Julia Spiegelman

Dr. Thomas Roy Bentley

Professor Emeritus

In Memoriam

Dear Colleagues,

It is with sorrow that we share the passing of Dr. Thomas Roy Bentley, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Language and Literacy Education (LLED) on April 10, 2025. A valued member of the Faculty of Education for over two decades and former Dean pro tem (1979-81), he is remembered for his scholarly excellence, intellectual curiosity, collegiality and steadfast commitment to education, community and family.

Born in 1931 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr. Bentley attended Belfast Royal Academy, then went on to receive his Certificate in Education from Stranmillis Teachers College in 1952 and began his career as an English teacher. He immigrated to Canada two years later as part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the nation’s education system in the aftermath of wartime losses. He initially taught in Saskatchewan before moving to Ontario, where he became responsible for English and language arts programming across a district of more than 140 schools. His visionary leadership and insight into curriculum reform soon led him into post-secondary education.

Dr. Bentley’s career journey reflected a lifelong dedication to education. He completed a BA from the University of Toronto (1960), a BEd from the Ontario College of Education (1961) and an MA from the University of Toronto (1963). He went on to earn a PhD at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1970. He also pursued certifications over the years in various fields, including physical education, reading, history, vocational studies and school administration.

Initially aspiring to be a writer, he found early creative outlets through the BBC and later the CBC—experiences which deepened his appreciation for language, communication and storytelling. He began his post-secondary career as an Assistant Professor at Memorial (1965–70), before joining the University of British Columbia in 1970.

At UBC, Dr. Bentley held numerous academic and leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Education (1973–77), Acting Dean of Education (1979–81), and Advisor to the President on International Programs (1981–83). He was appointed full Professor in 1977 and retired in 1990.

His scholarly work was diverse, ranging from writing instruction and communications theory to arts integration, workforce development and global education partnerships. A prolific author and editor, he was also a generous mentor, supervising many theses, leading workshops and presenting widely in Canada and abroad.

His influence extended far beyond campus. He worked as a consultant and speaker, collaborated with schools and government ministries, and was deeply engaged with both local and global communities. A deep belief in the transformative power of teaching and service shaped his professional life.

In reflecting on his time at UBC in a 2013 UBC Legacy Project interview, Dr. Bentley named three accomplishments of which he was most proud: advancing the teaching of writing nationwide; helping to restructure the Faculty into a department-based model; and fostering international collaboration through his work in the President’s Office.

He fondly recalled his early days at the university, which included coffee and conversation in military huts that dotted the campus, a budding connection with future art icon Gordon Smith, and a memorable moment when Acting President Dr. Walter Gage lent him a quarter for the bus, sparking months of meaningful exchange. He also recounted many conversations with Dr. Neville Scarfe, the Faculty’s founding Dean, whom he regarded as a visionary for recognizing the importance of play in human development.

The Faculty of Education extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Bentley’s family, friends, former students and colleagues, and all who were privileged to know him.

To honour his memory, the British Columbia, Musqueam and UBC flags will be lowered. For details, please visit the Ceremonies and Events website.

With sympathy,

Jan
Dean and Professor