Barry N. French

Barry Norman French, MD passed away in his sleep on September 29, 2015. He was born in Toronto, Canada to Eileen (Adams) French and Walter French. He grew up in Toronto playing hockey, trumpet, and concert cello in high school. He earned his General Science and Medical Degree from University of Toronto and completed neurosurgery residency at University of Toronto. During this period he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, received the K. G. McKenzie award from the Canadian Neurosurgical Society, and later the Medal in Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is a former Associate Professor and Acting Chairman of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at UC Davis, where he published 28 peer reviewed papers in scientific journals, wrote seven textbook chapters, and presented 33 papers at national and international scientific meetings. He then entered private practice to use “the practical application of the science of neurosurgery for the benefit of those in need.”

With the invaluable support of his practicing partners with Northern California Neurological Surgeons (Culley Cobb, III, MD, Praveen Prasad, MD, and Jesse Babitz, MD), he was Co-Director of the Sutter Neuroscience Institute, practiced at many local hospitals, served on numerous committees, and most recently joined Mercy Medical Group—all while focusing on clinical interests of neurosurgery and comprehensive spinal surgery. His surgical acumen was well known and respected. Such skill was matched by his humble compassion for patients, mentorship of his peers, and collaborative spirit with colleagues. His philosophy of care was “do unto others only what you would have done to yourself were you in their shoes.”

Throughout his life in Sacramento, he remained involved with the community—supporting the Sacramento Zoo, Crocker Art Museum, B Street Theatre, Capital Stage, and California Musical Theatre. He enjoyed photography, music, international travel, ceramic work, and a love for animals (especially Princess).

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Patricia; sons Gregory (Kyle Martin) and Michael (Jennifer Tezucar); daughter Meghan (Wiley Fowler); brother Alan (Joan French); sister June (John Gilbert), many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and five grandchildren—Colton, Aliyana, Jonah, Amelia, and Ezra. He will be missed by his loving family, who will especially remember his warm and precious relationship with his grandchildren. “Papa” will always be in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, Barry’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to honor his spirit to the B Street Children’s Theatre in Sacramento (bstreettheatre.org), Sacramento Zoo (saczoo.org), and/or the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (nref.org).