Barrie James McGregor Wright, 69, 8 Linwood Street, Warren, PA, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 11, 2014, of an apparent heart attack. Barrie was born April 9, 1944, in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of the late G. Keith and Daphne Violet Ruge Wright.

Barrie had studied English Language, Literature, and Education at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, obtaining an Honors Degree. He completed the masters program in Church History at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois. He later completed seminary training at Flinders University in Adelaide. He served as an elder in churches in Adelaide, worked in apologetics ministry, and was a secondary teacher in the fields of English literature and world history. Barrie moved to Warren, PA in 2010 and was enthusiastic about his life and friends in Warren.

A dedicated Christian, Barry was active at Cable Hollow Church, and helped in other ministries in the area. He loved to read, study, and discuss the Bible, the Christian faith,  American history, and politics.  He would have received American citizenship within a few weeks. He volunteered in the renovation project at the House of Hope of Warren County, painting and laying floor tile.

An active member of the Allegheny Outdoor Club, he loved bicycling, hiking, kayaking, and was learning to ski. He became  fascinated with woodland fungi, which he often stopped to photograph while on hikes. He would then enjoy running along the trail to catch up with the group.

Since 2010 he traveled widely in the US, with the goal of visiting every state.  Barrie always had his camera with him, finding beauty to photograph everywhere.   Barrie was a sports fan who played cricket and baseball from childhood (noted for his pitching skill, fielding, batting, and baserunning).  He regretted being too busy for his other favorite, golf.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Pfeifer Zerbe Wright, whom he married on June 25, 2010; two daughters, Christa Lee-Anne Wright of London, England, and Susan Elizabeth Lauber, and husband, Samuel, of Frutigen, Switzerland; he also has three grandchildren, Simeon Benjamin Lauber, Annina Joy Lauber, and Joshua Samuel Lauber.  He is also survived by a third "adopted" daughter, Nattavalai Alejo and her husband, Pastor Julio Alejo, of Adelaide, Australia.  Nattavalai, known as "Art," joined Barrie's family as an exchange student from Thailand long ago, and became a forever daughter-in-Christ.   Her children are Jed and Ana.  Barrie is survived by a sister-in-law, Julia Castle, of Johnson City, Tennessee and several cousins in Australia.

In addition to his parents, Barrie is preceded in death by his first wife, Elisabeth Assmann and his brother, R. K. McGregor Wright.

A private graveside service was held at Westview Cemetery, Starbrick, PA, on January 13, 2014.   Rev. Dan Dahlgren officiated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, at Cable Hollow Church, 3157 Cable Hollow Road, Russell, PA, with Rev. Allan Jones, pastor, officiating.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the House of Hope of Warren County, PO Box 881, Warren, PA 16365.