The family and friends of Barclay McMillan acknowledge with deep sadness that his life came to an end suddenly in Ottawa on Nov 2, 2019. Barclay's lifetime was characterized by a deep awareness of sound, an instinctual love of music, and a passionately full understanding of the human voice. Barclay was born on June 25, 1932 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He and his family relocated to Canada when he was a teen. Barclay began his career as a teacher in Madawaska ON and Namur PQ. After a stint at university, where he joined the UNTD and served for a time with the regular navy, he returned to teaching in Yellowknife. He then began work with the CBC, first as an announcer in Inuvik, and then with the CBC's Canadian Armed Forces Network in Werl and then Lahr, West Germany. On his return to Canada in 1971, Barclay immersed himself in academic pursuits. After degrees in arts, music, and library science, he worked briefly for the National Library before being recruited as host of the CBC's daily classical music show Mostly Music, where his musical acumen was beamed across the country. Although never a church organist himself, Barclay's keen understanding of the "king of instruments" was widely acknowledged; in fact, he served as president of the Ottawa chapter of the RCCO for a time. In addition, Barclay authored numerous entries in the Canadian Encyclopedia of Music. Barclay's major contribution came through his work as founder and principal of Voice Emergent, helping people come more fully alive through their voices. He was highly esteemed for his creation of such programs as Life Song, Come Sing, and the Festival of Light, and he continued in these endeavours until well into the last year of his life. He was a long-time member of St. Luke's Anglican Church, well-known and loved in the local community and beyond. He was a mentor for young artists, a champion of under-recognized talent, and a compassionate vocal supporter of many "lost causes". He conducted training events for diocesan lay readers. It was not for nothing that he held the degree of Doctor of Ministry.
Barclay was married and maintained a close friendship with the former Maria Hildebrand of Sweden. He was predeceased by his brother Cal, and is survived by sister-in-law Mary and his nieces and nephew Karin [Ben] Lalonde, Brian, and Sara [Ulf] Stahmer.
As per Barclay's wishes, people are invited to attend either or both of the memorial services.
Memorial donations in Barclay's name can be made to St. Luke's Anglican Church, Amnesty International, or IndSpire.