Barry MacLennan

Barry MacLennan
August 13, 1947 - December 31, 2021

On December 31, Barry MacLennan, age 74, of Qualicum Beach, BC passed away peacefully after a recent diagnosis of lung cancer. Pre-deceased by the love of his life, Ann Molloy, loving father to Tory Feyko (Jay) and Julie MacLennan (Dominic Chagnon) and step-father to Kathleen Davis and Meaghan Molloy (Matt Thompson). Proud grandfather to Cole, Dane, Paige, Evelyne, Madeleine, Zoe and Fiona. He is survived by his sister, Anne Joynt (Tony Going) and nephews David Joynt (Anne-Sophie) and Peter Joynt (Marjorie). Barry was brilliant and had a wickedly exceptional sense of humour and wit and could have you laughing to the point of crying with seemingly little effort. Barry was an avid photographer, passionate about music (classic rock, guitar), enjoyed good red wine and travelling, and was intensely drawn to anything with an engine. Over his lifetime he recalled working on 10 aircraft and owning at least 14 motorcycles and 33 cars, including his newest treasure, B4ME, his much-adored F150 Limited. Barry was a B.Eng (Mech) graduate from Carleton University with accolades in both automotive and aeronautical specialties. Career highlights follow. Engineering design and development of the key piece of the LEADS Deployable Flight Data Recorder system for a Luftwaffe squadron of F-104 Starfighters and helicopter icing detector (Leigh Instruments, 1972). Ultrasound patent US4112756A (1978), structural and mechanical engineer in Therac 25, the first and only Canadian-designed and built electron LINAC for radiation therapy against cancer (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, 1982). Designed mini crash recorder on the RAF Red Arrows team, and standard equipment on the BAE Hawk primary jet trainer (1970s/80s). President, Gehring Research Corporation, 3-D/Binaural audio for USAF Super Cockpit Program under the USAF’s piece of the Strategic Computing Initiative (1986-89). Research paper under DARPA contract to Gehring “Advanced Display Concepts for Fighter Aircraft”. Strategic automotive consultant for a decade at MacLennan Associates to what was Industry Science and Technology Canada’s (ISTC) Automotive Directorate, and consultant at Ernst & Young (Ottawa).  A special mention to Dr. Kerswell  who greatly contributed to his ease and happiness. Barry will be greatly missed. Private interment to be held at Yates Memorial Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. 

Lives Cherished and Celebrated