Obituaries

Clifford “Tony” Barras, 67, passed away on June 17, 2025, in La Quinta, California, after courageously battling cancer for 13 months.

Born on June 6, 1958, in Sault Ste. Marie, Tony grew up with a passion for sports, playing hockey, football, and tennis during his years at Sault High, from which he graduated in 1976. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University, where he also became a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

In the 1990s, Tony began a long and successful career in the trade show industry. He dedicated
over 27 years to EWI Worldwide/Term Group, serving as Vice President of the Labor Division,
and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the industry.

Tony was known for his boundless kindness, generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His radiant smile is something all who knew him will forever hold dear.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie. Their love story began during the trying times of COVID, a bright spot that brought them together when the world seemed so uncertain. He is also survived by his sister, Debra Michaels-Cain, and her husband, Kevin. Tony was a devoted uncle to his nephews and their families: Jamey Michaels and his son Bryson, and Jarrett and Jamie Michaels and their children Kynsley, Ellee, Jonah, and Callie.

He will also be deeply missed by Jake, Drew, Levi, and Ava D’Andrea; Peyton D’Andrea; and
Maddie, Hendrix, and Bryce Davis. In addition, Tony is survived by extended family members
Penny Joss, Pam Ingold, Ed Joss Jr., Terry Joss, Marissa Lahey, and Natalie Newton.

Tony is further survived by many cousins and countless dear friends whose names could fill
pages. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Cliff and Ruby Barras.

Stephanie and Debra would like to express their deepest gratitude to Rich Baum, Rusty Walsh,
Gentry Smith, Ed Joss Jr., Penny Joss, Tony Pinto, and Joe Cardarelli for the hands-on care, love, and steadfast support they offered Tony throughout his courageous fight.

A Celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Family Life Funeral
Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, where all who loved him can gather to honor his memory. A Memorial Gathering will be from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. The Memorial Service will follow immediately at 12:00 Noon.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Tony’s honor to the Sault High Hockey Team, 2 Ice Circle Chimukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or Nasopharyngeal Research- donate.cancer.org

“Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.”
—Albert Einstein

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.