Walter Ralph Barrett, 93, passed away at his home on October 25, 2012. Walter was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 2, 1919 to Ralph and Lenore Baruch. In 1929, the family packed up Walter, his older sister Adrienne Marden, and moved to Los Angeles.
Walter has always worked in sales, since he was a young boy selling soda pop to construction workers near home, then working as a district manager in sales for the local paper, The Citizen News.
During WWII, Walter joined the Army Air Corps and served as a communications officer in Great Britain for the 466 BG. Upon his return, he enrolled in the University of Southern California and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. It was at USC where he met his college sweetheart, Marion Parlapiano, and they were married in September 1949.
After college, Walter knew he wanted to be in sales. He chose working in the pumping industry because it was the only industry that let him get out on the street selling right away. Eventually Walter started his own firm, Barrett Engineered Pumps in 1975. He was a leading pump engineer throughout Southern California for the last 65 years.
From his early twenties, Walter enjoyed dancing, and he had the perfect partner in Marion. Cotillion was a special way for them to enjoy their mutual love of dancing. Walter also was an avid snow skier well into his 80’s, he enjoyed tending to the beautiful roses in his garden, raising many generations of German Shepherds, and watching his beloved Trojan football team. He was a past president of the San Diego Trojan Club, a member of Rotary Club 33, a board member of the San Diego Zoological Society, and served on the boards of the commercial engineering groups ASPE and ASHRAE.
A loving grandfather was Walter, who will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, and his loyalty among business associates and friends. He was an outstanding role model for those fortunate to know him.
And he possessed the most radiant smile that will surely be missed.
Survivors include his wife, Marion, son Craig (Vickie), daughter Keven (Collins), and five grandsons, Tyler (Meghan), Zachary, Evan, Cody and Pierce.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Zoological Society of San Diego, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112 ATTN: Development Department; or USC Athletics for an engineering student athlete scholarship in Walter’s memory. Please contact Karen Bowman at 213.740.4155 or [email protected].
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