REMEMBERING
BARRY LORD

To Gail Dexter Lord, we send our condolences on the loss of your distinguished and brilliant husband. We only met him once, but we were very impressed by him. He did so much for the museum community across the world. No doubt, you will carry on his good work!

Arthur and Karen Blumenthal
Winter Park, Florida

I worked with Barry from the early planning days of the Museum of the American Revolution. As we prepare to open our doors this week, I feel his legacy as I walk the halls of the museum. The building reflects his facility plan. The business plan he and the project team created in 2012 are still an arms-length away from me at my desk. He helped us define our then nascent institution with an institutional plan that codified our vision and mission. And he was such a pleasure to work with—kind, thoughtful, supportive, encouraging. Barry, you have left a lasting legacy. God bless.

ZeeAnn Mason
Philadelphia

Dear Gail,

I read with sadness the news of Barry passing away. I wanted to offer my condolences to you. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to lose a lifetime partner such as Barry. We were very lucky to have him involved in the early reviews of the plans for the new Design Museum in London. His expertise stood us in good stead for what came next. We opened on 24 November and since then have welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors.

Deyan and I are with you in thought.

Kind regards,

Alice Black, Director, The Design Museum
London

I had the honor of working with Barry during my half-a-year employment at Lord. I never forget the way we first talked on the phone as a part of my interview for about more than an hour; his enthusiasm in sharing his extensive knowledge right then and there left me in awe and painted my solid respect to him and his firm. Throughout my employment he never hesitated to provide guidance through detailed and informative responses. His leadership and mentor role gave me confidence in applying my mostly theoretical knowledge into museum planning practice.

His place in the cultural planning world is surely irreplaceable; his compassion, generosity and responsiveness will always be remembered.

Ipek Kaynar Rohloff
West Orange, New Jersey

I met Barry my first day at LCR in Toronto, and I will never forget how welcoming and approachable he was throughout my time there, always willing to share knowledge and insights from projects. I still remember many of the incredibly helpful things he taught me, like how to write a proper business email and how to hold an engaging meeting, but more importantly, how to build an amazing team, encourage creativity and innovation, and celebrate hard work. I am very sad to hear of his passing. His thoughts and innovations have already influenced a generation of cultural professionals, and I know his legacy is in exceptional hands with the LCR team. I feel so fortunate to have gotten a chance to know him.

Marianne Williams
Edmonton

I am writing to express our deepest sorrow for the news regarding Barry's passing. Both Elina and myself deem ourselves fortunate for having had the privilege of spending an engaging evening with Gail and Barry a couple of years ago, talking about his recent book, and benefiting from his ideas, insight and flair. As someone working in the field of museums, I feel compelled to add my highest appreciation for Barry's seminal contribution to the field, as regards both much needed systematization of museological knowledge and innovative praxis - the two being ever so cogently related in his work. Please accept our most sincere condolences and warm sympathy for your loss.

Costis Dallas
Toronto

I was saddened to hear about Barry. From Westfield Village (where I met Barry and Gail) to a global and successful business - what an accomplishment. I also enjoyed and used the many books / chapters of books that Barry contributed to. Always cheerful, optimistic and very insightful, Barry will be missed in the museum community. As a team, Barry and Gail made an impact on the strengthening of museums through building, renewing, revitalizing institutions and making a huge impact on the success of the community as a whole. Thank you! Thinking about you Gail and your family.

Marilynn Havelka
Hamilton

The death of Barry Lord (“Museum Planner was a true pioneer”, 24/03/17), marked the passing of a true cultural visionary. Indeed, Mr. Lord may have been one of Canada’s greatest arts and cultural leaders certainly within the museum and gallery field. During my years as administrator and internship coordinator for the museum studies program at the University of Toronto, I placed numerous interns with Lord Cultural Resources where they were always warmly welcomed as colleagues on their journey to becoming museum and gallery professionals employed by flagship institutions within Canada and beyond. Barry and Gail Dexter Lord are a national and international success story, the likes of which we seldom see.

