Classics academic

The Roman poet Ovid wrote "Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these".

John Barsby’s life was one in which he balanced both sides of Ovid’s adage: he spent his life praising ancient times, but also revelled in a life well lived in the modern day.

Emeritus Prof John Barsby ONZM was the former head of the Classics department at the University of Otago and instrumental in the subject becoming part of the secondary school syllabus.

He was also a devoted family man and avid sportsman, who made a conspicuous contribution on Dunedin’s fields as a coach, administrator and player.

John Barsby was born in London on September 2, 1935.

The son of Harry, a lace salesman, and Edith, he was raised in Nottingham.…