Manuel Barba

1920 - 2013

Prominent local neurosurgeon, Dr. Manuel Barba, passed away at home on December 10, 2013, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by family and loving caretakers at the end.

Dr. Barba was proud to be a dual citizen of both his adopted homeland, the United States, and Mexico, the country of his birth. He was born on November 7, 1920, in Puerto Vallarta, and grew up in the small rural town of Mascota, where his parents ran a fruit ranch. At an early age, the family sent him to school in Puerto Vallarta. In 1945, he graduated with a medical degree from the University of Guadalajara.

Dr. Barba came to the United States in 1946 to continue his medical training. He finished a residency in neurosurgery in San Francisco in 1950. Dr. Barba proudly served for two years in the Medical Corps of the US Army, and exited his commission as a Major. He went on to become the attending neurosurgeon at UCSD Medical Center, where he played a pivotal role in starting the neurosurgery residency program still in place today.

As one of only 3 neurosurgeons in the San Diego area at that time, Dr. Barba also drove to see patients weekly in Imperial County, where he is fondly remembered to this day. In 1954, Dr. Barba helped found, and then served as president of The San Diego Epilepsy Society. Later, he helped to found Mexican-American Bank, based in San Diego, and served as its Chairman. That bank is now known as California Commerce Bank. He also became the first Latino member of San Diego Country Club, thereby overcoming a longstanding barrier.

Dr. Barba spent a lifetime actively pursuing improved relations between the US and Mexico. He envisioned cross-border cultural and educational opportunities, and worked toward that goal. He was invited to the Reagan White House in recognition of his work in International Relations, and he personally knew several former presidents of Mexico.

A rosary with be held Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 9:30am followed by a 9:45 mass at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church 4077 Ibis Street San Diego, Califfornia 92103. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 4470 Hilltop Drive.