Ronnie Barclay

Ronnie Barclay, the son of renowned biblical scholar and author William Barclay, died Sunday, January 2, 2005, at his home in Bedford, England, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 70 years old.

Barclay was a tireless champion of his father’s work, which includes the acclaimed Daily Study Bible.

He earned the moniker “the international ambassador of goodwill” from his friends at Westminster John Knox Press, with whom he worked closely for many years.

“This is a tremendous loss to those of us who loved him and enjoyed the pleasure of his company over the years,” said Dr. Davis Perkins, president and publisher of Westminster John Knox Press’s parent company, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.

To preserve and further his father’s legacy, Barclay spoke at conferences, oversaw the revisions reflected in the New Daily Study Bible, and remained an active partner with Westminster John Knox Press in the promotion of Barclay’s books. “He was WJK’s very best friend of the press,” said Perkins.

In addition to his work promoting his father’s books, Barclay enjoyed his own professional career.

Fluent in several languages, he taught language at a teachers’ college until his retirement. He was also a school governor, worked with children with special needs, and was an ordained warden in his congregation in the Church of England.

Ronnie Barclay was survived by his wife, Millie, son, Michael, and daughters, Jill and Karen, along with several grandchildren.

Courtesy of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.