Robin Breon

Robin Breon
Weston

I joined LORD in 1998, a curious and creative (perhaps a little impulsive) museum professional that wanted to make a difference. Over the next 7 years I benefited tremendously from Barry's experience, expertise and above all kindness. Barry always had an eye out for the future of museums. Every young professional that came through LORD presented an opportunity for him to cultivate the next generation of directors, curators and educators to be thought leaders, advocates, and critical and strategic thinkers. My success today as an arts and culture professional is rooted in my experiences at LORD with Barry, Gail, Ted and Kathleen. Adieu, dear friend and teacher. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on in others.

Shellie Williams
Silver Spring

Gail,

I was so sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. What an incredible man and such a thought leader in the museum world. He will be so missed for his professional leadership and for you as a partner, in every way. Please accept our condolences from all of us here at CAF.

Lynn Osmond, Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chicago

Barry's influence on the museum field worldwide through his writing, research, thinking, questioning, probing and demands for rigor were so profound that it is difficult to summarize, grasp or begin to comprehend what he brought to the flowering of cultural institutions around the world. How amazing that his legacy will live on in the lives of so many people who visit, participate in and benefit from all the good work around the globe.

Marjorie Schwarzer
San Francisco, CA

I did not know Barry as well as I would have liked to.
Barry was always warm and friendly, and always willing to share what he knew.
I learned from Barry, there are more benefits to sharing what you know with others then holding on to it.
I thank Barry for his years of trust, friendship, and shared wisdom.
Gail and family, my most sincere condolences.

James Hungerford
Grand Rapids

Barry taught at Conestoga College in 1969. I was a young student, typical of that time and place. Barry was only a few years older than most of his students but so much more open, positive, energetic and forward looking. He was a wonderful teacher.....kind, generous, encouraging. I have often thought of him over the years. Thank you, Barry.

Sandra Barton
Edmonton

Dear Gail
Just knew this morning that Barry passed away, please accept my sincere condolences. I'm truly saddened by this loss, I worked very closely with him on the BDL Money Museum and other projects, I learned a lot from him and he was always available to help and assist.
May God bless his soul.

Samir Nicolas SADDI
Cairo, Egypt

During the time I worked at Lord Cultural Resources I was impressed and inspired by Barry's integrity, intelligence and enthusiasm. Barry was a powerful positive force in the museum world, and I will miss hearing his latest ideas about culture. My condolences to Gail and family and to everyone at Lord Cultural Resources.

Brenda Taylor
Brockville

Dear Gail and the rest of the Lord family, I was so sorry to hear of Barry's passing. I don't think I ever had the privilege of meeting him, but I have long been in awe of the passion, commitment and intelligence that he and Gail have invested in their clients, their company and the cultural sector as a whole, and the sense of joy and excitement they brought to every project. It must hurt like hell to lose him.

Susan B Rothschild
New York

Dear Gail,
I was so sorry to hear about Barry's passing, throughout my career he has always been a wonderful resource with words of wisdom, encouragement and insight - a big loss for you and the museum world.
Thinking of you and your family, my heartfelt condolences.

Shelley Falconer, Art Gallery of Hamilton
Hamilton

Dear Gail and the LCR team past and present:

Like everyone, I'm truly saddened by the loss of Barry. But, I'm also grateful to have known him and to have been a part of Lord Cultural Resources. I'm thinking of you all.

Joseph Banh
Toronto

We were very saddened at the Niagara Historical Society & Museum to hear the news about Barry. He has been such a great help in the Museum’s planning for the future and was kind enough to check in and see how it was continuing with the architectural process. He was a member of our museum and was very thoughtful of us. We appreciated his help and advice with our organization.

Sarah Kaufman
Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dear Gail, I was so sad to hear that Barry had died. My thoughts are with you, and your family at this very difficult and painful time . I know how much you were devoted to each other in every way. We at Beth Tzedec are grateful to Lord Cultural Resources, for the work that you and Barry created for the museum So many people have been touched by your and Barry's work and will continue to be for years to come. Barry's passing is a huge loss to the museum world. Best, Dorion

Dorion Liebgott
Toronto

It is with deep regret that we received, in Brazil, the news of Barry Lord’s passing.
We hope the important legacy that he built may survive and inspire Lord Cultural in the future.
We express our condolences to Gail and her family, for such a great loss.
Yours truly

Maria Ignez Mantovani Franco
São Paulo

.... while reading the warm tributes to Barry, but I did. The depth and range of his influence was worldwide and will be an ongoing aspect of cultural development forever. My 14 years at LCR were the most amazing time in my professional life and I thank Barry and Gail for making it possible.

