Bruce McBay (1946-2026)

November 09th, 2026

Vancouver-based educator and author Bruce McBay has passed away.

A dedicated teacher, McBay served as the department head of Learning Support Staff at a Burnaby secondary school, devoting his career to supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Driven by a desire to reach reluctant readers in the classroom, he partnered with fellow teacher and celebrated author James Heneghan to co-write fast-paced, accessible young adult fiction. Their collaboration, Waiting for Sarah (Orca, 2003), earned critical acclaim for its empathetic portrayal of grief, recovery and resilience.

“Bruce was a wonderful guy,” says publisher Michael Katz. “He was loved by all.”

Books by Bruce McBay: 

• Puffin Rock (with James Heneghan) — Book Society, Canada, 1980

• Waiting for Sarah (with James Heneghan) — Orca Book Publishers, 2003

• Nannycatch Chronicles (with James Heneghan) — Tradewind Books, 2005

• Angels INC — Tradewind, 2008. Illustrated by Kim La Fave.

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