Barry “The Man” Lumley
Written by Teena Travis
If, in the last few months, you could have sworn you heard the low growl of a drill during a particularly difficult workout, have no fear – you were not delirious from the box jumps. Invictus does, in fact, have a new handy man!
Barry is one of the original charter members of Invictus, and a fabulous addition to the current staff! There is no job to small for Barry, as he attacks maintenance tasks with the same intensity as he does any workout. With that, I thought we should all get to know him a little better! The following is an interview with Barry “The Man” Lumely.
Teena: So, why CrossFit?
Barry: The community, the people, and the varying interesting workouts. The coaches, and the people in the group classes, i.e Cynthia (his wife), just keep me coming back! The coaches are very likable.
Teena: Do you remember your first CrossFit workout?
Barry: It was at CrossFit San Diego, when CJ was working as a coach there [before Invictus opened]. It was an open workout on a Saturday, and the workout was called “Fight Gone Bad.” The funny thing was CJ and the coaches knew it was our (Cynthia & Barry’s) first CrossFit workout. Afterwards they said something to the effect of “I wonder if they’ll be back!”
Annnnd seven years later we’re still here!
Teena: How has Invictus evolved since its inception?
Barry: Better quality coaches, and better programing. The number of active members compared to when it started has also changed! Hiring me as the handyman to fix all of the stuff you break. Seriously though, I get to work with the people that I am so fond of being around.
Teena: Before becoming the Invictus Handy Man, what did you do as a career?
Barry: I joined the U.S Navy out of High school in 1982. I had tours on two ships that have since been decommissioned. Cynthia likes to say I killed a bunch of boats! I was eligible for shore duty and I was sent to a Military Police school and did a subsequent tour on Naval Station Guam. I really enjoyed my duties and realized that law enforcement was my calling.
Unfortunately, my aspirations were delayed. The Navy wouldn’t allow it because I was an OS (Operations Specialist) trained in Navy surface warfare tactics, communications and navigation. The Navy said my primary job was more critical than the law enforcement job and wouldn’t allow me to switch jobs. I got out of the Navy at the ten year mark in 1992. I joined the Navy Reserves so I could pursue my Law Enforcement aspirations.
I retired from the Navy Reserve in 2005 with 10 years Active Duty and 13 years Naval Reserve service. I retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Yes – you can call me Chief!
After testing with several agencies, the Sheriff’s Department hired me in 1992. I worked 12 years in the jails and as a training officer, academy training officer, jail inmate classifier, court holding positions and an administrative position. I worked seven years at the courthouse as a bailiff, trainer, and training coordinator. I tried law enforcement duties in Poway and Ramona for a bit and it didn’t suit me. I returned to the jail and worked a medical clinic position. I worked for San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for 23 years and retired in last March.
Teena: Are you from San Diego? How did you end up here?
Barry: I am originally from Maine. I was born in Bar Harbor and raised in Milbridge. Hence my fondness for the Massachusetts Pro Sport teams. I joined the U. S. Navy out of High school, attended my training schools and was assigned a ship out of San Diego. After my tours of duty the Navy kept assigning or returning me to San Diego. Once my enlistment expired I wanted to stay close to my two daughters who were living in the Los Angeles area. I decided to stay in San Diego and pursue my Law Enforcement career.
Teena: How did you become such a great handyman?
Barry: I am handy with simple stuff; there are plenty of things I can’t do. I just know my limitations. I think the biggest reason I am handy is because I am cheap! Maybe it’s genetic. My dad worked construction when he was young and always did his own stuff around our house and our camp. Why pay someone to do something that I can do myself? I wanted to save money where I could, so I would read or research how to do something, get the tools, ask a bunch of questions, watch videos, and just do it.
Teena: You guys have quite the herd of dogs – you have four dogs, correct?
Barry: Cynthia and I grew up with dogs. We both joined the military and weren’t able to have any dogs while we were stationed abroad and on board ships. We had talked of getting a dog one day and eventually we got a Cocker Spaniel. Then we felt guilty that the poor dog was alone all day so we got another so they could keep each other company. Then an opportunity arose where some of our family members couldn’t keep their two dogs, so we saved them and they joined our pack. We both work as volunteers with the San Diego Humane Society and are around a lot of dogs. Cynthia finds them and we find each other; we saved one and then another from the Humane Society. We seem to do well with a fantastic four! At least one of them wants to lay with you all the time!
Teena: What is your idea of the perfect Friday night?
Barry: [Intense look of concentration.] I guess like any other night. Being at home, having one of our favorite dinners. Watching a good TV show, or movie with one, or all four dogs, and Cynthia in my lap.
Teena: What is your favorite professional football team? And why?
Barry: The Patriots. I’m from New England, and after years of losing seasons in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’(except for the 1985 Super Bowl loss), it is amazing to see them doing a great job over time and creating a winning team, and just the organization as a whole. The only disheartening thing about the team has been some of the cheating allegations. I don’t like being associated with cheaters as I have always been ethical and done the right thing throughout my life, being a retired Law Enforcement officer. By being a “Pats” fan some people associate me with the negativity and cheating. Also… let’s not forget about the Boston Red Sox!
Being a New England fan myself, Barry and I quickly bonded over our shared love of the Pats, CrossFit, and the ever fabulous Cynthia, his wife. He is a truly amazing individual whose positive “can do” attitude embodies the true Invictus spirit.