Miriam Roberts
Birmingham, AL

I'm so saddened by the news that Barry passed away. Yujiao told me the other day. It's a pity that I never had the chance to meet Barry, but I'd heard a lot about him when I was working for Sino-Lord. They said Barry was a "walking dictionary". He must be awesome and brilliant! I am miles away from your country, but should you need any help or anything I can do, I will always be here, although I have already left Sino-Lord.

Again, I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Lucy
China

Dear Gail,

My condolences for the passing away of your beloved husband Barry Lord. I unfortunately never got the pleasure of meeting him but through Ngaire's warm recollections of him and from having read his wonderful book, I have been privileged to be inspired by his values and his great humanity.

With my warmest thoughts

Philippe

We were deeply saddened to learn of Barry Lord's death, and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy on behalf of Martí and Associates Law Firm. Barry was a respected museum planning and arts manager and a celebrated author and he will be sadly missed by all of us who knew and worked with him.
Barry set the standard for museums. His years of solid dedication to service and his devotion to ethics and integrity made him a team leader unlike any other. He was a fair and industrious manager and a man who was respected by colleagues, associates and competitors alike.

Marti & Associates
Barcelona

I'm so saddened to hear of Barry's passing. Meeting him on a flight from St. John's, NL to Toronto was a delightful experience. We had one of the most interesting and invigorating talks about culture and interpretation. He was a truly visionary man. My deep condolences to his wife Gail and the entire LORD Cultural team.

Jennifer Shepherd
Simcoe

I'm holding my autographed copy of The Manual of Museum Planning, signed for me in 2000 by Gail and Barry. I will always remember Barry's warmth and willingness to engage in discussion with me, then a newcomer to the museum exhibit industry.

My heartfelt condolences to Gail Dexter Lord and the associates of Lord Cultural Resources.

Jerry Grieser
Los Angeles

We are deeply saddened to hear of Barry's passing. He was a guest at the Goethe-Institut Toronto where he did an exclusive lecture for our series, Culture talk @ Goethe in 2015. Barry presented his book "Art & Energy", which looked at the interconnectedness of art, culture and energy with particular regard to German milestones and developments. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his wife Gail and his family.

Uwe Rau, Director, and the team of the Goethe-Institut Toronto

Uwe Rau
Toronto

The last time I saw Barry, my uncle, was in London in 2014, when he made time to come out to Dalston to the launch of my first book. There, he gave me a copy of his manuscript for Art and Energy. Devouring it the next day on the train, I was struck not only by its ingenuity and acuity, but also by the deep and measured optimism, compassion and curiosity with which it was written, and with which he lived a rich, full and generous life. He will be missed by so many whom he, in ways large and small, cared for.

Max Haiven
Thunder Bay

Barry left us much too soon. His book "Art and Energy" was just a teaser, the first of a series of works on provocative cultural theories. An original thinker, brilliant cultural planner, a visionary hoping to make the world a better place, his ideas and knowledge have been a great source of inspiration to me. He was a patient teacher. You could always expect him to email a reply to your question from whatever corner of the world and time zone he was currently in, always in time for you to meet a project deadline. And he was a great story teller recounting anecdotes from his most challenging projects. The world has lost an exceptional human being. Good bye, Barry. You will be missed dearly.

Iwona Osmolska
Mississauga

We all feel that to have known Barry is a privilege; he is a dear friend and teacher full of wisdom and kindness. I often reminisce about the time listening to Barry talk about his work on Art and Engine in the Tianjin Marriot hotel lobby. Although the philosophy was too profound for me to fully understand, but Barry’s unique and brilliant philosophy enlightened me so much. I’ll always remember that day, because it was one of the few rare and precious spiritual gifts I’ve received in life.

