Barry Clarke Whitchelo McBride
In loving memory of Barry McBride.
This page is for friends & family to share their favourite memories and photos, celebrating all the ways he played a part in our lives.
Obituary
Surrounded by family, Barry Clarke Whitchelo McBride died peacefully on his own terms on October 14th, 2025. Barry was born to Clarke and Phyllis (Whitchelo) McBride in Victoria BC on June 22nd, 1940. The eldest son of a close-knit family, Barry leaves behind his brother Richard (Phyllis), sisters Judith and Kelly (Chris) and the love of his life, wife Barbara. High school sweethearts, Barry and Barbara were married for 62 happy years. His two sons, Christopher (Kate) and David (Michelle), will cherish his memory of a life of adventure and sound advice. Also left to remember their adoring grandfather are grandkids Neve, Kieran (Madi), Lilian, and Faye McBride. His ten nieces and nephews will miss his open heart and keen interest in their lives.
In 1958, Barry started dating Barbara, graduated from Magee High School, and began studying Science at UBC. Although initially more focused on the social side of university life, a third-year microbiology course sparked his interest in academics. After completing a Master’s at UBC and a PhD at the University of Illinois he was recruited back to UBC where he started a highly successful research program and taught microbiology to both Dental and Science students. His contributions to UBC were not limited to the lab and classroom: a recognition of his leadership skills were reflected in the many administrative posts he was appointed to over his tenure at UBC. In 1987, he was appointed Head of Microbiology, then Dean of Science in 1990. He loved this work for the role he played in advancing the goals of the department and faculty, but especially for opportunity to engage and learn from the wonderful faculty and the smart and interested students he was always keen to interact with.
In 1998, he was persuaded to become UBC’s Vice President Academic and Provost, a role through which he continued to promote broader access to post-secondary education and greater equity within the institution. As he was approaching retirement in 2004, he was asked to lead the opening of UBC Okanagan. He was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor and moved to Kelowna to develop the new campus. He was very proud when the first class graduated in 2007, and prouder still when his grandson and daughter-in-law crossed the stage in the same convocation ceremony in 2022.
Barry also served on several boards and committees, including the Canadian Medical Research Council, U.S. National Institutes of Health committees, BC Cancer Agency Board, Vancouver General Hospital Board, Hamber Foundation Board, and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Board, where he served as President for six years. He never fully gave up his involvement in research, continuing to serve on clinical trials ethics review committees and as a member and Chair of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute Project Panel.
Barry’s life was not defined by his enormous contributions to the world of academia alone. Be it through exploring the mountains and oceans of BC or backpacking through countries throughout the world, Barry and Barbara led a life of adventure. After decades of camping, kayaking, and sailing, they purchased a 36-foot trawler, a fishboat style vessel they named Teleos, an ancient Greek word meaning fulfillment or the achievement of a goal. For over 30 years, Teleos was a gathering place for friends and family. Barry loved being able to share the beauty of the Inside Passage and explore nature with anyone willing to fly in to join them. Barry and Barabara’s curiosity and interest in the world extended well beyond BC’s borders and when boating season ended for the year, they put on their backpacks and roamed the world. At last count they had visited 98 countries, and thanks to a trip to Antarctica in 2019 with sons Chris and David, Barry set foot on all the world’s continents.
Throughout his life, Barry would really listen to and take genuine interest in others, no matter who they were. His curiosity of the world inspired him to continue to try new things and explore all life had to offer. As his Parkinson’s progressed and travel slowed, Barry found great support and camaraderie with peers at Rock Steady Boxing.
The positive legacy of Barry’s life is far reaching but most of all we will remember him for his kindness, his generosity, his curiosity, and his loving support of family.
Celebration of Life [information]
There will be a celebration of life for Barry (late Winter/early Spring 2026).
Details will be sent out once a date is chosen.
Gallery
Memory wall
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you all. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. McBride, it is clear that we would have had some wonderful conversations about his many adventures and shared passion for travel and exploration.
Mark Morley, Jody Lynch.
His decision to leave this world was made with clarity and with the same dignity he lived by.
Barry was one-of-a-kind, if there were more Barry’s in this world it would be a kinder, gentler and happier place
I will never forget him.
With love
Angela, as Barry’s PhD student, will be forever grateful for his wise guidance through her grad studies. Barry was more than just a PhD supervisor. He welcomed his lab members into his home, and made sure his international students were not alone for the holidays. Barb, Chris and David – thanks for always being so hospitable to Barry’s invitees.
Our thoughts are with all of the McBride family – wishing you comfort in your memories of Barry.
My heartfelt condolences, Wolfram Tetzlaff, MD, PhD, former Director ICORD (2013-2023).
As Barry's boxing coach at Rock Steady Boxing I had the honour of 'fighting back' with Barry for the last 8 years. He brought such a special energy to our classes. He was positive, humble, funny, dedicated, determined, friendly, kind, he was a friend to everyone. He led a cheer for the whole class at the end of every session. He was the first to welcome new boxers to our classes, and the first to befriend our volunteers (usually UBC students, who he loved to connect with). I absolutely loved teaching him, he inspired me every class. He was a true fighter, and it was so nice to have him in my corner. My condolences to Barb and the whole family, which I heard so many stories about over the years. We will miss you so much, Barry!
