Barry Gallant: 1936-1926

 

Mr. Gallant passed away peacefully on September 4 surrounded by family at the hospice at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. He was 89.

 

“Barry Gallant's leadership transformed Stanstead College and positioned it for a new era of success,” said current head of school Suzy McDonald (Class of 1995). “His belief in me when I was a student at the school helped shape the leader that I am today. Though often stern, his warmth, humour, and wisdom left a lasting impression. I still hear his guidance every day in this role, and I will always be grateful for his influence on both my life and our school.”

 

A native of British Columbia, Mr. Gallant studied at the College Militaire Royale in St-Jean, Quebec and later at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, graduating with a BA in 1960. That same year, he married Dorothy and joined the 1st Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished army units. Mr. Gallant received his master's degree from McGill in 1969.

 

Mr. Gallant joined the College in 1965 as an English teacher, later teaching political science and economics. He was also a soccer and hockey coach as well as Bugbee House director. Dorothy taught English and history.

 

 

An Era of Transition
Appointed assistant headmaster in 1972, Mr. Gallant found himself on the front lines of many social changes. In 1977, he was the school’s representative as the new Parti Québécois government implemented its language reforms, which led to the school opting out of provincial grants. He also steered the College through remarkable financial and recruitment challenges.

 

When Mr. Gallant was appointed head of school in 1980, he quickly set out his vision for Stanstead College: “[O]ur real purpose is to provide the kind of education which the public system either cannot or will not provide. That is, to provide a social and academic environment which provides structure, discipline, moral and social guidance, care and concern for our students.”

 

Mr. Gallant’s first year as head was only the second for the return to co-ed status after 20 years of boys only, and under his leadership the girls’ population grew steadily. Later, he spearheaded the development of the school’s hockey program and worked tirelessly to enhance Stanstead’s reputation and reach both nationally and globally. During his tenure, the College received accreditation by the prestigious New England Association of Schools and Colleges, introduced an Advanced Placement curriculum, and underwent a major capital campaign that led to the construction of Webster House, among other campus improvements.

 

Mr. Gallant was also secretary of the Canadian Association of Independent Schools and treasurer (later president) of the Quebec Association of Independent Schools.

 

“Mr. Gallant is arguably the one headmaster in this century who may have had the most impact on the reputation which Stanstead College now enjoys amongst the independent schools in this country,” wrote former faculty Brian Denney at the time of Mr. Gallant’s retirement.

 

After his retirement, the Gallants moved to Mahone Bay, NS. Mr. Gallant then served as a member of the school’s council of trustees for many years.  

 

The head of school’s residence at Stanstead College is named Gallant House in his honour.

 

Spring Funeral in Stanstead
Barry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Hoyt) Gallant; his son, Geoffrey Gallant and daughter-in-law Kelly (Koffler) Gallant; his daughter, Rachel (Gallant) Isiah and son-in-law Joseph Isiah; and his two cherished grandchildren, Haley and Nathan Isiah.

He is also survived by his sister, Penni (Gallant) Bengtson and brother-in-law Tim Bengtson. Barry was predeceased by his brother, Norman Gallant.

A celebration of Barry’s life will take place on Saturday May 22nd of 2027 in Stanstead, Quebec, where he will be laid to rest at Crystal Lake Cemetery.