Wendy regretfully missed the opportunity to meet and spend more time with Barry. Because of airfare issues, she planned on visiting last Christmas, but wasn’t able to. But through reading his books, Wendy feels like she got to know Barry a little bit.

Jian learnt of this tragic loss while he is on a work trip, and asked me to pass his sincere condolence to you and your family.

Barry will live in our hearts forever. Please take care and let us know if there’s anything we can do.

Rufen, Wendy and Jian
Beijing

On behalf of the Art Gallery of Sudbury | Galerie d'art de Sudbury, may we please offer our deep condolences to Gail Lord and family, and to Barry and Gail's colleagues at Lord Cultural Resources. At several points over many decades, Barry Lord provided consultancy and advice of great benefit to our organization -- and to the arts communities of Sudbury. He was a lovely, enthusiastic, learned man who gifted the museum field with his expertise and moved us all forward. We are so sorry to hear of his passing -- he is sorely missed.

Demetra Christakos
Sudbury, ON

I was saddened to hear about Barry Lord's passing. During my time as administrator and internship coordinator for the Museum Studies Program at the University of Toronto, we had many positive interactions with Lord Cultural Resources and indeed placed a number of internships there over the years. These students went on to careers in museums, art galleries, science centres and historic sites in Canada and throughout the world. A few of them stayed right with Lord's where they thrived mightily as museum consultants and exhibition planners. Lord Cultural Resources is one of Canada's great success stories and all of that is due to the leadership of Barry and Gail Dexter Lord.

Robin Breon

Robin Breon
Weston

Although my path has diverged from museum planning, it was with great sorrow that I read of Barry's walking on. I remember how welcome he made me feel as a new consultant. With great fondness, I remember his voice, smile, and quiet chuckle every time I plan plane travel. In the early oughts, Barry and I were the LORD team sent to work in Bartlesville, OK, the home of Phillips Petroleum. I still remember sitting in the airport with him, having a snack while waiting for the plane. He leaned forward a bit and said, "A banana is the best food for traveling... ." I smiled as I pulled out my banana. We contentedly peeled and consumed our bananas.
Vale Barry,vale

Elida Treanor nee Zelaya
Bay Area, California

The Canadian Museum of History is saddened with the news of Barry Lord’s passing. His enthusiasm and passion for the museum and cultural sector have been infectious and no one can ignore the innovative leadership that Barry brought to museum planning throughout his long career. He had an incredible impact on the Museum sector across Canada and the world and he leaves behind an impressive legacy of accomplishments. He will truly be missed.

The staff of the Canadian Museum of History
Gatineau, QC

Chère Gail,
Je garderai toujours un souvenir très clair du grand Barry Lord. Un homme de parole et de coeur, passionné pour les gens et convaincu de l’importance des musées! Nos carrières de muséologues n’auraient pas été aussi fructueuses sans son appui. J’espère te revoir bientôt! Sois assurée de mon amitié sincère.

Michel V. Cheff
Ottawa

Dear Gail, Bryan & I were so saddened to hear the loss of your beloved Barry. I met him at an OMA conference and purchased "The Manual of Museum Planning"- which I refer to regularly- but we had a wonderful chat about the museum. He had a very gentle manner and kind soul. We also still reference "The Lord Report" you did many years ago for the museum. Please know that our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and embrace those precious memories- the gifts that will remain in your heart forever. Love, Bryan & Shannon

Bryan & Shannon Prince
North Buxton Ontario

Barry Lord was a pioneer in the museum field. His publications were vital for all of us in the emerging profession of museum management. In addition, he was an original thinker, always slightly ahead of the curve in his ideas. Along with his great partner, Gail, Barry built one of the most respected and influential consulting organizations. He will be missed by his colleagues throughout the world

Brent D Glass
Washington

In one of our trips in Spain, Barry was giving a lecture at the Museum Of Cosmos in Tenerife (Canary Islands). Suddenly he started to cry remembering a short story that happened when he was planning an exhibition. It was related to the sense of belonging to a community through their collection. I was terrible shocked, my boss was deeply touched and I was sitting next to him and many people were watching us. Now, I know it is the most powerful moment I have lived in my whole professional career! Thanks Barry for transmitting me the passion for the profession, for teaching me the “spacial thinking” and many others key museum planning tools, and for helping me to be the professional that I've become.

