We are deeply saddened to share the news of Barry G. Allen’s passing on November 9, 2025, following a short fight with cancer. Barry was a devoted husband to Jeanne, from Hamilton, ON, and brother to Julie (Igor) Shaskin of Lethbridge, AB and Janet Turner of Calgary, AB. He was affectionately known as “Unkle B” to Andrew Shaskin (Laura Murphy-Burke, Tye Shaskin), Evan Shaskin (Laurel Tester), Troy Turner, and Kristen Turner. Barry had a brilliant mind and a gentle spirit; he was thoughtful, funny, and wonderfully unique. A former student remarked that the class he took with Barry was “taught by the best lecturer I have ever heard.” The student went on to say, “Most of all, though, I remember that Barry Allen was kind.” Indeed, Barry was kind. We will miss him greatly and hold his memory close to our hearts. Barry was born on June 14, 1957, in Ogden, Utah to Adria and Gib Allen. To them, he meant everything. As sisters joined the family and they moved around-Idaho, Utah, Nebraska before settling in Lethbridge-there were some tough times for both him and their parents during what he later recalled as challenging teenage years filled with angst. Always adventurous and an independent thinker who didn’t feel the need to fit in with everyone else during the ’70s-complete with long hair and loud music-he once found it silly that Physical Education was required for high school graduation; so he opted out and never received his diploma. A high school counselor even told him he might as well dig ditches since he’d probably not amount to much more than that! Despite this setback, Barry earned a Bachelor of Arts with Great Distinction in Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge followed by a Ph D from Princeton University. He completed post-doctoral work at the University of Chicago before joining Mc Master University’s Philosophy Department where he dedicated his career earning recognition as Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Barry Allen was a Philosopher and Professor at Mc Master University (1957 – 2025). He passed away on November 9th in Hamilton Ontario after dedicating nearly four decades to teaching philosophy at Mc Master University while also serving on various committees. Born June 14th in Ogden Utah to Gilbert and Adria Allen , Barry studied under Richard Rorty at Princeton where he immersed himself in philosophy studies. Even until his last days , he continued mentoring students from across the globe. Though reserved outwardly , those closest recognized his gentle kindness towards colleagues & students alike. In quieter moments , you’d find him enjoying jazz music paired nicely with red wine each evening alongside his beloved Sheltie whom he’d lovingly refered too as “little brother.” At the time of passing , Barry worked diligently finalizing a manuscript titled All Our Relations exploring philosophical concepts related specifically towards First Nations within North America. His publications include Living in Time: The Philosophy Of Henri Bergson , Empiricisms: Experience And Experiment From Antiquity To The Anthropocene , Striking Beauty: A Philosophical Look At Asian Martial Arts , Vanishing Into Things: Knowledge In Chinese Tradition , Art And Design In Human Experience , Knowledge And Civilization , along with Truth In Philosophy. Throughout life’s journey he drew strength from love shared among family members friends acquaintances co-workers pupils community residents alike. According To His Wishes No formal funeral or memorial service will take place ; instead opting for eco-friendly return back into nature’s embrace.
https://www. humanities. mcmaster. ca/2025/11/14/an-inspiration-for-all-who-knew-him-barry-allen-remembered-as-an-exceptional-scholar-professor-and-mentor/
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