Barry H. McBride

Barry Houston McBride
August 20, 1936 – June 18, 2023
A Sensitive, Stout-Hearted Man, Barry was the third son of an Irish Father: Alexander "Sandy" McBride and Scottish Mother: Elizabeth "Bessie" Wilson.
Barry's father labored at Ogilvie Flour Mill after being provided passage to Canada by Timothy Eaton who was eager to populate the prairie with Irish lads. In Winnipeg, Sandy married Bessie, whose Scottish family embraced Sandy. Barry enjoyed reminiscing about his father waking his sons to hear King George VI give his Christmas wish to his subjects. He would imitate the King's garbled transmission from London leaving everyone giggling.
A company man always, Barry's first job was following in footprints of his brother Glen and brother Alan delivering the snow-covered morning and evening newspapers. After an extensive athletic high school career, including a shot-put record that lasted decades, he played with the Winnipeg Rods and was initiated into the Manitoba Hall of Fame. Barry also played one year with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. An injury and an unexpected football scholarship across the border brought him to Fargo, North Dakota where he met Susan and donned the Green & Gold jersey of the North Dakota Bison.
After being accepted into the General Motors management program he ascended through the ranks, servings as NBPA President. Besides pride in his children's swim team accomplishments, Barry was President for Life of the Clear Lake Sunshine Club, and a proud member of ATO and the St. Andrews Society. As a forty-year member of the Congregational Church of Birmingham UCC he served as moderator and constant supporter of our church family.
Numerous positions and promotions in the automotive and brewing industries transferred Barry around the Midwest. As he faced work challenges and disappointments, he bounced back every time, continuing to stay focused and positive for his family. Always interested in sports (except the worst years of the Lions) he supported local teams in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Chicago, Wisconsin, and Detroit as well as his beloved Canadian teams.
Barry's 61-year marriage and years of devotion to family have been a blessing for his wife Susan Bohlig McBride (Troy, MI), their children Timothy Houston McBride (Battle Creek, MI), Jean Barrie McBride (and husband Tim Ferch – Duluth, MN), Dori Elizabeth McBride (Berkley, MI), and grandchildren Margaret Elizabeth "Megan" McBride and Alissa Renee McBride, along with his friends and family.
The cottage in Bayfield, Ontario provided ready access to his homeland and all things Canadian. A classic Irishman tough on the outside, and soft on the inside, he cried easily and often including the annual hoisting of the Stanley Cup and most recently Alissa's graduation from Western Michigan University.
The support and love from his family and friends meant so much to him. The extent of his pride was obvious in the extreme enthusiasm of his stories. The same bravery Barry exhibited when he lost his parents before entering college was repeated throughout his life. We watched with amazement how many medical hurtles he embraced and overcame. Germane to every challenge was his motto, "Put me in, coach."
Every day we will miss his wisdom of the world, incredible sense of humor and positive attitude.
Barry, we love you!
A service on Tuesday, July 18th at 7:00pm to celebrate Barry's life will be held at:
Congregational Church of Birmingham UCC
1000 Cranbrook Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304