Surrounded by family, Barry Clarke Whitchelo McBride died peacefully and with dignity on October 14, 2025. Barry was born to Clarke and Phyllis (Whitchelo) McBride in Victoria, BC, on June 22, 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 their father’s sound advice and the memories of years of adventure shared with their dad. Also left to remember their adoring grandfather are grandchildren Neve, Kieran (Madi), Lilian, and Faye McBride. His 10 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 the 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. 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 Barbara’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
Sunday January 18th, 2pm – 5pm at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, UBC
To RSVP please visit: https://www.online-tribute.com/BarryMcBride