In Memoriam – Honouring Dr. Ivan Barry Pless, OC, BA, MD, DSc (Hon), FRCP(C), FRCPCH (Hon), FCAHS

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada (the HPCDP Journal) mourns the loss of one its most dedicated and longstanding Associate Scientific Editors, Dr. Barry Pless.

At nearly 91 years young, Barry Pless succumbed to complications of a fall-related hip fracture and, sadly, passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Barry had an impact on many people and organizations, as evidenced by the breadth of his accomplishments and connections. He co-authored well over 300 scholarly scientific publications; supervised more than 30 graduate students; peer-reviewed for at least 20 journals; and served on numerous national boards, including for Safe Kids Canada and Mothers Against Drinking and Driving (MADD Canada). Professionally, he was a paediatrician, an epidemiologist, a researcher, Professor Emeritus at McGill University and a fierce advocate for child health and safety.

In 1990, Dr. Barry Pless played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). Formed initially with 10 participating hospitals, CHIRPP has since expanded to include 20 hospital sites, conducting national sentinel health surveillance, research and reporting on injuries and poisonings. Barry subsequently went on to become the founding Editor-in-Chief of the journal Injury Prevention, a role which he occupied from 1995 to 2008.

Throughout his career, he made landmark contributions to the fields of ambulatory pediatrics, clinical epidemiology, childhood chronic diseases and injury prevention in Canada. In fact, his work and engagement on so many public health issues garnered him distinguished recognition as a Member of the Order of Canada in 1993, as well as another prestigious promotion to Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.

Dr. Barry Pless joined the HPCDP Journal as an Associate Scientific Editor in 2013, when it was circulated under the title Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada. Barry came to be known as an outspoken and trusted subject matter expert, consistently holding the journal to high editorial standards and always encouraging efforts on research, practice and policy fronts. He remained a committed editor for 10 years, continuing to provide scientific reviews for manuscripts up until the time of his hospitalization in June 2023.

The following quote was shared in a eulogy for Barry by his son during his funeral services. It is a fitting aphorism for how Barry viewed his role, including that as an Associate Scientific Editor for our journal:

“He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper.”
– Sir Edmund Burke (Reflections on the Revolution in France [1790], Volume III, p. 195).

Barry Pless was a dear mentor, colleague and person of exceptional character with a passion for knowledge and life. He will be missed and remembered.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next