Angela González de Vallejo
Madrid

We heard from Nina about Barry's passing. Our prayers and condolences to you. You have been pillars in the museum world, truly a big loss not only for you but for all of us. The learnings and the books that you have shared will be his legacy.

Our deepest sympathies.

The staff of Museo Pambata, Manila Philippines

Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc.
Manila, Philippines

We just received the email informing us of the passing of Barry Lord.

We are very sorry to hear the news. We are very sorry for your loss and express our sincere condolences.
May the Lord family, the employees of Lord Cultural Resources, and its community find strength, comfort, and courage during these difficult times.
I only had the opportunity to speak to Barry when he returned my call in 2014 following our request to explore whether we could be a mutual fit. I remember the call to be very supportive in what we are doing here at Our Home And Miniature Land.
It gave me confidence that we were doing the right thing and to continue on our path.

Again, our sincere condolences, Our Home And Miniature Land Team

Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer
Oakville / Mississauga

There was never a dull moment with Barry. He was always onto something - project work, proposals, collaborating with colleagues, communicating with clients, working on his next book, or next speech! A visionary, courageous leader, passionate about his work. Always positive in the worst of situations. Those who have worked with him, including myself, will miss his presence. I will always cherish the memories of our work together.

Johnson Paul
Toronto

I want to pass along condolences to all at LORD Cultural Resources from those at OLIN. We are landscape architects and we find some of our greatest joy in designing cultural resources. It was a natural that our paths crossed with Barry Lord. It was an honor to be able to work with Barry on the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. An enthusiastic genius. I was thrilled to be able to reconnect with him on the pursuit for the Alamo a few years ago. We will certainly miss him.

Those of you who will carry on in his footsteps will do a fine job. Although his shoes are big, he chose you.

Lucinda Sanders
Philadelphia

Hi Gail,

I just heard about Barry. What a shock. He has led such a remarkable life and contributed so much to the public good and to artists. The two of you as the museum maestros team have been spectacular in all that you do.

I can’t even imagine the sadness you are feeling as well as knowing the privilege of loving someone that much and being so loved yourself.

It will take time, but the silver lining of really experiencing that kind of love and such a remarkable professional collaborative partnership is something that will be with you all of your life.

With lots of love,
Tricia

Tricia Baldwin
Kingston ON

Barry’s passing is truly a loss for the entire museum community. While I only had the pleasure of meeting Barry a few times I was always awe struck by the depth of his knowledge and passion for museums.

His Manual of Museum Exhibitions was my first museum book! and the second edition guided myself and all of my classmates through our exhibitions to complete the MMSt.

Rebecca Frerotte
Toronto

I am deeply saddened by the news of Barry's death. I had the opportunity to get to know Barry, and to appreciate his numerous contributions to the field during my tenure as President of the American Alliance of Museums. We were honored to publish Barry's very important and unique book, Art & Energy, and we were pleased to be able to collaborate with Barry and Lord Cultural Resources on our international outreach. The museum owes a great deal to Barry and museum practice and planning will benefit from his inspiration for generations to come.

Ford W. Bell, DVM

Ford W. Bell
Minneapolis, MN

Certainly there are no words that can supply the loss of the loved one; However, let me express to you that from what I could read in the Barry’s book that Mrs. Gail gave me, from what she told me about him and for the opinions that the boys of the LORD company did to me, I can imagine that Barry surely had a full, extraordinary life, entire of adventures, achievements, accomplishments and love; In short a complete life. Such a person is certainly to be admired, imitated and remembered.

My deepest condolences for Mrs. Gail and my prayers so that Barry reaches the eternal glory of God

Miguel

Miguel Angel Castañeda R.
Mexico

I remember the "map with the pins" and the pride Barry had in sharing stories of the many projects around the world. I remember fondly my time at Lord Cultural Resources working for Barry and Gail. He always had a warm smile and always made me feel a valued member of the team. My condolences to Gail and the team at Lord.

Daisy Thomas
Ottawa