Marty left will live on forever in your hearts.
Marty was a great friend for almost 65 years. We reconnected when we moved to AZ. We would do lunches with him and Cyndi 4 to 5 times a year. Great fun with time to reminisce. He has a lovely family and wife who will miss him dearly. Don’t cry because he’s gone but smile at all the great times and laughs you shared.
Mark and I would like to extend our condolences to Kelly and her family. Keep all your memories close to your heart..they will be with you always.
Mark & Lori Knoblauch ❤
I have known Marty for 60+ years. He was a great friend and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and didn’t mind bragging about them. After a number of years we re-established our friendship when we retire to AZ and got to meet his family. We would have lunches with our spouses 4 -5 times a year. It was something I always looked forward to. Hopefully Cyndi the lunches will continue. I know his family is devastated by his passing, you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Don’t cry because he’s gone but smile at all the great times and laughs you shared.
My sincere condolences to Cyndi and the entire family.
I first met Marty when he started in the Laboratory at Warner Lambert and remember him then as very light-hearted, quick with a joke, and almost always whistling. We became good friends while going to numerous business meetings and seminars, golf outings, and auto parts stores. Marty knew his cars. He taught me a lot about auto repair as we worked on cars in his garage or made trips to the junkyard keeping my clunkers running. Here we were both retired now in AZ at 70+ years old, and still talking about working on disc brakes or what type of tire to buy.
Marty and I have been friends for almost 50 years. We had many, many, good times together and even a few not so good over those years. We both realized that we were total opposites in nearly all respects, but that just added a few extra laughs and a little more depth to the friendship. When my head was in the clouds, Marty always stayed grounded and was there to offer good advice or show me things I couldn’t see when I needed it most. Marty was the best, most loyal friend a guy could have. He was my closest friend, and I miss him greatly.
Marty was a very caring person. I worked with him and he was a person that you could always count on. This is very shocking to hear he passed so early in life. My best to his family. He will truly be missed.
On Behalf of Sharon Starbuck,
“To the entire Barclay family – please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Marty. I worked with him at Warner Lambert. Everyone loved him, he was the most nicest, caring, and loving person EVER. He made me laugh a lot and we had many fun times. He will be missed by so many. ”
– Sharon Starbuck