Alan worked with Barry within the Faculty of Dentistry, and thereafter in the university community.
Pauline worked with Barry in his Microbiology lab at UBC, and subsequently at UBC Academic.
We both have wonderful memories of adventures with Barry and Barb on Teleos, of meals, walks, and animated conversations over the years. His courage and fortitude in the last challenging period has been yet another inspiration.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
It was a very sad day when my friend of over 30 years and co in-law passed away. I could not have chosen out of the whole World a more respected or loving man to be my daughter Kate’s Father in-law or Barbara as Mother in-law. SO many happy memories of family gatherings, Birthdays, Christmas’s and Holidays. A funny story I will always remember of us catching over 300 shrimp, sitting on the deck of Teleos. Head and tailing them and Barry going so quick throwing perfectly peeled shrimp back into the sea and heads and tails into the pot. We did laugh!!
He always greeted with a smile and always a hug! I will miss him, my family will miss him and my friends who knew him will miss him. He will always be in our hearts and never ever forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend.. love Barry C
good friend, a trusted colleague, and an exceptional administrator.
I had the opportunity to work with him on several projects, first when he was Dean, and later when he became Provost. He was always calm, level-headed, generous, and looked for positive outcomes.
One story started with him asking me to serve on a review of the Faculty of Medicine.This meant a steep learning curve, late nights doing due diligence, and in the end I learned far more than I expected about the Faculty.
Besides all this, Barry had the boat and many travelling adventures with Barb. He has had a rewarding, fulfilling life and we shall miss him enormously.
I, Derek, worked for and with Barry for six years in the Provost’s office at UBC. He was exceptional as Provost/Vice President Academic - in the imaginative way he approached problems; in the respectful way he worked with people, be they students or Deans; his generosity in sharing achievements; and his extraordinary ability to make tasks rewarding and simply lots of fun.
During the years since his retirement, Stella and I have shared many activities with Barry and Barb. Barry became an enthusiastic and knowledgeable “twitcher”, and we made many birding walks with Barb and Barry, including a memorable birding adventure joining us at Big Bar Lake in the Cariboo. They took us exploring the inside passage on their boat, and we enjoyed music concerts at the VSO and just simply sharing many meals together.
We miss you already,
Derek and Stella Atkins.
With love,
Tom and Jan
Uncle Barry had this amazing presence about him. A calm steady, warm energy ,that as a child felt so comforting. As an adult he always remembered what I was doing for work or studying and would be so thoughtful in conversation. He was quick to smile and would be so fully engaged in even the most simple interactions.
It was a delight when I became a parent to see "Great" Uncle Barry in action. I remember one particular memory when my son, who is now 10 ,was out on the small deck in their apartment with Barry. Theo kept bringing items for Barry to smell as he had convinced Theo that his "smeller" (ie his nose) didn't work. This delighted little Theo completely. Barry's ability to slip into an imaginary world and make anyone feel magical and build connection was truly a gift.
In one of the saddest moments of my life, I also remember Barry and Barb being ever present and steady. Offering their home for our family to gather. Barry connecting with guests who he barely new and welcoming them into his home in the most sincere way. Barb coordinating food. I know they were this same anchor for many of our family members, their friends and community members.
A recent memory, is attending Barb and Barry's wedding anniversary. I remember Barry's speech to Barb. He was so eloquent, sharp, and funny and most memorable you could see the strong shining love in his eyes and in his words, for the love of his life, my amazing Aunt Barb. As a young married person, their love for each other will always be an inspiration.
Uncle Barry you hold such a special place in my heart. Thank-you for living life so fully and sharing so much love and kindness with our family. You lived a truly remarkable life, are a truly remarkable person and you will be deeply missed.
Love,
Your Niece
Carla (Taylor) Black
Barry lived a full and extraordinary life — a life rich with adventure, purpose, and kindness. But beyond all his remarkable achievements and travels, I will always remember Barry simply as my neighbour for so many wonderful years.
He was a legend — a true cornerstone of our little community. Always ready to lend a hand, contribute, and give generously of his time. Barry had a rare ability to stay calm, see the bigger picture, and bring perspective to any situation. He was the voice of reason and a source of quiet strength for so many of us.
An adventurer at heart, Barry embraced life with enthusiasm and courage — whether spending months on the water with his beloved Barbara, journeying to Antarctica with his sons, or trekking through remote corners of the world with nothing but a backpack and his boundless curiosity. He loved people, and people loved him.
Always cool, calm, and collected — a natural leader with a gentle spirit. A beautiful soul who made the world, and our neighbourhood, a better place just by being in it.
I will miss our conversations, his steady wisdom, and his easy smile.
Goodbye, dear friend. You’ll be forever missed — especially at our potlucks, where your presence always made everything feel complete.
Lyne & Germain
Debs and Mike
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