Remembering Bob Barrie

October 16, 2014

BARRIE, Robert
September 19, 1927 – October 16, 2014

This memorial piece was written by co-authors Morag Hemer (daughter of Robert Barrie) and Bob Parsons, Professor Emeritus at UBC Physics & Astronomy.


The Department of Physics & Astronomy mourns the passing of Robert Barrie, described by Professor Emeritus Bob Parsons as "one of the important building blocks for our department" in its early development. Robert taught theoretical physics.

Robert (Bob) Barrie was born and grew up in Newmains, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He attended Wishaw High School and then Glasgow University where he received a PhD in theoretical physics. He was a Fulbright Scholar and attended Cornell University on exchange. Bob was an accomplished soccer player and played for The Law Hearts Football Club where he was Captain of his team. From 1954 - 1956 Bob worked at S.E.R.L. (Services Electronics Research Laboratory) in Baldock, England. He married Grace Edment in 1954 and in 1957 they moved to Vancouver where he taught physics and conducted research at the University of British Columbia until his retirement.  Bob initialized the Solid State Physics Group, supervising both theoretical and experimental graduate students in the study of semiconductors physics.  Bob was a very gifted lecturer, teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Outside of his work at UBC, Bob enjoyed spending time with family, gardening and studying Scottish history and literature, especially the works of Scottish poet Robert Burns.  Bob was predeceased by his loving wife Grace in 2012. He is survived by his three daughters and grandchildren.

 

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