On Christmas Eve, Big Easy Magazine featured Saints columnist, Barry Hirstius passed away at the age of 53. Barry was a fighter, two-time cancer survivor, passionate Saints writer, military Veteran and staunch social justice advocate. Prior to writing for Big Easy Magazine, Barry wrote for Saints News Network, an affiliate of Sports Illustrated, where he garnered a loyal following. He made several appearances on ESPN radio and other local Saints radio broadcasts.

On Christmas Day, I received a message from Barry’s brother, Steven, informing me of his passing because he knew Barry was working on an article for Big Easy Magazine. Just a week preceding Barry’s death, he asked me to be patient because he had been very ill over the course of the last two weeks. I urged him to take care of himself and to not worry about the article. This is just one example of how Barry was so considerate of others even while he was suffering.

Upon learning of his unexpected passing, Barry’s fan base  responded with an outpouring of condolences, shock, and support for his family and friends. Larry Holder, prominent Saints columnist for The Athletic, tweeted “Barry was always someone I enjoyed tweeting with. Good guy gone too soon.” Barry loved his followers. He had a special relationship with his fan base, often times responding to tweets from his fans. Chris Rosvoglou, sports writer for The Spun, tweeted “This is heartbreaking. Barry was always so kind to me on Twitter and I always appreciated our conversations on the Saints. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Hundreds of other syndicated sports columnists also took notice. Nick Underhill and Michael Detillier were also among many more who recounted positive memories and expressed support.

Saddened to hear about @BarryHirstius death. He was such a nice guy,he worked hard as a journalist to give good content daily. But he was an even better person
He knew I had experienced some losses in my personal life recently, including my Mom & would check on me. God Bless 🙏🙏 https://t.co/f4Qq2BGwdv

— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) December 26, 2020

Barry was always someone I enjoyed chatting with. Good guy gone too soon. https://t.co/eMjyrElboj

— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) December 26, 2020

Barry expressed interest in writing for Big Easy Magazine in response to our tweet in June 2018 seeking a Saints writer. This was shortly after Big Easy Magazine’s founding. Within a very short period of time, Barry’s passionate Saints commentary propelled Big Easy Magazine’s viewership from a few hundred views to several thousand. Hiring Barry as our columnist was key to Big Easy Magazine’s overall success as a publication.

On August 1, 2018 Barry authored one of his most notable pieces after interviewing Saints All Pro linebacker Demario Davis in an article entitled Grace, Humility, Dignity, and Class: Demario Davis Has Made the New Orleans Saints Winners in More Ways Than One. Barry interviewed Davis about his work assisting families who were separated from their children in the aftermath of  Trump’s border policy initiative.

Every Thursday Barry wrote his game day prediction pieces in which he offered five bold predictions for every upcoming Saints game. He had a way of alluring his audience with his riveting predictions that often concluded with the Saints winning by a field goal in overtime. As a reader, it felt as though I was experiencing key moments of the game through his writing. For instance, in response to to his game day prediction article regarding the Falcons-Saints match-up, a follower responded “stressed already.”

https://twitter.com/BarryHirstius/status/1334492189779501056?s=20

Barry was more than just a writer. He proudly fought for his country, and he felt strongly that the rights he fought to defend should be afforded to all Americans equally. Barry did not shy away from speaking his mind on issues that affected those whose voices are often silenced. Barry was a wonderful person. He was passionate, loved his family and grandchildren dearly. He inspired a substantial local following with his impassioned commentary. Barry Hirstius will be sorely missed by all of us at Big Easy Magazine. We offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to all of his family, friends and followers. His presence will continue to resonate through his writing.