Obituary of J. Barry Bell

BELL, J. Barry BES, BArch, MPhil, PhD, OAA (ret), RAIC Scholar Professor Architect Archaeological researcher Writer Photographer Barry died peacefully on Tuesday, May 8th 2007 after sustaining head injuries at his home on May 3rd. Barry will be sadly missed by the many whose life he touched: his spirit and friendship will endure. Barry will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Sulasa Bell whom he married on March 11, 2005 at Phitsanulok, Thailand. His memory will be cherished by Sa's parents, Dang and Samran Thananonglak, their family and the Thai community that has fondly embraced him. Born in Ottawa November 15th, 1959 to Mrs. Catherine Patricia Bell (née Kelly) and Dr. David Nelson Bell, Barry is survived by his sisters Elaine and Karen, brother in law Mike Cochrane, brother Brian, and sister-in-law Carla Flamer, nieces Rebecca and Katie, and nephew Colin, his many relatives, friends and the architectural community in Canada and abroad. Barry was an enlightened man and humanitarian, whose interests blurred the distinctions between architectural theory and practice. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Waterloo in 1983, he continued his architectural internship in the offices of Ron Thom in Toronto, Peter Rose in Montreal, and Murray and Murray in Ottawa. His explorations of narrative structures within architecture led him to Cambridge University, England where he completed his Master in Philosophy in Architectural Theory in 1988. He taught at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture's Rome program. Barry was a professor of architecture at Carleton University from 1988 to 1994 where he taught theory and studio, directed the study abroad programme twice in Rome, and in Spain and Thailand. His intellectual energies influenced many students and academic colleagues. Barry became a member of the Ontario Association of Architects in 1991. Constantly redefining himself both personally and professionally, Barry became a practicing architect in 2000, working with Dermot J. Sweeny Architects in Toronto. He made a positive contribution to award winning projects during this time. He lectured regularly on the Middle Ages at the University of Waterloo. Over the past few years Barry has served as a popular guest critic, lecturer and associate professor at Dalhousie University, University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and as a thesis consultant at the McGill School of Architecture. "Bangkok: Angelic Visions" was published in 2003, the product of his interest, travels and research into the physical, symbolic and perceptual order and understanding of cities. For his doctorate in Architecture, these themes were focused directly on the Wat Phra Chetuphon temple within Bangkok. He received his PhD in Architecture from McGill University School of Architecture in April 2007. Lest one imagine that Barry was solely an academic, he also had interests in fiction, rowing, rock climbing, hiking, cycle touring, travel, photography and an appreciation of beauty all of which balanced his life. He set a stellar example of a trait he most admired in others: being a fun person with whom to socialize. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME �" A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton) from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday May 10th and from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 11th,. A funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home at 4 p.m. on Saturday May 12th. An award in Barry's honour, recognizing his commitment to Canadian architectural students pursuing advanced architectural study, has been established through the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Barry Bell Scholarship for Advanced Architectural Studies will be thankfully accepted online at www.uwaterloo.ca, Campaign Waterloo, Office of Development page, or by cheque to: University of Waterloo Office of Development, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, On, N2L 3G1.