Barry David Farris

Barry David Farris, age 70, of San Diego, California, passed away in his home on Wednesday, 24 May 2017, after being diagnosed with coronary heart disease and during recovery of recent heart procedures.

Barry was born on 24 November 1946 at Mare Island in Vallejo, California to the late Richard and Ruth (Bihler) Farris, while his dad was stationed in the United States Navy. Barry grew up in the Crown Point area of San Diego, just two blocks from the beach, where he played most of his time as a child. After graduating from Mission Bay High School in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was stationed at Long Beach, California and served two Tours of Duty in Vietnam on the USS England.

After service to his country, he attended college and went to work at Walter Andersen Nursery for a few years. He then started his own business and became an independent landscape contractor, Barry Farris Landscape, for over 40 years, retiring in 2011. He primarily worked in the Point Loma area of San Diego, where he made many people happy with his skills and expertise. He loved his work and most of his referrals were made by Walter Anderson Nursery as well as previous customers.

Over the years, Barry enjoyed travelling, camping, fishing, hiking, and duck hunting. He loved coin collecting and collecting Franklin and Danbury Mint die cast cars. He enjoyed going to car museums all over, but his recent favorite was the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, California. He enjoyed chess, cribbage, Trivia Crack and Words with Friends. Many enjoyable trips were made over the years with his significant other, Jacquelyn West, camping at the Colorado River, camping and hiking in the Sierra Mountains, especially in the Rock Creek area, and all through Oregon. Together they enjoyed visiting National Parks throughout California. Locally, some of his favorite places to walk and hike were at the beautiful trail at Tecolote Canyon Park, Mission Bay and Model Yacht Pond. He had many interests and thoroughly enjoyed learning about each of them in depth. After visiting Washington DC, he became well versed about the country he served. He had an amazing knowledge of all the presidents of the United States. One of his favorite authors was Gore Vidal. After spending time in Maine, he became interested in Maine's early history and Kenneth Roberts became another favorite author. He had a spiritual awakening after reading “Sermon on the Mount” by Emmet Fox, and this became one of his favorite books, and one of his favorite songs became “Amazing Grace”. He loved to share books he enjoyed with friends. Over the past few years he enjoyed feeding the many hummingbirds that would visit on the back patio. He became passionate about “his” hummingbirds, and I am sure they were the best fed and loved hummingbirds in the neighborhood. He loved a variety of music and often relaxed with his ear buds while rocking out. He had a great voice and would often sing the lines to his favorite songs.

Barry is survived by his long time significant other, best friend and soul mate, Jacquelyn Ann West of San Diego, with whom he has shared his life for the past 38 years, and stepdaughters, Starli Lynn West of San Diego and Julie Ann West of San Bernardino CA. He was affectionately referred to as “Lil” Barry and “Barry Lee” by his immediate family. He is also survived by a brother, Richard Farris and his wife, Katie, nieces and nephews, Michael, Michelle, Misty and Mindy, who all reside in Texas, 3 cousins, Fred Farris of Utah, Carol (Farris) Curry, of Oregon, and Bill Farris of Nevada.

A private committal service will held at Miramar National Cemetery and a plaque will be placed in his honor on the Memorial Wall located at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, 5795 Nobel Drive in San Diego, CA near the Avenue of Flags.

“When the power of love overtakes the love of power, then we will have peace.”

Barry was deeply loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed, but will always remain in our hearts and minds. “Think of the past only as its remembrance gives pleasure.” We will always remember the great times we have experienced together and the memories we made.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Heart Society or the Veterans Administration Health Care System in his name, or volunteer your time at either place to help others.

"When someone you love dies you never quite get over it. You just slowly learn how to go on without them but always keeping them tucked safely in your heart"