Dr. Barry Thomas Andrew McKee was born May 21, 1940, on Eagle Lake, in Machar Township, Ontario and was raised in Owen Sound, Ontario. He studied physics at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and completed his MSc and PhD at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here he met his wife of 54 years, Margaret (Bennett) and they began a journey that would take them across Canada together in the coming decades.
Barry joined the Department of Physics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1968 to direct the Positron Annihilation Lab where he and his collaborators established the experimental and theoretical foundation of the interaction of positrons with crystal defects and fostered the worldwide use of positron annihilation as a tool in materials science. In 1978 he was appointed Associate Professor of Medicine and Physics and Technical Director of the Metabolic Imaging group. The system they developed was a forerunner of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) which is now commonplace in medical imaging. During a quarter century in Kingston, Barry worked with computers as they evolved from needing punch cards to tapes and various floppy and un-floppy discs. It was also here that he and Marg raised their daughter, Karina.
Barry became Medical Physicist at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and Cancer Centre where he applied his expertise in computing and medical imaging to facilitate the transition from film to digital imaging in nuclear medicine and continued to support graduate students in various research projects. As empty nesters, Barry and Marg enjoyed exploring the variety of museums, arts facilities, and parks in and around the National Capital Region.
Barry was an appreciator of classical music, avid photographer, nature enthusiast, keen sailing crew member, and home handyman unafraid to tackle projects big or small.
After retiring, he and Marg followed their only child to the west coast, where they settled in New Westminster, British Columbia for his final 15 years. Barry volunteered at the Fraser River Discovery Centre, where he helped build a wooden skiff and introduced QR codes to signage along the boardwalk. He also helped other local organizations improve their websites with useful information for seniors.
Most recently, his passion was researching his paternal ancestry and sharing information on a website that he meticulously developed in conjunction with several known and newly found extended family members. Interesting stories from various branches of the Scots-Irish McKee family now dispersed around the world can be found at McKeeFamilyFromDonegal.com.
In recent years, Barry was a participant in research studies to help find treatments or a cure for future generations affected by Huntington Disease.
Throughout his life, Barry’s diverse contributions benefited many people, mostly without their knowledge.
His life journey ended peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 8th, 2021, with Marg and Karina along with her husband Yvon all at his side. He will live always in their hearts and in the memories of his family and friends near and far.
He would be very happy if you were to visit his website: www.McKeeFamilyFromDonegal.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Barry McKee May 21 1940 – October 8 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique