By Jill Sneesby:
Barrie was fortunate to have two passions, his optometry and his photography and he excelled at both. He was larger than life and has been such an inspiration to everyone… we’ll miss that ready smile and sense of humour that was never far from his lips.
Barrie was active photographically and continued practicing optometry right until his death at the ripe young age of 78.
He won international accolades for both his photographic ability and his service and traveled widely to judge, lecture and present. He was on the Board of PSSA for more than 40 years and had just served his first year on the Board of PSA (Photographic Society of America), the first person from outside of North America to serve on their Board.
In 1987 after serving his second two year term as President (he went on to serve two more terms) he was presented with an illuminated scroll , the words on which are just as true today as they were almost 30 years ago. Click on the icon below to open the scroll.
Barrie’s beautiful images span the decades, his legacy will remain with us –
1. The Big Lift – 1969
Perfecting the technique learnt and shared at one of Barrie’s very first Congresses, made this a winner and won him many awards.
2. Pronking Springbok – 1980
Taken on Barrie’s very first trip to the Kalahari Gemsbok Park (now Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park) this image won many awards for Barrie all over the world – the most prestigious being the Animal Behavior Award in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
3. Lions & Porcupines – 1993
Also taken in the Kalahari using his “new” Canon autofocus equipment this one also won Barrie many awards including the Animal Behavior Award in the British Gas Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
4. African Elephants & Gemsbok – 2010
Barrie embraced digital photography and all it involves – this low level shot was taken in Etosha and was Highly Honoured in the 2010 Natures Best Photography Windland Smith Rice Competition and formed part of their exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
5. Elephant & Hippos – 2013
Barrie’s last trip to Kruger on a fact finding mission for the Wildlife Convention garnered him even more stunning images – this one taken at Sunset Dam was a finalist in this years Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition.
6. Barrie in Etosha
Tributes have been poring in, the following, from Jan Swiegers APSSA, is just one of the many which gives you an idea of the type of person he was.
“It is with great sadness and disbelief that I read that Barrie has passed away. My sincere condolences to you. May you find peace and strength during this time of farewell.
We not only lost one of the greatest photographers that travelled this earth, but also an absolute wonderful friend and human being. To me personally he was Mr Photography, someone I looked up to and for whom I had the utmost respect. What an example he set! He always had time to listen to you, always showed that he cared and tried his utmost to help even the youngest novice. He had so much to give and never held back to share that knowledge to anyone who wanted to learn. This I experienced firsthand on numerous occasions during his visits, conferences and phone calls. He leaves behind a legacy of great photos and traditions as well as interesting stories that he shared with the whole photography community around the world.
I have no doubt that Barrie is already busy taking even better pictures at his new home, and that he will welcome us on our arrival to show us around. He was such a great organizer that I believe that when we also arrive at our final destiny, Barrie would have organized that we all will be issued with only the best photography equipment. Away with ‘kit lenses’ and ‘non pro cameras’, only the best for all on arrival. That is how I will remember Barrie, doing what’s best for all and taking the initiative to guide and lead.
I am sad for our loss, but so many rich and good memories to feed off for years to come and always the humor he brought with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole world that lost a legend and good friend!”
__________________
It is with a sad heart that we have to report the passing on of a dear friend and fellow photographer Barrie Wilkins. I have personally known Barrie since the eighties. I met him at the CERPS congress where he was a guest lecturer. Who will ever forget his Audio Visual presentations and images. Barrie was extraordinary intelligent and a perfectionist in the art of photography. He had received many awards over the years from various photographic societies across the world. Your Shutter may be stilled but your legacy will live forever more. Rest in peace my friend. I and Joan, and the East London Photographic Society express our condolences to Helen and family, may God give you strength during this sad time.
Terry Smit FPSSA
This is a great loss for all of us, Barrie was a great man and a great photographer, myself and all the members of the great FIAP family are with you and with the friends of The Photographic Society of Southern Africa, in your sorrow.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
Riccardo Busi
FIAP President
Helderberg Photographic Society sent their condolences via Dr. Johan Kloppers
Kind regards,
Nettie Warncke
PRO
Condolences to all concerned.
Warm regards
Dirk and Susan van Zuilekom
Our deepest sympathies to family, friends and the PSSA on the loss of Barrie Wilkens.
Lita Wales on behalf of Bethlehem fotografieklub
My photographic mentor since 1972.
He introduced me to nature, wildlife and game park photography for my endless appreciation.
He was always encouraging, supportive and open to new ideas.
He will be missed.
Malcolm Wilson APSSA
Please click on the icon for a KZN tribute to Barrie as composed by Regional Director, Nevil Tyler 
(2 MB file)
Our condolences to the family of a great man.
Bertie & Annetjie du Plessis.
Baie jammer om te hoor van Barrie – ek het hom nooit ontmoet nie en ken hom glad nie, maar was toevallig Vrydag in gesprek met hom ivm my LPSSA paneel wat ek ingedien het! Maar ek is seker sy foto’s gaan nog hul merk maak vir baie jare wat kom! Dit herrinner ons dat ons voluit moet lewe!
Francois Van Jaarsveld
More responses to Barrie’s passing received by Roel van Oudheusden as the sad news broke 
My sincerest deepest condolences on the passing of Barry Wilkins. He leaves behind deep footprints in Photography worldwide.
Kittie Groenewald
Our deepest sympathy to the family!
This is so sad and his family will be in our payers.
Kind regards
Daleen Osborne
Sad news indeed. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Francois Möller
What horrendous news!!!
RIP friend.
Neil Lane
That is definitely very upsetting news – about the totally unexpected loss of Barrie Wilkins. I would be grateful if you could accept and pass on our condolences on behalf of The Royal Photographic Society to his family and photographic friends, with appreciation for his liaison with The Society and recognition of his outstanding contribution.
Best wishes
Derek C. Birch ASIS HonFRPS
President
The Royal Photographic Society
What a shock particularly as we were in communication only a few days ago. South Africa and the world of photography has lost one of its most outstanding exponents. Sad news indeed.
Roger REYNOLDS Hon FRPS FBPPA
Chairman – Distinctions Advisory Board
Royal Photographic Society
Barrie will be sorely missed.
Please let me know if you want contributions towards a wreath.
Matty Grobler
During our PSSA honours judging session in Gauteng on 12/13 July 2014, I received the sad news about the passing of my mother and a mere seven days later the sad news about my good friend Barrie’s death. Indeed a big shock for me. I knew Barrie for just over 30 years that is shortly before he took over as chairman of the honours and awards committee. Barrie inspired me to produce creative Audio Visuals and I’ll never forget “Dry Bones” [Dem Bones] which he produced with 3 projectors in the 1980’s. Over the years as I became more involved in PSSA, we worked closely together on various new PSSA initiatives and one characteristic which I’ll always remember is his ability to listen and contemplate new ideas I had suggested. On occasions we had our differences of opinion, but the willingness to listen and incorporate changes over time, gave me confidence in what I believe should happen in PSSA. Barrie was a very special friend to me as we discovered over time that that we could discuss non-photography related issues with each other and we both knew that such conversations were not possible between any of the other members. Barrie, I know where you are now, thank you for sharing part of your life in the same space and time as mine. I wish you a well deserved rest.
Rest in peace.
Antenie Carstens
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