Valentine David Barra

March 8, 1964-July 21, 2025

Valentine (Val) David Barra was born in Compton, California on March 8, 1964 to Emily Barra, her first born child. Val was the big brother to Raymond (Ray) and Valynda. He also had another brother - best friend Bryane Moore. He is survived by his wife Dawn Lisa Barra and his amazing son whom he cherished Dovid Francisco Barra. He is also survived by Jedi the Wonder Dog.

Val attended Jane Addams Elementary School in Long Beach, California. In June of 1982, Val graduated from Oxnard High School in Oxnard, California.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 11, 1984. During his service he earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Training Ribbon and completed training to become an Avionics Test Station & Component Specialist. Val received an Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service. Val had the title of Senior Airman. He received this medal for the accomplishments in this position for the period of time from September 8, 1985 to April 15, 1988. Senior Airman Barra received this medal for his outstanding technical skills which aided measurably in raising the productivity of the radio frequency and displays indicators repair teams to levels never before significant in the shop’s history. Val’s ability contributed toward the modification of all the wing’s aircraft in three weeks and twelve days ahead of the originally scheduled completion date. Val was so proud of his time in the Air Force.

He received this final honor and Air Force Achievement Medal on July 11, 1988. Valentine David Barra was given an Honorable Discharge for his service to the Air Force.

Upon completion of his active duty service, Val worked as an Avionics Technician at the Santa Barbara airport in Santa Barbara, California. Val also attended Ventura Community College in Ventura, California.

Val transferred to San Diego State University (SDSU) with the credits he had earned prior at Community College. Val juggled being in the intense Molecular Biology program, working at the Aztec Bookstore and other obligations. Val graduated from the College of Sciences in the area of Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology. His graduation was held at San Diego State University at the Ninety-Seventh Commencement held on May 25 and May 26, 1996. Valentine D. Barra received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Biology with Emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology on May 30, 1996. He was an avid Aztec! even after his graduation from SDSU. He loved basketball so much and the San Diego State Aztecs were his favorite college basketball team. He loved wearing San Diego State Aztec basketball t-shirts, Aztec dress shirts and Aztec shorts. The red, the black and the white colors were often part of Val’s garb.

Val began his biotech career at Amylin in 1996 and grew a career as a bioanalytical scientist in both pharmaceutical companies and a Contract Research Organization. He started as a lowly research associate climbing through the ranks to become a scientific director. Throughout his scientific career, Val mastered the different aspects of clinical and non-clinical sample analysis, from assay development, regulatory compliance, sample testing, and more. It was this foundation and his amazing leadership that led him to have the opportunity to build up a bioanalytical lab at Kyowa Kirin. Val was a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend. His door was always open to answer any questions or give a helping hand or sound advice. Many of those who have had the privilege of working with him grew immensely through his teachings and advice to become leaders in their own right. Val touched many lives and he will be missed greatly (Stephanie Sacay, dear family friend and long time colleague).

Some of Val’s favorite things were Jiminy Cricket, See’s Candy, Basketball and going to Comic Con with Dovid.

Left to cherish and celebrate Val’s memory are: his mother Emily Barra, brother Raymond Barra and sister-in-law Claudette McCarroll, Sister Valynda Barra and her sons Andrew and Stephen Barra, Wife Dawn Lisa Barra, Son Dovid Francisco Barra, surrogate brother best friend, Bryane Moore and faithful furry companion Jedi. And, a host of extended family and close friends.