Barry F. Beardsmore

1939 - 2021

BORN

1939

DIED

2021

Barry Beardsmore Obituary

BEARDSMORE, Barry F. December 26, 1939 - September 15, 2021 It is with heavy hearts that we announce that on September 15, 2021, Barrington (Barry) Francis Beardsmore passed away in Victoria, British Columbia at the age of 81. Barry was born in Leigh, England in 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II. As a child, he and his brothers attended a boarding school run by the Irish Christian Brothers, which was a very difficult chapter of his life. One respite came in the form of a yearly exchange with a family in Normandy, France, and this exposure to the French language and culture contributed greatly to his future endeavors. He was the first of his family to attend university, and after graduating from The University of Liverpool, he emigrated to Canada and earned a Master's degree in French from McMaster University, followed by a PhD in French from the University of British Columbia (which we believe was the first PhD in French ever to have been awarded by UBC). Around the time he was completing his university education, Barry returned to England and married Gillian Mary Platt on June 26, 1965, and they moved to Victoria where Barry lived for the remainder of his life. Barry was a French professor at the University of Victoria for over 30 years, and he spent most of the 1990s as the Chair of UVic's Department of French. In 1999 he was made a chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Palmes académiques, a national order of France for distinguished academics that was originally founded by the Emperor Napoléon. Barry is survived by Mary, his loving wife of more than 56 years, his three children Catherine (Russ), Martin (Boe) and Chris (Loan), and his five grandchildren Nick, Olivia, Toby, Caleb and Tegan. We will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who provided care to Barry. Due to COVID-19, there will be no service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Our Place Society in Victoria, the BC Cancer Agency or your favourite charity. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.firstmemorialsaanich.com.

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Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 18 to Sep. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Beardsmore

6 Entries

Helen Raptis

September 26, 2021

My condolences go out to Dr Beardsmore’s family. He taught me in the French department at UVic during the early 1980s. He was a scholar and a gentleman with a kind heart.

Christine Kirchner

September 24, 2021

Dear Mary,
I am so sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. I always enjoyed playing tennis with him and against him at the Oak Bay Tennis Club. I especially loved his sardonic sense of humour.
You both are greatly missed by your friends at “The Club.” I hope you are well.
❤ Christine

Christine Kirchner
The Oak Bay Tennis Club

Evelyn Cobley

September 22, 2021

Although I was a Professor in the Department of English, I often went down to the French Department to get the best coffee in the building. It is at the coffee machine that I first met Barry. He was very welcoming with a friendly smile. Since I am a francophone, I had various connections with the French Department (teaching a course, chairing the Department) during which my appreciation for Barry's generous nature deepened further. He was such an accomplished and yet modest man! To my mind, he exemplified the best in what one might stereotypically call the "British gentleman." After his retirement, he and Mary picked up tennis and joined the same club. He always had a friendly word for me. I will miss him very much and would like to extend my condolences to Mary who always seemed to be at his side.

Jonathan Dallison

September 22, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to the family for their loss from everyone at Our Place Society.

Peter Zachary

September 20, 2021

Dear Mary and Family,

As your neighbours from Somass please accept our sincere condolences. Barry’s warmth of personality can never be forgotten or replaced. We have so many wonderful memories of Barry and his sparkle. Only time can heal such a painful loss.

Olga (and Peter) Zachary.

Steve

September 18, 2021

My favourite prof at UVic. His classes were always stimulating. A good natured soul. I am sorry for your lose.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for Barry Beardsmore

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